Comic books anyone?

[Bonegavel]

I read that too. I was just wondering how they are packaged. Sturdy cardboard, paper wrapping, etc.

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Bonegavel

I read that too. I was just wondering how they are packaged. Sturdy cardboard, paper wrapping, etc.

ah, better question that way

FM

[WVUFAN]

Originally Posted by Bonegavel

Do you get the free shipping and if so, how is it shipped?

Yeah, I get the free shipping. The shipments are sent in a large thick white envelope. Sometimes the corner of the first book in the stack is slightly bent, but that's rather rare. On the whole, they come in fantastic shape.

What I really like about it is the fact that until they ship (if you get them weekly, they ship late Thursday/early Friday), you can add/cancel any books. You're not stuck with a title you ordered 3 months ago, like Westfall or other subscription services.

[FrogMan]

are they boarded/bagged in anyway inside that envelope?

FM

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by WVUFAN

What I really like about it is the fact that until they ship (if you get them weekly, they ship late Thursday/early Friday), you can add/cancel any books. You're not stuck with a title you ordered 3 months ago, like Westfall or other subscription services.

dola, and I agree, the fact you can cancel up until they ship, and that it's pretty much all automatized make it a very nice "comic shop in your house" kind of thing...

FM

[WVUFAN]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

are they boarded/bagged in anyway inside that envelope?

FM

No bags or boards, which is fine for me, since I have peel and stick bags/boards to put them in.

When I find my USB cord, I'll snap a shot of the material it comes in.

[lordscarlet]

My city snobbery will not allow me to use a shipping service. Shop local!

[lordscarlet]

dola: and mild hippiness

[Bonegavel]

I like my local store, but the thought of having them sitting at home when I get there and not having to travel to that section of town is appealing.

My concern is that the 20% is a teaser (my local shop does %25) and it will stop at some point.

Anyone know where this place is located?

[WVUFAN]

The address from my shipments say:

7 Central St
Suite 140
Arlington, MA 02476

[WVUFAN]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

My city snobbery will not allow me to use a shipping service. Shop local!

I would prefer a local shop too. There's not one within 150 miles of my current home. When I was in Huntington, I was fine, but there's nothing here.

[WVUFAN]

dola ...

Here's the type of envelope the comics come in.

[FrogMan]

sorta cool news, shipping to Canada is for now the same as shipping to the US, free, although the guy did say he didn't think they'd be able to maintain it.

Gonna put a tiny subscription list together with them and will await a shipment or two to decide what I do after that...

WVUFan, do you know how we can add each other as friend on our pages?

FM

[WVUFAN]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

sorta cool news, shipping to Canada is for now the same as shipping to the US, free, although the guy did say he didn't think they'd be able to maintain it.

Gonna put a tiny subscription list together with them and will await a shipment or two to decide what I do after that...

WVUFan, do you know how we can add each other as friend on our pages?

FM

Yeah, just PM me your email address and I can send you an invite.

[FrogMan]

PM sent!

FM

[FrogMan]

I see that WVUFan has subscribed to it, but I thought it might be worth to mention here, given the kind of crowd we are. The first issue of a new Blood Bowl miniseries should be released on April 9, from Boom! Studios. Seemed interesting enough for me to add it to my pull list.

Also, anybody else here reading the new Warren Ellis webcomics, FreakAngels? Episode 2 just got released, I like it so far, and it's free...

FM

[FrogMan]

given all the good reviews the season 8 of Buffy has been getting, I'm thinking of picking up the first trade (issues 1-5) and then subscribing to it from there. Thing is, I've never followed it on TV, nor have I read any of the previous comics. Will I be completely lost and will my Buffy newbieness make it unenjoyable or would I still enjoy it?

Also, I'm sure most of you know, but they have now released three Omnibus trades of Buffy in the last few months with a fourth coming up in May.

