Looking for a simple way to read along with the storylines on the Major Spoilers Podcast or Dueling Review each week?
While San Diego Comic-Con was in full swing Major Spoilers had a chance to learn about Hoopla Digital. They are a new app uniquely positioned to bring free comic book material to readers. In this world of digital comics there are a number of apps at the forefront of bringing pdfs into your home (Comixology being the first that comes to mind), but they are all purchased-based apps.
Hoopla is not that, per their official website:
“hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.”
Both the comic book industries and libraries as we understand them are shifting. Hoopla is the best of both worlds. It is worth noting that in order to take advantage of them your local library has to have a working relationship with Hoopla Digital. Luckily, you can recommend that your library partner with Hoopla.
The reading experience itself can be boutique whether you like to read the entire page at a time like a classic comic book page or prefer to go panel-by-panel and really get into the art. Hoopla has “Action View” that intuitively guides you from panel-to-panel.
You can also stream prose books and music from Hoopla, so if you are looking for a soundtrack to couple with your comic reading experience you can get it here in one place. The catalogue features classics and contemporary titles as well as some up-to-the-minute releases including DC Comics Rebirth stories!
If you are interested in Hoopla Digital you can get set up in three steps on their official website.
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She/her. Canadian actress. Bi Queen. Canadian co-host of Geek History Lesson. Canadian comic book writer: Witchblade, Apollo IX, Jupiter Jet series, Science! The Elements of Dark Energy, Aurora and The Eagle. Award-losing: actor, writer, podcaster. https://linktr.ee/AshleyVRobinson
1 Comment
I’ve been using Hoopla for almost a year now and yes it is good.
There are , however, some limitations.
You are limited to a small number of titles each month (So I use this in conjunction with other ereaders.
You can not create a wish list (if you see more titles than you can check out).
Action view is great for comics with standard square or rectangular panels. If there are odd shaped panels or oversize (half/full page) it’s not so good.
Cheers,