As someone who used to own a comic business and who loves the look and feel of a physical comic I was hesitant when comics were lauded as one of the major buzz points of Apple's ipad. We've heard it all before and usually by people who don't read comics or think that the words are the major part of an issue. Comics can't be read on a Kindle, nor can they be read on any black and white handheld ebook reader. That much is clear. What is not clear is the future of the comic store with the release of Apple's ipad.

To be blunt-comics look gorgeous on this thing and it would hurt for me to say that if i wasn't so excited. Look I think hardcopy books will never really die out but there are heaps of trees who can testify to the fact that not every story, magazine or comic that sees print needs to be printed on paper.

For me there are some comics and graphic novels that need to be printed, preferably in hardcover so I can store them on myself and bring them out to share with friends or peruse to gape at the sheer awesomeness of the artwork (like the upcoming Rucka/Williams Detective Batwoman hardcover).

But for other releases I would be happy to keep up with the story on a device such as this. A device that actually adds to the medium of comics rather than taking them for granted as a second rate storytelling vehicle. Viewing comics panel by panel, zooming in, viewing 2 spreads are all possible in high resolution. The images are crisp, colourful and clean.

The search, purchase and storage capabilities of the iPad are very cool. Having access to new graphic novels and comics on the road as well as my own collection, is something I will really enjoy. As someone who loves the visual nature of comics and takes great pleasure in checking out the fine details of the artist's work I was surprisingly happy to do so on the iPad screen. It's still a screen but the benefits outweigh any cons.

Initially Marvel and IDW, both of whom already have a strong Digital comic presence online, are at the forefront of making their range available but once other publisher's see the iPad's comic love they will not be too far behind.