FM

[MikeVic]

I'm collecting the Buffy trades. And will collect Angel once it gets in trade form. Also bought the three Omnibuses. Read the first, on the second.

I've seen both Buffy and Angel recently, so I don't know if you'll be lost.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

given all the good reviews the season 8 of Buffy has been getting, I'm thinking of picking up the first trade (issues 1-5) and then subscribing to it from there. Thing is, I've never followed it on TV, nor have I read any of the previous comics. Will I be completely lost and will my Buffy newbieness make it unenjoyable or would I still enjoy it?

Also, I'm sure most of you know, but they have now released three Omnibus trades of Buffy in the last few months with a fourth coming up in May.

FM

I got the Buffy trade for Christmas, but haven't read it yet. Lady H_B read it recently, however. I got her into Buffy and she watched the first five seasons, but did not watch any of the last two and she was lost. Very lost.

Buffy, more than most shows, has a very consistent story and new episodes often referred back to older episodes.

My guess is that not only would you be lost, but you really wouldn't be able to get the full enjoyment from the series without knowing all of the "inside jokes" and the importance/meaning of past characters and events.

My recommendation: Sign up to Netflix, or the Canadian equivalent, and start rent Buffy DVDs. You will not be disappointed.

Since I'm in the comics thread...

I got quite the haul for Christmas. In addition to the Buffy trade, I also got "The League of Extraordinary Gentlement: Black Dossier", the latest "Ex Machina" book, the first two hardback volumes of "Runaways", and the first two "Jack of Fables" trades.

I love all things Brian K. Vaughn. The guy simply writes amazing dialogue. I can't wait for the last "Y: The Last Man" trade to come out in June. I will pretty much collect anything he writes. I'd highly recommend both "Ex Machina" and "Runaways".

"Black Dossier" was a bit... odd. Not surprising given that it's Alan Moore, but he's sort of veered off a bit into this whole pornographic phase of his career. (see, e.g., Lost Girls) and there is certainly some of that running throughout "Black Dossier." I am not a prude, but it was a bit surprising. That said, I really enjoy the "League" world and all of the literary references, though many were well above my head. It was an interesting read and certainly inspired me to look up various allusions and what not. It's different from the first two volumes for sure, but a good pick up nonetheless.

I love "Fables" and the "Jack" spin-offs were more of the same. The books are funny, well-written, and very interesting. Jack's a complete ass, but in a most enjoyable way.

I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next "Fables", "Jack of Fables," "Y: The Last Man", and "Astonishing X-Men" trades. They should all be arriving sometime in June...

[MikeVic]

Wow H_B we have similar tastes. I love anything BKV as well. I've been reading Ex Machina and have the three hardbacks of Runaways as well.

I love Whedon and BKV, so I love how it seems like they're interconnecting somehow. Whedon took over Runaways while BKV took over Buffy.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Wow H_B we have similar tastes. I love anything BKV as well. I've been reading Ex Machina and have the three hardbacks of Runaways as well.

I love Whedon and BKV, so I love how it seems like they're interconnecting somehow. Whedon took over Runaways while BKV took over Buffy.

I agree! The two really seem to have respect for one another's work (rightfully so) and definitely seem to be on the same wave length when it comes to characters, stories, plots, etc.

I am definitely looking forward to their respective runs on the other's bboks.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola

Give our similar tastes, I would recommend "Fables" if you haven't already. It's different, but incredibly enjoyable.

[WVUFAN]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I agree! The two really seem to have respect for one another's work (rightfully so) and definitely seem to be on the same wave length when it comes to characters, stories, plots, etc.

I am definitely looking forward to their respective runs on the other's bboks.

The BKV arc on Buffy was fantastic. He really has a grasp on the Faith character. I've really not had a chance to read any of his other work, though.

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I got the Buffy trade for Christmas, but haven't read it yet. Lady H_B read it recently, however. I got her into Buffy and she watched the first five seasons, but did not watch any of the last two and she was lost. Very lost.

