My 12 year old is getting the collecting bug. I used to collect via subscriptions up until I was 16 (wow, Mile High Comics is still around!). I'd be interested in doing a subscription service like DCBS but I'm wondering if any of them also offer some type of digital download as an extra service? I think it would make things easier until he learns the proper way to take care of the books.

As DCBS is just a distributor, they wouldn't be able to provide digital downloads. I think Marvel has a pilot subscription program where you can view online an archive of their comics. Also, you can seek out some of the DVD-ROM collections, I think some of them are out of print now and collect older content, but still a good way to start off, if you don't need the absolute latest stuff.

Here's a link to the Marvel sub:
http://marvel.com/digitalcomics/nickfury

(you can get the sub without the exclusive nick fury figure, but why? )