Read comic books online: 16 websites and apps to try for free

In this exclusive guide, we unveil the hidden gems where you can indulge in an array of comic book genres, from superhero sagas to underground webcomics, all at your fingertips. Whether you're a seasoned comic reader or new to the panelled world of graphic storytelling, this listicle is your gateway to exploring the dynamic universe of comics online.

We've meticulously gathered top-tier sites and apps that let you enjoy your favorite comics without the hassle – and often without a cost. Prepare to be immersed in a world where classic narratives meet modern digital convenience, offering a seamless comic reading experience online. Let's dive into the vivid pages of these virtual comic collections!

Table of Contents

Free Comic Book Websites

• Digital Comic Museum
• Comic Book Plus
• Viz
• Marvel.com
• DC Universe Infinite
• Dark Horse Comics
• Barnes & Noble (Nook app)

Free Comic Book Apps

• Comixology
• Marvel Unlimited
• DC Kids
• Webtoon
• Tapas
• MangaDex
• VIZ App
• Shonen Jump App
• Hoopla

Digital Comic Museum

• Introduction: The Digital Comic Museum offers a vast collection of public domain Golden Age comics.
• Notable Content: Specializes in Golden Age comics, with a variety of genres from this era.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Primarily accessible via desktop browsers.
• Cost: Entirely free, though users must register to download comics.
• Content Update Frequency: Updates are less frequent, based on available public domain works.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a rich collection of historical comics. The limitation is a focus only on older comics.
• Link: Visit Digital Comic Museum

Comic Book Plus

• Introduction: Comic Book Plus provides a large collection of Golden and Silver Age comics, as well as a variety of classic strips.
• Notable Content: Features Golden and Silver Age comics, including classic genres and strips.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Accessible through web browsers on various devices.
• Cost: Completely free, with required registration.
• Content Update Frequency: Regular additions of public domain comics.
• Pros and Cons: The main advantage is the extensive archive of classic comics. A downside is the lack of modern titles.
• Link: Visit Comic Book Plus

Viz

• Introduction: Viz is a major platform for manga, offering a variety of titles, including many popular series.
• Notable Content: Features popular manga like 'My Hero Academia', 'Demon Slayer', and 'One Punch Man'.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Available on web browsers, iOS, and Android devices.
• Cost: Free access to the first few chapters of each series, with paid options for full access.
• Content Update Frequency: Regular updates with new chapters.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include access to popular manga series; a con is limited free content before requiring purchase.
• Link: Visit Viz

Marvel.com

• Introduction: Marvel's official website features a selection of free comics from its vast superhero universe.
• Notable Content: Includes iconic characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men, with a mix of classic and new titles.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Accessible via web browsers.
• Cost: Offers a selection of free comics with additional content available for purchase.
• Content Update Frequency: Infrequent updates for free content.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include access to Marvel's popular characters; the main con is a limited free selection.
• Link: Visit Marvel

DC Universe Infinite

• Introduction: DC Universe Infinite offers a selection of free DC comics, along with a larger library for subscribers.
• Notable Content: Features characters like Batman and Wonder Woman, including Free Comic Book Day issues.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Accessible on various devices via web browsers.
• Cost: Free access to a selection of comics, with a subscription service for expanded content.
• Content Update Frequency: Regular updates for subscribers, limited for free content.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include access to DC's famous characters; cons are limited free content and a focus on subscription.
• Link: Visit DC Universe Infinite

Dark Horse Comics

• Introduction: Dark Horse Comics offers a selection of free digital comics from its diverse catalog.
• Notable Content: Includes titles like 'Hellboy', 'Mass Effect', and 'Umbrella Academy'.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Accessible via web browsers with a requirement for a free account.
• Cost: Free access to over 100 comics, with more available for purchase.
• Content Update Frequency: Occasionally updates free comics selection.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a variety of genres; cons are the need for an account and limited free selection.
• Link: Visit Dark Horse Comics

Barnes & Noble (Nook app)

• Introduction: Barnes & Noble offers almost 1000 comics through its Nook app, spanning various genres.
• Notable Content: Includes a range of comics from fantasy manga to DC superheroes.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Available on iOS and Android through the Nook app.
• Cost: Free access to a large selection of comics.
• Content Update Frequency: Varies across different titles.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a large and diverse collection; the main con is the need for the Nook app.
• Link: Visit Barnes & Noble Nook

