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# Vertigo offers up classic first issues for free download
- URL: https://www.chrismessina.me/blog/vertigo-offers-up-classic-first-issues-for-free-download/
- Published: 2007-04-07T13:03:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-25T03:42:08.000Z
- Author: Chris Messina
- Tags: Open source, Personal

[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/factoryjoe/449813620/?ref=chrismessina.me)I've been getting back into comics lately thanks to James Sime over at [Isotope Comics](http://isotopecomics.com/?ref=chrismessina.me) in Hayes Valley (who, by the way, is going to be speaking at the upcoming [Web2Open](http://socialtext.net/web2open?ref=chrismessina.me)). Presently, I'm really digging [New Universal](http://www.marvel.com/news/all.676?ref=chrismessina.me), [Elephantmen](http://www.hipflask.com/elephantmen/?ref=chrismessina.me), [Eternals ](http://www.marvel.com/comics/Eternals?ref=chrismessina.me)and [Planetary](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary%5F%28comics%29?ref=chrismessina.me), so when James told me about the [Vertigo classic first issue downloads](http://www.dccomics.com/news/?nw=6186&ref=chrismessina.me), I had to go check'em out. Notable from the list are [The Invisibles: Say You Want a Revolution](http://www.dccomics.com/redirect/?1680&ref=chrismessina.me), [Death: the High Cost of Living](http://www.dccomics.com/redirect/?1601&ref=chrismessina.me), [Transmetropolitan Vol. 1: Back on the Street](http://www.dccomics.com/redirect/?1719&ref=chrismessina.me), [Preacher Vol 1: Gone to Texas](http://www.dccomics.com/redirect/?1645&ref=chrismessina.me), though the whole list is really quite good. I also checked out some desktop comic viewers -- basically alternatives to Preview (on the Mac). I like [SimpleComic](http://www.dancingtortoise.com/simplecomic/?ref=chrismessina.me) (pictured above and free and open source) but [ComicBookLover](http://www.bitcartel.com/comicbooklover/?ref=chrismessina.me) is also worth a look (though pricier at $24.95). Though the idea of reading comics on the desktop is appealing, like most physical media trying to go digital, I agree with James that something is definitely lost in the translation. Still, think of these downloads as the equivalent of 30-second iTunes previews and then go patronize your local comic store!