Comicster 4 Released!
Comicster users have waited quite a while for a new version, but the wait is over! Today sees the release of Comicster version 4!
Comicster 4 is a ground-up rewrite and features a revamped user interface. The familiar folder/trade/title tree is still there, but now we have a separate list of issues. Select a folder in the tree, and all the issues underneath that folder will be displayed. Select a character, and every issue that character appears in is displayed. It’s totally context sensitive. Here’s a screenshot – click to embiggen!
This version of Comicster has (limited) support for plug-ins, both for file formats and for online catalogs. I don’t yet have anywhere formal to get plug-ins from, but once I do I’ll make one available that existing users will appreciate: one that’ll let you open your Comicster 1.x collections. If you’re desperate to switch to the new version, leave me a comment here and I’ll send you the plug-in directly with instructions.
Let’s consider this a “public beta”, because I’m sure you guys will find little niggles that I haven’t caught yet. Make sure you let me know if something is horribly broken.
The source for this version of Comicster is available online. If you want to look behind the scenes and see how the sausages are made, check out the repository on BitBucket! If you do find problems, you can log them there under the “Issues” tab.
I hope you enjoy using Comicster, or learn something from the source. I’m switching to v4 now for my own catalogue. Time to organize those comics!
Comments
# JohnP
14/01/2011 1:08 AM
So, I have to re-enter everything in? Is there a converter? Can I rename the current file to the new extension and open it then?
# mabster
14/01/2011 5:49 AM
Hi John,
Yeah, there's a converter. It's coming soon. Have a play with the new UI until I can get it up somewhere.
# jamesewelch
14/01/2011 6:56 AM
Awesome!
Can't wait to try it out. Can you send me the instructions for importing v1.x files?
Do you have any docs on the plug-in model API for non-catalog plug-ins? Or maybe just an example plug-in?
thanks
# mabster
14/01/2011 7:53 AM
Ok guys, the .cmx file plug-in is out - check my latest blog post.
# mabster
14/01/2011 7:54 AM
James,
I'll get some plug-in documentation happening soon (along with looking at some of your feature requests)! Right now there are only two kinds of plug-ins: File formats and online catalogs. I have a ComicVine catalog reader, and it seems to work reasonably well.
# jamesewelch
15/01/2011 2:07 AM
Thanks for the posting the plug-in.
# jamesewelch
3/06/2011 3:44 AM
I just noticed that the Download link on comicster.net goes to the v1.x version. You might want to update that link to the new v4 (or maybe provide 2 links).
# mabster
3/06/2011 9:42 AM
I have a whole new home page for the comicster.net site ready to go ... just want to bed down v4 (to the point where I don't want to call it a "beta") before I go live.
# the lowered
13/07/2011 9:37 AM
Any chance of getting right click menus? I hate to sound picky, but navigating through the file structure, then to INSERT, then ISSUE (or ctrl+shift+i) is a bit of a hassle when you could right click - add new issue as with the previous version.
# mabster
13/07/2011 9:39 AM
Context menus eh? I must admit I simply hadn't bothered because most users don't use them. Shouldn't be a big deal to add though! I'll take a look for you!