Comixology

• Introduction: Comixology is a comprehensive platform for digital comics, offering a wide range of titles.
• Notable Content: Features a mix of major publishers and independent creators, including Marvel, DC, and more.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Available on iOS, Android, and web browsers.
• Cost: Hundreds of free comics available, with more accessible through subscription or purchase.
• Content Update Frequency: Regularly updated with new and free comics.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a vast selection and user-friendly interface; the main con is the need for purchases for full access.
• Link: Visit Comixology

Marvel Unlimited

• Introduction: Marvel Unlimited is Marvel's premier digital comics subscription service, offering an extensive back catalog of Marvel Comics.
• Notable Content: Features a vast array of Marvel Comics, including popular series like 'The Avengers', 'Spider-Man', and 'X-Men'.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Available on iOS and Android devices, as well as web browsers.
• Cost: Offers a selection of free comics with a subscription model for full access to the library.
• Content Update Frequency: Regular updates, adding both classic and recent issues.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include access to a vast library of Marvel comics; the main con is that the most recent releases often have a delay before becoming available on the platform.
• Link: Visit Marvel Unlimited

DC Kids

• Introduction: DC Kids is a free platform aimed at younger audiences, offering a selection of kid-friendly DC comic books.
• Notable Content: Includes age-appropriate versions of popular DC characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, tailored for a younger audience.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Accessible primarily through web browsers.
• Cost: Completely free.
• Content Update Frequency: Updates are periodic, with a focus on titles suitable for children.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a child-friendly introduction to the DC Universe; a limitation is the more limited selection compared to mainstream DC platforms.
• Link: Visit DC Kids

Webtoon

• Introduction: Webtoon is a digital platform offering a wide range of webcomics, featuring both amateur and professional artists.
• Notable Content: Known for popular titles like 'Lore Olympus' and 'Hellbound', covering genres from romance to thriller.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Available as an app on iOS and Android, and accessible via desktop. Registration is optional for additional features.
• Cost: Free to use with optional in-app purchases for early access to chapters.
• Content Update Frequency: New chapters updated weekly for various series.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a diverse selection of genres and user-friendly interface. A limitation is the need for in-app purchases for early access to popular series.
• Link: Visit Webtoon

Tapas

• Introduction: Tapas hosts a variety of independent comics and webcomics, with a focus on creator-owned content.
• Notable Content: Features original series by independent creators across various genres.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Accessible via iOS, Android apps, and web browsers.
• Cost: Primarily free with some chapters behind a paywall.
• Content Update Frequency: Regular updates with new content from creators.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a wide variety of unique content; a con is the paywall for certain chapters.
• Link: Visit Tapas

MangaDex

• Introduction: MangaDex is a fan-favorite platform for a wide selection of manga titles, including fan translations.
• Notable Content: Offers a diverse range of manga genres and series, including lesser-known titles.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Primarily accessed through web browsers.
• Cost: Completely free, with an optional account registration for additional features.
• Content Update Frequency: Frequent updates, dependent on fan translations.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a vast selection of manga; cons include reliance on fan translations and occasional downtime.
• Link: Visit MangaDex

VIZ App

• Introduction: The VIZ App provides access to a vast library of manga, including popular Shonen Jump titles.
• Notable Content: Features series like 'Naruto', 'Bleach', and 'One Piece'.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Available on iOS and Android devices.
• Cost: Offers free chapters with a subscription model for full access.
• Content Update Frequency: Weekly updates with new manga chapters.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include access to popular manga series; a con is limited free content before requiring a subscription.
• Link: Visit VIZ App

Shonen Jump App

• Introduction: The Shonen Jump App offers a selection of manga, including same-day releases as Japan.
• Notable Content: Features popular titles like 'Dragon Ball Super' and 'My Hero Academia'.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Available on iOS and Android devices.
• Cost: Free access to the latest chapters with a subscription option for full access.
• Content Update Frequency: Weekly updates aligning with Japanese releases.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include current releases and a vast selection; the main con is the subscription model for extensive access.
• Link: Visit Shonen Jump App

Hoopla

• Introduction: Hoopla is a digital media service offering a wide range of comics, audiobooks, and more, accessible with a library card.
• Notable Content: Includes comics from publishers like Archie Comics and IDW, along with iconic series like 'Invincible'.
• Device and Platform Compatibility: Available on iOS, Android, and web browsers.
• Cost: Free with a library card.
• Content Update Frequency: Regularly adds new comics and other media.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include a broad selection and no direct cost; a con is the need for a library card for access.
• Link: Visit Hoopla