Absolute Sandman & Such

[woodwardiocom]

I am sorely tempted by DC Comics' "Absolute" line of hardcovers; deluxe, oversized, slipcased collections of their best and brightest. I looked over Absolute Sandman v1 at Larry's Comics in Lowell yesterday.

My conclusion? The thing is too darn heavy. Gorgeous, yes. Durable, yes. Definitive, yes. Over 7 pounds, and 13" by 9" by 2"? Oh yeah. You can't curl up with this book. You can't casually pull it off the shelf — do anything casual with this tarantula chihuahua-smasher of a book, and you'll likely drop it on your foot and break something.

So, I think I may avoid the oversized-hardcover segment of the comics market, and go for the more-manageable, normal-sized hardcovers. If only to spare my wrists.

(Though the recolored art in Sandman looks fantastic . . . maybe it will trickle down to their regular hardcovers in a year or two . . . )

Comments

[mizarchivist]

That was a weighty concern for me too- aaaahahahahaha! I went there! Seriously- the complete/definitive anything collections inevtiably means you can't take it with you on the T or read a chapter before bed without major architectural assistance. Flying butresses perhaps?

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

Flying buttresses perhaps?

. . . Are we talking about your booty again?

[mizarchivist]

It appears we are now!
In general I find my booty isn't helpful when it comes to reading ;)

[aota.livejournal.com]

If you can get them on sale they are great to have. I really like my two Batman ones.

[signsoflife.livejournal.com]

The thing that's been on my mind (the only thing, really) is that Gaiman commented on his blog that the economics of printing are such that a second printing is unlikely -- they have enough for the next few years, but the minimum print run >>> potential buyers. While I don't know quite enough about publishing large format graphic novels to argue the point, it's weird to think that if I don't pony up now, I might not have the chance in 15 years when I'm settled with tenure.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

it's weird to think that if I don't pony up now, I might not have the chance in 15 years when I'm settled with tenure.

Given my experience with buying out-of-print stuff on eBay and the like, it'll still be available, probably even new-in-shrinkwrap, it'll just be tres expensive.