Ever since ComiXology debuted its digital comic book reader in 2009, just a short two years after the site went live, they have been the undisputed leader in its field. When Amazon purchased the company back in 2014, users and shareholders alike weren't sure what to think. In the years that followed, it seemed like the industry titan was willing to let ComiXology exist as it was for the most part. Amazon appeared content with letting its established system rake in cash as it always had. Unfortunately, the past year has seemingly undone everything users loved about the platform, and every indication of what might come next is only another ill portent.Back in Sept. of 2021, ComiXology co-founder and then CEO David Steinberger released a letter announcing several then upcoming updates to the platform. These included a brand-new app, as well as the caveat that the existing website users had grown accustomed to would be shuttered after the lengthy integration process between the companies was finalized. At the time, the new app was slated to feature updates on its predecessor's often maligned search and sorting capabilities. Once Amazon's version of ComiXology went live less than six months later, however, everything that was promised arrived in worse shape than anyone could have imagined.RELATED: Amazon Reveals the Staggering Value of MGM's Movie and TV Library

Not only was the new reader devoid of every option that had made ComiXology's great, from panel zooming to two-page view, but the changes made to the platform's search function made it effectively unnavigable for anyone with a non-comic library already. Kindle users in particular were struck with their two separate libraries merging into one, with no real way to differentiate between the two when selecting search filters. Whatever good ideas Amazon had clearly never found their way into the final product. In fact, the end results were so bad that iconic comic creators such as Gail Simone lambasted the new ComiXology experience, though not without acknowledging hope for the future.

As luck would have it, Amazon did step up in the months that followed, and in that short time, they somehow managed to make things even worse. March saw Steinberger leave his position as CEO after 15 years. In an announcement on Twitter, Steinberger stated that "It's been a few big weeks, and I have personal news: I've been asked if I'd like to lead a new Amazon-wide initiative that is too good an opportunity to not take. It was a tough decision, but I'm ready for a new entrepreneurial challenge. I will love comics forever and I will continue to be an Advisor to ComiXology." Steinberger also put full faith in his successors that they could correct course.

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At the same time, Amazon/ComiXology continued to promise changes and updates in response to user feedback would roll out over time to ease the overall user experience. While the first half of that promise was fulfilled, probably faster than anyone expected, the actual changes that were made continued the trend of helping ComiXology dig its own grave. In Feb., ComiXology users outside the United States were left unable to subscribe to any series whatsoever. This also left all of those users existing subscriptions in limbo.

As ill-conceived as that decision was, Amazon continued making adjustments for little to no apparent or legitimate reason. On May 31, Android users found themselves completely unable to make any in-app purchases. Version 4.0.1 effectively shut Android users out of anything other than their preexisting collections, with the company explaining that, "To remain in compliance with Google’s updated Play Store policies, purchasing is no longer supported in the Comixology app for Android."

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Users responded to this change-up about the same way as they had all others, though some did take notice of competition finally beginning to emerge in the background. While Amazon seems determined to undermine everything ComiXology was beloved for prior to their merger, fans have turned to Humble Bundle and other platforms to fill those gaps. GlobalComix has stepped up to try and take over the space ComiXology once firmly held as its own, and it doesn't look like Amazon is interested in biting back in any meaningful way.

There is the obvious concern that Amazon will allow its sheer size to swallow the competition without putting up a fight to begin with. But the fact that they are competing in a digital-only space makes that infinitely more difficult than snuffing out brick-and-mortar rivals. Considering how little Amazon's actions show they care, it's hard to imagine they're going to do much if anything to correct course. Assuming these other platforms will be able to draw sufficient users away from Amazon's crumbling digital comics empire to make them take notice, it might be what ushers in a bright new era for the medium.