As a DC fan for over 3 years, I see that lots of people really enjoy comic book characters (mostly DC) but don't read a lot of comics—primarily due to not knowing where to read comics.
To make it more accessible and encourage people who want to discover more about the characters, I decided to compile a list of where I personally read my comics, ranked in most recommended to least. Of course, I know the best options aren't the most accessible so I've also ranked them in terms of accessibility!
More under the cut :3
I feel like I should mention that my recommendations are from the perspective of someone who lives in Canada and can easily access resources from libraries, major book stores, comic stores, etc. I've tried my best to account for readers who live outside of North America but because of where I live, obviously my recommendations are a bit biased. If you are a reader from outside of US/Canada and you have other sources, feel free to reblog and add onto my list!
Additionally, comics tend to be a bit challenging in terms of accommodating disabilities—specifically visual impairment—but i found this wordpress blog here with a few sources that may help any visually impaired readers!
Anyways onto my ranking :3
Libraries
Accessibility: 4.5/5
Pros
its free!! and legal!! (in canada at least)
library cards can be obtained in person and for most places (at least where I live) you can get one online. check your local library for specific details!
most public libraries (in north america and some in the UK i think?) have online access through services like libby or hoopla that act like online libraries. these often have a larger selection than in-store and you can access them from anywhere as long as you have an active library card
supporting public libraries is great!
you can read comics before you decide if you want to spend your money on the rest of the series
Cons
public libraries function differently in other countries, some require payment :(
not everyone lives near a library
varying selections of comics, what's available really depends on location and what country you live in
some libraries still have late fees which can get pretty pricey
not all libraries have access to online library apps i mentioned previously
2. Buying comics from your local comic store (LCS)
Accessibility: 2/5
Pros
my personal favourite way to consume comics. if you can afford it and there is a comic store near you please support them!!
I found mine because a high-school friend told me there was one in my town but just search up "comic stores near me"
the comic industry has been going through a rough time over the past few years so I really try my best to support creatives by purchasing directly from comic stores (plus it keeps these stores in business)
also, if you really want to see more of a run sales matter a LOT. when comic companies see sales are high for certain comic characters or comic runs (comic runs are a series written by the same writer) they have a better idea for what audiences want and make more of these stories.
This is why there was a lot of buzz a few months ago for people to buy NEW HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE: THE DAKOTA INCIDENT (2026) #1 because DC has an problem where they don't have a lot of recent stories featuring black main characters. by buying more of these issues it shows DC that there is a demand for black main characters and for black creatives
most comic stores participate in Free Comic Book Day (first Saturday of May) where they have special comics printed specifically to be handed out at locations FOR FREE!! its often a great look for upcoming runs and some stores even have promos or sales on the same day
most stores have websites to order online
some stores have access to exclusive variant covers (special comic book covers either commissioned by the comic store or the comic book company) to certain issues (the thin floppy comics)
Cons
unfortunatley this is the least accessible way to access comics, not everyone lives near a comic store. my LCS closed down a while back so now the one I go to more often is pretty far away :((
also we are in a RECESSION. everything is expensive and not everyone has a comic store nearby, especially if you live outside north america. comics that used to be $1.00 CAD now cost $7.50 CAD
buying online is even more expensive (canadian shipping prices are evil
going to a new comic store can be very daunting, i have heard stories of people having bad in-store experiences but don't let that stop you! i was very scared first going to a comic store but all the employees were incredibly kind and helpful. you might find your new favourite place! :]
3. Buying from major retailers/online
Accessibility: 3.5/5
Pros
generally only volumes and omnibuses which is great if you're looking for older stuff/issues that are out of print
also cheaper than getting the individual issues
generally more storage friendly when it comes to collecting (no need to worry about getting comic boxes!)
good if there's no comic store near you
certain issues may be easier to find and purchase online
Cons
the issues available are dependent on location, the big bookstores in my area tend to have a smaller selection in person
more money to big corporations and less to smaller businesses (like comic stores which kind of need the support)
again, shipping is so expensive
buying certain comic book issues second hand can be really annoying sometimes (scammers, people who overprice their shit, things can get lost in the mail or damaged, all that jazz)
4. Comic book app subscriptions
Accessibility: 3/5
disclaimer: i have never used an app subscription. i tried my best in researching people's experiences using this but check online for more in depth reviews of these services.
Pros
mostly in app form (Marvel Unlimited, DC Universe Infinite Ultra)
high quality scans of comics and you can zoom in which is great if you struggle with reading small text or you just want to look at details
can read comics anywhere as long as you have the access to the app and a subscription
most have a free trial for first time users (usually only 7 days)
Cons
least favourite on the list tbh,,,
monthly subscription service which is super annoying (some have tiers so you need to pay more to unlock more comics)
you dont own these comics technically since it is a subscription
also not available in all countries
from my research there is limited accessibility features which may be difficult for readers who need them
5. Piracy
Accessibility: 4/5
Pros
its free! (at a cost, check cons :/)
not linking any websites here but if you do your research (check r/piracy, be cautious when clicking random links) you can find a few reliable websites with an adblocker (and VPN)
typically have a wider selection of comics, it's easier to find older comics that are no longer being printed
no financial support to creatives who are evil! (tom taylor, tom king, chuck dixon, etc)
you can read recent drops before deciding to purchase
its really good for taking good quality photos of panels
Cons
technically illegal + by going on sketchy websites unaffiliated with any comic company you are accepting the risk of having your information stolen, your online devices compromised (possibly permanently), your IP address tracked, and whatever internet dangers exist. always practice internet saftey, dont randomly give out private info (email, phone number, address, etc) and always use adblockers + VPN when possible
btw adblockers are a BARE MINIMUM. DO NOT USE ANY PIRATING SITE WITHOUT AN AD BLOCKER. this doesnt guarentee you wont get a virus but theres a lower chance of getting one. if you cant download an effective ad blocker on your device i strongly recommend against using this method
no direct financial support to artists. reading from illegal sites doesn't contribute to sales so if there are little sales and not a lot of online buzz for a comic from a big company, the comic flops and the chance of seeing these creatives work on stories revolving your faves are incredibly slim.
if you care about a run and you have the means, SUPPORT IT!!
sometimes scans of comics are difficult to read, especially if they are older. they may also not be accessible if you use screen readers :/
sites may get taken down (rip readcomicsonline) so always make sure you have a backup pirating site
Hopefully this helps some people get more into comics. Happy reading! :D (dividers from @/pixopix)
in 2026 let’s start actually noticing and taking seriously the true scale and impact of jkrs transmisogyny and how she’s been funneling decades of royalties and ip owner cash directly into anti trans lobbying thats been making the uk hell while gradually worsening conditions elsewhere through impacting the zeitgeist
i first saw impules from yj s2, he was one of my favorites when i was a kid! so now i've been reading his solo comics- i really relate to his character
stormborns
pixelskylines
areudirty
