New Comic Book Day Megathread

[Colin YNWA]

Some Nazi nonsense this week for me in form of MISS FURY #1 and UBER #0.

I'm hoping my Uber #0 shows up, as much the same as East of West its sold out before hitting the shops. This is becoming a bit of a worry for me, as loads of people seem to have cottoned onto the fact that a lot of new independents do well by 'surprise' and sell out forcing up prices of first issues (and possibly other early ones). Publishers, understandably can't run the risk of big over prints, retailers likewise big over orders, as neither of them can be sure which of the new releases will be the next 'hit'.

To be honest though its getting quite predictable. I sussed the fact that I'd not got East of West #1, as I checked at the counter before buying my books and asked after it. The reason, I knew it was going to be (already was by the time I picked it up) a hit and therefore needed to be sure I'd got it before leaving the shop... alas not this time. Looking ahead at my pre-orders coming up 'The Victories' I'm probably safe with, I suspect that won't go massive. Lazarus given its by Rucka and Lark could well become just another of these type of books.

All of this sounds good, books selling out, demand outstripping supply and books going to second print because of it. The reason I find it a concern however is how much of this is driven by readers, in which case its good, and how much is driven by speculation?

Looking at East of West there was no shortage of copies available on eBay (and I'm sure elsewhere), that however hadn't driven the price down, as I've said here I had to pay £5 inc postage, by far the cheapest I could find. So have people bought this with some misbegotten belief that there's money to be made? I'd suggest if they have they might have missed the train. It was always going to be a short lived trend, so Saga and a few others are a real case of supply and demand and the scale of its popularity being much bigger than expect. A few others likewise and back issue prices there will stay inflated, much like Walking Dead. In more recent cases, or certainly current ones I genuinely think people have twigged and in a few months you'll be able to pick up issue one of East of West for a quid. The problem is this difficulty of picking up a title in the first couple of weeks of release, when it should still be on shelves, might mean people who want to check out the series are put off? After all I've been looking forward to this series since it was announced and that's the only reason I paid a fiver for it, in most cases I'd just shrug and move on elsewhere, or decide to trade wait?   

If it continues are we just going to see a repeat of the 90s Image boom and bust? After all a lot of other signs point to mistakes from the past not being learnt from. Hello Mr variant cover.

Maybe I'm over worrying about this and things will settle down soon? At least the quality of the comics is better this time around either way!

[sheldipez]

I had the same problem with Image's Bedlam, first issue sold out fast yet there was tons of copies of it on ebay for upwards to a tenner, the same with #2 so I thought to hell with that and I'll wait for the TPB, which has turned up on Forbidden Planet signed by both artist and writer for less than a tenner delivered.

It's sad that this is only enforcing the "good to wait for trade". Singles eh?!

[PreacherCain]

I think it's a retailer-driven problem to a large degree. They're chasing the speculators. Image had that press release kerfuffle a few months back giving out about how their books keep selling out instantly because retailers are under-ordering, even on titles they know will perform well (like Saga and various #1s from respected creators), and there's no discernible reason for this conservatism.

Image's threat to not print second runs wasn't a solution of course; if anything, it would have made it worse. I think Image want their comics in readers' hands. That's their first priority because the more people who have the first issue, the more likely it is that future sales will be stronger and eventual trade sales will benefit too. Even when they overprint on stuff, it still sells out almost instantly.

Lazarus will likely be a sell-out too. Order your copies now 

[Colin YNWA]

Oh I absolutely agree that Image are blameless, in that as you say they want to get copies into people's hands I'm quite sure. Likewise I'd be very surprised if any retailer deliberately under orders however, as its the basis for their livelihood to sell as many comics as possible?

Its a shame Image can't offer retailers some sort of returnable incentive to retailers to break the cycle though. I don't doubt they can't match the kind of offer DC and Marvel sometimes make, but some limited return-ability on some of the safer books, so Lazarus would be a good example for one to try it on. The economics might be a bit shaky for a smaller publisher, but if Image go for it they will get their product into people's hands.