Buffy, more than most shows, has a very consistent story and new episodes often referred back to older episodes.

My guess is that not only would you be lost, but you really wouldn't be able to get the full enjoyment from the series without knowing all of the "inside jokes" and the importance/meaning of past characters and events.

My recommendation: Sign up to Netflix, or the Canadian equivalent, and start rent Buffy DVDs. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks for your input. It's about the same that I'm being told by guys on Heavy Ink so I will probably not follow up on Buffy, at least not for now.

I don't have much plans to watch the series either, although I'm sure it's quite good, based on what everyone's been saying. Just don't have enough time for TV right now... I might be getting an Omnibus book in the future, or eventually all four of them, then the season eight trades. You think I'd be less lost, or is season 8 really mean you have to have followed all the TV seasons prior to it?

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Since I'm in the comics thread...

I got quite the haul for Christmas. In addition to the Buffy trade, I also got "The League of Extraordinary Gentlement: Black Dossier", the latest "Ex Machina" book, the first two hardback volumes of "Runaways", and the first two "Jack of Fables" trades.

I love all things Brian K. Vaughn. The guy simply writes amazing dialogue. I can't wait for the last "Y: The Last Man" trade to come out in June. I will pretty much collect anything he writes. I'd highly recommend both "Ex Machina" and "Runaways".

"Black Dossier" was a bit... odd. Not surprising given that it's Alan Moore, but he's sort of veered off a bit into this whole pornographic phase of his career. (see, e.g., Lost Girls) and there is certainly some of that running throughout "Black Dossier." I am not a prude, but it was a bit surprising. That said, I really enjoy the "League" world and all of the literary references, though many were well above my head. It was an interesting read and certainly inspired me to look up various allusions and what not. It's different from the first two volumes for sure, but a good pick up nonetheless.

I love "Fables" and the "Jack" spin-offs were more of the same. The books are funny, well-written, and very interesting. Jack's a complete ass, but in a most enjoyable way.

I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next "Fables", "Jack of Fables," "Y: The Last Man", and "Astonishing X-Men" trades. They should all be arriving sometime in June...

I too enjoy BKV quite a lot. Got Paper Dolls and Kimono Dragons still to read in Y: The Last Man and I just started the March to War trade in Ex Machina. I got the next one to read too and will order the following one that'll bring me to issue #29. I have issues #30-34 at home and it's on my pull list now.

I finished the Captain America Omnibus a few weeks ago, really well done stuff. I'm currently reading Volume 1 of Essential Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man, mostly before going to bed, so very slowly. I had given a list of Essential titles to my mom and that one was the only she was able to find for the X-mas period.

My pull list stands as follows on Heavy Ink at the moment:

• Marvel Comics Presents
• Mighty Avengers
• Tranquility Armageddon
• Ex Machina
• Avengers Classic
• Immortal Iron Fist
• Blood Bowl
• Iron Man Legacy Of Doom
• Secret Invasion
• Locke & Key
• Nearly Infamous Zango
• Gate Of The East Wind
• Criminal 2
• Kick Ass
• Envoy
• Gabriel
• Succubus

I'm also thinking of adding Fell from Warren Ellis. Anybody reading it? I really like the premise behind it...

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

Thanks for your input. It's about the same that I'm being told by guys on Heavy Ink so I will probably not follow up on Buffy, at least not for now.

I don't have much plans to watch the series either, although I'm sure it's quite good, based on what everyone's been saying. Just don't have enough time for TV right now... I might be getting an Omnibus book in the future, or eventually all four of them, then the season eight trades. You think I'd be less lost, or is season 8 really mean you have to have followed all the TV seasons prior to it?
FM

FM, I can't answer that really. I never read any of the other Buffy comics, so I am not sure how they fit in with the current series. As I understand it "Season 8" is direct continuation of the TV show, so I imagine you'd still be lost. Though, I am not sure what the old Buffy comics are like.

