[Andrew999]

Are we about to see the end of paper comics?

As recently as 2018, physical sales were $1bn (or as near as could be) and digital comics were $100m - that's ten times more - but the lockdown is destroying the physical industry and it seems inevitable to me that digital distribution will rocket in the months ahead (sell your shares in Diamond now!)

It's already the case in Japan that digital sales exceed physical sales.

But isn't that a shame? Isn't there something about the tactile feel and flexibility of a comic that we will lose - and what's the real point of reading a digital comic when you could just as easily watch an animation instead?

What do others think?

[The Australian Panther]

There is no question that the Lockdown is going to affect the industry in a big way. But it's too early to say definitely that paper is finished. 
Here is an update on where the industry is now. 
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/apr/20/great-depression-will-comic-books-survive-coronavirus-marvel-cuts
I also understand that DC has a new corporate owner now, an owner with no background in the comic industry. If that's so, that usually means changes that are not for the better.  Caqn't verify it tho.Don't know it is so.
Then there is this.
https://www.newsarama.com/49873-inside-dc-s-new-print-distribution-pla-and-the-new-distributors-involved.html
This will affect the entire industry and also international distribution.
Yes, Digital comics will increase, but some of us still want a comic book in our hands and there will also always be collectors.
Spare a thought for independent creators and small comics shops, they are going to be hardest hit.
Also, if you want to suppport the industry, consider that one company making money hand over fist at the moment is Amazon. People are sitting at home, ordering everything on Amazon. I read a figure that Amazon is making $3000 [US] per minute right now.
If you want to buy something online, support a smaller companty and help them survive.         

[paw broon]

Excellent thoughts and thanks for the Guardian article.  I posted a link a few weeks ago to a friend's (also former colleague) blog on this subject:-
https://g1rm.wordpress.com/2020/04/10/the-end-of-the-comics-industry/
I sincerely hope we haven't seen the end of paper.  Andrew asks, " Isn't there something about the tactile feel and flexibility of a comic that we will lose" and the answer is a resounding, YES.  The feel, smell - especially of older newsprint comics, and the sheer pleasure of turning the page gently, is a great thing.
That said, I have embraced digital and I read on a tablet, which I enjoy.  As for that being no better than watching an anime, I don't agree, perhaps because I don't watch or enjoy a lot of anime, or DC cartoons.  One of the exceptions is the excellent New Frontier cartoon. 
A friend runs City Centre comics in the west end of Glasgow and he's closed.  He doesn't know if he'll be able to pick up the pieces when this is over.  Fortunately, he's a serious back issue dealer so despite the possible loss of new comics for his standing orders, he could mange to keep going.
Amazon?  I don't go anywhere near them.