Hands down, the very best.Dark Horse has taken the novel approach of using the internet to supplement their books instead of using it to supplant their books. The Dark Horse method seems to be one of integration instead of elimination with both components working together to compliment each other rather than compete against each other. Comic books and the internet working together to enhance the overall experience of each other? What a novel concept!
Until the day comes where comics are exclusive to the internet why shouldn't the two mediums work together? Two of my favorite comic book websites are D. H. P. and the Hellboy Zone. Both offer free material and both are updated on a regular basis. There's always something fresh online and I've numerous times found myself reading something there first before adding a new title to my pull file. (Rapture for one.) Yeah, I hear those voices asking the question that always comes up when talking about an internet website; How much money are you making from it?
Let me tell you a little secret about making money. (I think it's one Dark Horse knows very well.) Are you paying attention? Here it is. If the only thing you care about is the customer's money, it's the last thing you'll ever get out of him. Did you catch that? Dark Horse gets my comic book dollar because they make me feel as valuable as my money. Who else in comics today has a letters page? What other comic book company offers email addresses where fan questions and comments receive actual responses?
Go here, here, here and here. What do these websites all have in common? They all talk at you about their product, but they don't give you an address to talk to them about it. They don't care about the fan. All they care about is our money. The message is loud and clear. And most of these websites rarely update their content. Again, they just don't really care...
The Dark Horse message seems to be, "What do you think and what do you want?". They care about comic book readers like the big two used to do. Visit Dark Horse. Visit some of the zones and check out the reading material offered on Dark Horse Presents. You'll find a fan friendly environment that welcomes both you and your input. You'll find yourself part of a dialog where fans are encouraged to participate, give voice and not just told to shut up and purchase.
Dark Horse Comics earn my money, they don't expect it. I think there's a lot to be learned from the Dark Horse business model right now and I wish some other companies would take a long hard look at how they do things and learn from the way they treat their customers. Respect is a two way street. Dark Horse gives as good as they get.
Seriously, go give these guys a look. Do it for no cost on "Free Comic Book Day" this Saturday May 2nd, 2009 at a comic book store near you. Aliens versus predator! Good stuff.