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

FM, I can't answer that really. I never read any of the other Buffy comics, so I am not sure how they fit in with the current series. As I understand it "Season 8" is direct continuation of the TV show, so I imagine you'd still be lost. Though, I am not sure what the old Buffy comics are like.

ok, thanks for the input. It's not like I'm out of stuff to try anyway. I could go years before I run out of new things to buy/try/read so I'll see in the future...

FM

[MikeVic]

Omnibus 1 is all before she gets to Sunnydale. So it happens before the first season. I think there were some references to stuff that ends up happening, but you shouldn't be lost.

The first.... 20% or so of Omnibus 2 so far has been before season 1 as well, but it looks to be getting into season 1 shortly.

The biggest thing though, is that something that happens in season 5 (I think it was season 5) of the show... that had ramifications for the past... does show up a lot in the Omnibuses. It's not confusing, but it'll be a different way to get into the Buffy story.

[WVUFAN]

FrogMan, I noticed you got your comics. What did you think of the service so far?

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by WVUFAN

FrogMan, I noticed you got your comics. What did you think of the service so far?

oh, yeah, I meant to get back in here and report about it but just forgot. Great service so far, very, very impressed. The guys who run the show over there are very helpful and friendly guys.

The five comics in my first shipment came in the same kind of envelope you showed in your picture and the comics were in absolutely crisp, no dent at all. I was not too worried about it to be honest, since I get my comics to read them and not simply to collect them, so I'll take them even if one corner of one of them comes cuffed. It's also very hard to beat the free shipping to Canada for now...

My first 5 comics are mostly stuff I can't read right right away simply because I'm behind on my reading of most my series. Next week's should be quite interesting with first issues of Criminal 2, Doctor Who (the new series for the American market), Locke & Key (very much anticipating this one), and Nearly Infamous Zango on their way.

The whole site has made me discover many series that I've subscribed to, at least as trials. The "social networking" idea behind the whole shop is probably what would come close to going to your local comic shop and talking with people about what they like and what not. And also, the fact you can cancel any subscription up to the day it ships is pretty neat. That way, you can order a one-shot special if you want to, or even subscribed to one mini series and that's it...

Speaking of interesting mini series, and seeing how many here seems to like Brian K Vaughan (me included), I'd like to point you toward Logan, a three issues mini series by BKV that will dig into the origins of Wolverine. I've already read a pre-release review that was saying it was a must-read.

Also, might be of interest to some here, since I remember some talked about the original NewUniversal series. Warren Ellis will be writing a second 6 issues mini series called NewUniversal Shockfront that follows up on the first mini series. Issue #1 set to ship in Mid-May.

If anybody signs up to HeavyInk, here's a link to my profile over there.

Post a blurb on my page and I'll add you as a friend...

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

Speaking of interesting mini series, and seeing how many here seems to like Brian K Vaughan (me included), I'd like to point you toward Logan, a three issues mini series by BKV that will dig into the origins of Wolverine. I've already read a pre-release review that was saying it was a must-read.

Thanks for the head's up, FM. That looks pretty sweet. Other than "Astonishing X-Men", I haven't gone near an X-Men book in sometime. The last thing prior to that was that whole "Woverine Origins" story that came out about 4-5 years ago. It was awful. I hated it.

That said, BKV + Wolverine = All goooood....

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Thanks for the head's up, FM. That looks pretty sweet. Other than "Astonishing X-Men", I haven't gone near an X-Men book in sometime. The last thing prior to that was that whole "Woverine Origins" story that came out about 4-5 years ago. It was awful. I hated it.

That said, BKV + Wolverine = All goooood....

Glad to be of help. Here's a link to the advance review. It's vague enough not to spoil too much stuff, yet it pretty much sold me on the concept:
http://comicpants.com/2008/03/03/short-pants-30308/

FM

[FrogMan]

dola, the artist for that series is the guy who's also doing 100 Bullets btw...

