If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.
DC’s Jim Lee is a fan of digital comics, but has “mixed feelings” about how they change the reader’s experience
“Nothing beats holding the book,” says Justice League artist and DC mastermind Lee
NewsbyGrant DeArmitt, Staff Writer
Published on Mon Sep 21 2026
Popverse‘s top stories
-
Pan’s Labyrinth’s Pale Man lair hides a disturbing detail Guillermo del Toro didn’t think you would notice
-
Peter Cullen, the iconic voice of Optimus Prime, held a small but important place in anime history
-
Jim Lee has some “crazy ideas” for more DC/Marvel crossovers, including “not just the characters everybody knows”
Jim Lee isn’t afraid to say that he uses digital comics, nor is he afraid to point out where they fall short as a representation of the medium. The DC Comics president and COO recently spoke to how the digital end of comics is changing the medium at San Diego Comic Con 2026, where the longtime comics vet was hosting a fan Q&A regarding not just his career, but comics in general.
“I still use digital comics,” said the Batman: Hush artist, “And I think there’s a role for it, vertical comics especially. But nothing beats holding the book and having even the psychological subcue as the book gets towards the climax. I think that does impact how you take in the story, whereas if you read it digitally, you don’t know if here’s 1000 pages left or 12 pages left.
“The other thing that happens digitally,” continued the X-Men staple, “Is you have a giant double page spread that gets shrunk down to the size of the screen, and small panels get blown up. The inverse of what the artist intended is what you’re actually seeing in the digital comics. I have mixed feelings about that.”
Lee said that he was “heartened” by the idea that younger generations of comic book readers alos seem to have a desire for physical products, although to be fair, it seems Lee doesn’t think that has everything to so with artist intent.
“If it’s not all in the cloud,” he pointed out, “It can’t be taken away from you.”
Ain’t that the truth – looking at you, Sony.
Interested? Here’s where to find your closest local comic store, courtesy of Sweet, and here’s a guide to how (and where) to read comics online. If you’re looking for the best comics in recent memory, check out the Eisner Awards winners and the Harvey Awards nominees. And if you like free comics, here’s everything we know about Free Comic Book Day 2027.
About Comic-Con International: San Diego
Comic-Con is the premier event for all things comics and related popular art, including movies, television, gaming, interactive multimedia, and so much more! Enjoy cosplay galore and take part in unique programming, exclusive previews, and presentations, not to mention the expansive and diverse Exhibit Hall featuring merchandise and displays representing all fandoms.
Dates
Location
Follow Popverse for upcoming event coverage and news
Grant DeArmitt: Grant DeArmitt (he/him) likes horror, comics, and the unholy union of the two. In the past, and despite their better judgment, he has written for Nightmare on Film Street and Newsarama. He lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Kingsley, and corgi, Legs.
Let Popverse be your tour guide through the wilderness of pop culture
Sign in and let us help you find your new favorite thing.
More on Comic-Con International: San Diego
Critical Role’s Laura Bailey plays her fair share of anti-heroes. Here’s why
Critical Role’s Laura Bailey & Travis Willingham share their favorite Dispatch lines
The secret to the success of DC’s Compact Comics as it becomes a industry staple
Jim Lee has some “crazy ideas” for more DC/Marvel crossovers, including “not just the characters everybody knows”
Jim Lee explains how regular walks with his wife help him manage family and DC Comics
Jim Lee says the Marvel vs. DC rivalry is like baseball: The players change, but fans stay loyal
Kyle Chandler’s Comic-Con mission wasn’t just promoting DC Studios’ Lanterns… he also wanted to sneak onto the showfloor to read these Tom King comics he keeps hearing about
Absolute Martian Manhunter was almost called Absolute Martian Mindfucker, and Scott Snyder fought DC for it
