Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Wednesday's Revisited: Hardback Headache?














































Back in July, PLANET GRIFFIN started THE BIG BUZZ, with it's first topic being the creation of WEDNESDAY COMICS by DC. The commentary from THE NEXT 100 community was pretty informative and reactionary in the way that people with strong common sense would behave. Well, recently at the BALTIMORE RETAILERS SUMMIT, DC announced that it's 12 week newspaper experiment will be released in a hardcover collection. The hardcover collection of the series, which will retail at $49.99, will clock in at 11 x 17 inches, which will present the series in a deluxe, big-screen format. Release date to be announced soon...

Now, DC Online defines the series as 'groundbreaking' as well as '... A critical and commercial success...', yet in the weeks since the 'books' inception, I've seen various comic racks overflowing with groundbreaking backstock. It seems that the one thing this series heralded was the increase in cover prices on books that fewer people can afford. Granted, a hardcover is far from disposable entertainment, yet at $50 bucks, the companies expecting us to come up with disposable income for an oversize collection (c'mon--- 11x17?!) that doesn't need to be.

In a word, Ridiculous. DC could've reduced the size, thereby cutting the price, in half. Cut it down, and you'll have a winner... After word of my July post got around to the local comic shops, I was looked at like I was crazy... After seeing the massive backstock of newsprint that wasn't sold, well--- it's fall of the year and I've got a fireplace.

I still think the Wednesday Comic thing was cool, but even my pocket knows when to call reality out for what it is. I recall when DC did an oversize JLA with BRIAN HITCH that didn't sell as hot; with fans saying that the format was nothing more than a gimmick. Now we're gonna get it again in a hardback... Which may, or may not, be worth the greenbacks... What do you think?



5 comments:

Brian Miller said...

50 bucks? No way. That thing would have to be jam-packed with amazing goodness and even then, I'd wait to buy a used copy. I can appreciate the big size and all, but we're getting near the holiday season, my kid's eating more and more every day, and I'm still stuck working for the man... so I won't be spending 50 bucks on one giant gimmick.

RodBuddah said...

Exactly.
My kids are worth more than the copy it's printed on. A great compilation that must be admired at a distance. At least I know people will be able to afford my work. Kiss the little one for me, Brian!

Brian Miller said...

Will do man. BTW, the new header image on your blog.

0_0

Seriously, amazing. When's your stuff comin out? I need a copy!!! Every time I visit this blog I get inspired to move faster on my project. Gotta try to keep up with you!!! (impossible task, but Imma try!)

RodBuddah said...

Thanks Brian! Especially considering the level of your work (I'm trying reach THAT level!)! I'm trying to finish book 6 as fast as I can--- don't worry--- you will definitely get a first run copy!

Remember: Inspiration and devoted commitment that lacks no faith unlocks much that many deems to be impossible.

That's the mantra inscribed on my art table:) Now hurry up so I can read YOUR book! I'm anxious over here...

Brian Miller said...

And now that will be inscribed on my art table. lol. Epic!

I'm workin like crazy whenever I have free time - hoping to have all the character designs done by the end of this month... so here's hopin!