Allow sidecar xml metadata files

[Goosander]

I wondered if we could have the option to use xml files like custom covers work currently, naming the file the same as the corresponding archive.

since an xml can also exist inside of the archive I think the priority would be to use the sidecar file first, if no sidecar use the embedded file.

I have a very large library and all of my archives have embedded comicinfo files, If I run a script to update the metadata the complexity and potential strain the on the drive is much greater than if I could just update a single xml file.

Thank you for your consideration.

[gotson]

Similar to #1713

There is no defined format that exist as a sidecar. Comicinfo.xml is explicitly supported inside archives, and applications only produce it inside archives.

[Goosander]

I see. Thanks for clarifying. I generate my comicinfo.xml files through my own script so I forget that most people don't manage their data like that.

I'll remain hopeful the feature may come eventually, as xml or some other file format.

[Maltavius]

If this was true all comics would already have these files inside of them, but they don't.
I've xml files OUTSIDE of ALL of my comics so that they are the same as when i got them, if I put the XML file inside of the file it's no longer the same file.

[smokeofc]

Adding the ComicInfo to the file changes its hash, heavily complicating management of duplicate files, especially in automated workflows. While it's still possible (hash check all individual files inside the archive), this adds a lot of overhead and requires special edge case handling...

I do get that a lot of applications that create ComicInfo do indeed add it to the archive, but like Maltavirus, I create these programatically by matching with database (mangabaka.org) and getting the required info there, saving it to sidecar so that hashes are retained.

More detailed comment in #2443

[Maltavius]

I've used an XML exporter for ComicRack and mine are just the exact file name but the extension is .xml instead of .cbz, .cbr etc.

Think of it like an NFO-file for Comics, Plex, Emby and Jellyfin all support external meta-data carriers that survive switching services and database corruption.