FM

[kurtism]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

dola, the artist for that series is the guy who's also doing 100 Bullets btw...

FM

Eduardo Risso is awesome. I won't budge from my stance that he draws the sexiest women in comicdom.

[SFL Cat]

Comic Books? Yeah, back when the cost 25 cents to buy. Marvel ruled!!! Nuff said.

[hukarez]

Just FYI -

Grab yourself the TPB of Marvel's Super Villain Team-Up - Modok's 11 if you can.

Also, Volume 2 of Ennis' The Boyz is out.

[MikeVic]

My letter to Deadpool is in issue #50 f Cable and Deadpool (last issue ). The first letter there.

[hukarez]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

My letter to Deadpool is in issue #50 f Cable and Deadpool (last issue ). The first letter there.

Can't wait for Volume 8 of that TPB to come out... now if they only can put all these in a fantastic hardcover...

Oh! Bryan Hitch doing the art for the Fantastic Four... great stuff!

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by hukarez

Can't wait for Volume 8 of that TPB to come out... now if they only can put all these in a fantastic hardcover...

Oh! Bryan Hitch doing the art for the Fantastic Four... great stuff!

Yeah I'd buy a hardcover. Only started reading in the 20s, and bought #1 and 2 when they were on sale.

[cuervo72]

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

I will pretty much read anything that has Deadshot in. Since he's a pretty minor character in the DC Universe, however, that's a very narrow range. (Suicide Squad, Villians United, Secret Six, etc.)

Other than that... I try to keep tabs on the major goings ons and will pick up a trade paperback if something looks particularly interesting or cool.

Any suggestions?

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

how about indies fans?

I've been on a nice run of a bit of everything lately, mostly thanks to HeavyInk, where I keep browsing and discovering new stuff. Sample (with links) of stuff I've read (and loved) lately:
Criminal 2 #1
Kick Ass #1
Locke & Key #1
Nearly Infamous Zango #1
Terry Moore's Echo #1

Stuff currently in the mail and that I'm very much looking forward to read:
Atomic Robo #1 to #6
Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters #1
Painkiller Jane #4, #5 and Terminator 2 Infinity #6 (or part 1, 2, 3 of 4 of the crossover between the two series)
as well as Locke & Key #2, some Mighty Avengers, Immortal Iron Fist and Civil War Chronicles #9.

Lots of fun

FM

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

The only Marvel I buy is Deadpool, X-Men and New X-Men. I am very much a DC guy.

[kurtism]

FrogMan: If you are going indy, try RASL by Jeff Smith (the man who gave us Bone). Issue one came out about a month ago. No idea where the story will go, but Smith gets a lifetime pass for Bone.

*Unsolicited Recommendation Alert*

If you have kids, buy Bone - Amazon has the one-volume edition, over 1300 pp for under $30. I have (and love) that version, but plan to buy the 9 (7 currently published) colored editions from Scholastic. Been reading a chapter or so every night to my almost-5-year old, and she loves it. Even got her a Fone Bone plush for Easter, she won't put him down

[Fidatelo]

The giant one-volume edition of Bone is a great book, and even better value. I would recommend that to anyone and everyone.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I will pretty much read anything that has Deadshot in. Since he's a pretty minor character in the DC Universe, however, that's a very narrow range. (Suicide Squad, Villians United, Secret Six, etc.)

Other than that... I try to keep tabs on the major goings ons and will pick up a trade paperback if something looks particularly interesting or cool.

Any suggestions?

I haven't been reading it, but Deadshot was shipped off to the Salvation Run planet after having done in the Trickster in Countdown. I've heard decent things about Salvation Run (started by Bill Willingham and finished by Matt Sturges, the guys behind Fables/Jack of Fables/Shadowpact) and will possibly pick it up in trade.

