We don't talk a lot about digital comics, but there a lot of them out there that are really good, so perhaps we should! For those of you who prefer to read your comics on a computer or iPad screen, you have probably been reading comics digitally for a long time now; but did you know that some comics are released only digitally? Meaning that they are not in print and are often available weekly? One great example of this is DC's AME-COMI comic series. The series, released on a weekly basis by DC comics via Comixology and the DC Comics app focuses on DC's most prominent heroines including Power Girl, Supergirl, Wonder Woman and Batgirl. In the series, the girls join together to fight off a common enemy. Yet, what started as a series that was based on the Ame-Comi collectible figurines has turned out to be a really rather entertaining series featuring some of DC's coolest characters. Not only that, but much of the tone and the feel of this series may remind you of stories you read pre-New 52. If you are not yet reading AME-COMI, here are a few reasons why we think you should be.
One of the cool things about this series is that it takes popular characters in the DC universe and creates female versions of them. Take, for example, Duela Dent. Duela is a central figure in this series, starring front and center as the main adversary to the Ame-Comi heroines. She's banded together Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and Catwoman to take down characters like Batgirl, Robin and Natasha Irons. However, the first issue in the Duela Dent AME-COMI series focuses specifically on her back-story. The story opens with a look at Duela's childhood; retracing the importance of her father and how his criminal activity molded her character. Unlike the Joker that we see in Batman comics, there is little left to mystery and imagination in regards to Duela's motives. However, you'll likely find that her character is similar and just as psychotic as Batman's biggest rival.
== TEASER ==Natasha Irons is like the female version of Steel (John Henry Irons). When we are first introduced to her character in AME-COMI: BATGIRL #3, she's building her very own suit -- much like when we would see Steel in print comics. It's a great moment and her conversation with Robin really showcases both her snark and her intellect. Interestingly enough, although these characters might be very similar to the characters we see in the comics (Duela and Natasha) they are still unique and different from their male counterparts; Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray have given them their own personalities, characteristics and backstories.
Yet, a lot of what we see in this series might also remind you of the events, characters and personalities we saw in pre-New 52 DC universe. Take for example the way that Kara (Power Girl) is written in the series. Not only is her costume very similar to the way we used to see her, but she's snarky and really smart. Jimmy and Justin do a great job conveying her personality as a sassy, powered-up, no-nonsense chick.
This universe really feels cohesive too, in that the stories each connect to one another. The series is split into three-issue volumes and each volume focuses on an individual character. The first volume and first three issues of the series focused on Wonder Woman, for example. In it we saw a rather spoiled, temperamental warrior Princess who still has a lot of growing up to do. That volume ended with the third issue and the direction of the series turned to Batgirl. Yet, even though the story moves away from Wonder Woman and those first three issues, it still feels cohesive because there is clearly a bigger picture and story. It will be interesting to see just how Justin and Jimmy bring these characters together.
A complaint some people have had with the Ame Comi line of figurines is that they might be a little bit too risqué. Yet, even though the characters look pretty provocative, the way they are written really changes the perception of their characters. They don't feel overexposed or oversexed. Plus, it's a fun series to read.
AME-COMI is released digitally every week via Comixology and the DC app, which means you won't have to wait an entire month to get your fix. If you do prefer the printed format, the first issue featuring Wonder Woman was released on October 10, with the second due on November 14. Check out the series and let us know if it's something you enjoy. What other digital comics do you enjoy reading?
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