The books I've been most enjoying lately are Blue Beetle, Booster Gold (both have a good bit of humor), JSA, the Green Lantern books (Sinestro Corps War). I've also liked the Countdown to Mystery mini, especially the late Steve Gerber's ( ) Dr. Fate half of the book (the other half is an Eclipso story written by...Matt Sturges).

I also heard good things about the Black Adam: The Dark Age mini, but haven't read it (though my LCS guy did pull it for me when it started...should have gone with that).

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by kurtism

FrogMan: If you are going indy, try RASL by Jeff Smith (the man who gave us Bone). Issue one came out about a month ago. No idea where the story will go, but Smith gets a lifetime pass for Bone.

*Unsolicited Recommendation Alert*

If you have kids, buy Bone - Amazon has the one-volume edition, over 1300 pp for under $30. I have (and love) that version, but plan to buy the 9 (7 currently published) colored editions from Scholastic. Been reading a chapter or so every night to my almost-5-year old, and she loves it. Even got her a Fone Bone plush for Easter, she won't put him down

funny you mention it, I've had Bone on my radar screen for a little while now. Almost bought the One book about a month ago but went for a few other smaller things. I didn't even know they'd started putting out colored ones until I saw them on HeavyInk ($7.99 each only after rebate btw ). So they are on my wishlist.

I'd seen Rasl on there, read a couple of critics, saw a five page preview but got lazy and didn't add to my pull list. Long story short, they ran out of #1 but got some back in the middle of last week. My order for #1 has been placed and it's now on my pull list.

Neozoic is another Red 5 title (publisher of Atomic Robo) that I'm waiting to receive my copies.

Oh, and I'm currently reading the first trade of Fell by Warren Ellis. Outsanding stuff! Each issue is only 16 pages but Ellis packs them tight, most of them in 9 panels pages. Great detective stories... Couple reviews from HeavyInk members on this page.

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

I haven't been reading it, but Deadshot was shipped off to the Salvation Run planet after having done in the Trickster in Countdown. I've heard decent things about Salvation Run (started by Bill Willingham and finished by Matt Sturges, the guys behind Fables/Jack of Fables/Shadowpact) and will possibly pick it up in trade.

I ran across a discussion of Countdown and Salvation Run somewhere in the internets and was definitely interested.

Apparently, George R.R. Martin (Song of Ice & Fire and Wildcards) came up with the idea for Salvation Run and Willingham executed it - well, until he had some sort of nervous breakdown or something - and Sturges took it over. Considering Deadshot's playing some role and two of my favorite writers - Martin and Willingham - were/are involved to some extent, it's pretty much guaranteed I'll pick it up when it comes out in trade.

Let me know your thoughs if you grab it. I'll be sure to do the same.

I really loved Villians United, but wasn't that thrilled with the Secret Six series that followed it up.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I ran across a discussion of Countdown and Salvation Run somewhere in the internets and was definitely interested.

Apparently, George R.R. Martin (Song of Ice & Fire and Wildcards) came up with the idea for Salvation Run and Willingham executed it - well, until he had some sort of nervous breakdown or something - and Sturges took it over. Considering Deadshot's playing some role and two of my favorite writers - Martin and Willingham - were/are involved to some extent, it's pretty much guaranteed I'll pick it up when it comes out in trade.

Let me know your thoughs if you grab it. I'll be sure to do the same.

I really loved Villians United, but wasn't that thrilled with the Secret Six series that followed it up.

Hmm, if you're a Willingham fan House of Mystery is probably worth a look when it starts in May (I'll be trying it out).

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

Hmm, if you're a Willingham fan House of Mystery is probably worth a look when it starts in May (I'll be trying it out).

Thanks for the head's up! This looks super sweet. I love Fables and Jack of Fables.

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

Hmm, if you're a Willingham fan House of Mystery is probably worth a look when it starts in May (I'll be trying it out).

that's also one I'll be checking out

FM