Ultimately it falls to the buyer I suppose to get their act together, order stuff in advance in good time and not to jump on the speculation bandwagon. Alas the day that happens...

[Colin YNWA]

Although you know I said this first issue selling out before going to the shelves was predictable...

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/04/03/polarity-1-sells-out-from-diamond-and-sells-for-13-on-ebay/

... I was talking bollocks!

[Link Prime]

Some interesting points Colin, I had no real idea about the re-emergence of the speculator market (apart from almost missing out on 'Batman Inc' 8 a few weeks ago).

I should sell that NM 'Saga' collection (including a 2nd copy of number 1 signed by BKV) and buy a holiday!

[PreacherCain]

Likewise I'd be very surprised if any retailer deliberately under orders however, as its the basis for their livelihood to sell as many comics as possible?

Hmm. Well there are a few who sell them on ebay after the point of sell-out and ask for higher prices. It's a shrewd - though somewhat unethical - business move. I think that's what that Image press release was hinting at, to be honest. The argument is that these particular retailers are ultimately taking money away from all parties in the long run. Image following through on their threat of no second prints for Saga appear to have upped its sales quite nicely.

Its a shame Image can't offer retailers some sort of returnable incentive to retailers to break the cycle though. I don't doubt they can't match the kind of offer DC and Marvel sometimes make, but some limited return-ability on some of the safer books, so Lazarus would be a good example for one to try it on. The economics might be a bit shaky for a smaller publisher, but if Image go for it they will get their product into people's hands.

I may be wrong but I think they have done this quite recently for some titles. Oh, here it is - http://www.imagecomics.com/newsletter/newsletter-20121211.html - along with that initial letter about second prints and sell-outs. Go down to the retailer incentive section. They've done this for some of their more successful titles too!

Ultimately it falls to the buyer I suppose to get their act together, order stuff in advance in good time and not to jump on the speculation bandwagon. Alas the day that happens...
[/quote]

[Colin YNWA]

Well my copy of East of West arrived and managed to read it while on a parent run over the weekend and it was... pretty good. It suffered a little from being stuck between two stalls for me. As is often the case when people go for the Western vibe but are mixing that in with other elements, in this case mystic Sci-Fi. It was trying to be a cool western but the other trappings tripped it up a little. it was fun and I'm certainly around for a bit but didn't blow me away... hey Saga you hear those bells ringing as well?

[The Adventurer]

NEW COMICS AVAILABLE THE WEEK OF 04-10-13

My Digital Pulls
2000 AD #1827 - Really want to like Dandridge, but I'm not sure if I ever will. Zombo and Stickleback are solid and Judge Dredd is dealing with a serious threat.
INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #1 - Guarding the Globe is dead, long live Guarding the Globe. Phil Hester and Todd Nauck were making some serious magic over on GtG. I expect more of the same here.
MEGA MAN #24 - Last week Archie had a ComiXology Sale on Sonic and Mega Man comics. Which was awesome because I got caught up on everything in time for this mega Crossover. Sonic and Mega Man, together for the first time. Its my opinion that Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man are two of the finest 'All Ages' comics on the stand. And I mean 'All Ages' in its truest sense. There is something here for Kids and Adults. Ian Flynn is an underrated comic creator who really should get more attention. Guy knows how to balance humor and suspense like few others.
SAGA #12 - Yeesh, last issue was a kick in the nuts.
SAUCER COUNTRY #14 - Final issue before going on extended hiatus. Sad to see it go. Gorgeous to look at, and trying something different. To bad it couldn't find an audience.
STAR WARS #4 - Really liking the characterization of everyone here. Brian Wood seems to really 'get' the essence of Rebellion Era Star Wars. I love it.
TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE #90 - Another standout 'All Ages' comic if I do say so. Though not afraid to be a bit more on the brutal side.
WALKING DEAD #109 - I'm honestly not sure if I care about what's going on right now. Maybe I've finally reached my drop point? Probably not though.
WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP #19 - Big fat issue, 200+ pages. Still the best bargain in comics right now. Even if you hated 90% of its content, its still a great deal. Fortunately I like about 40%, and can at least stand reading the rest.

COVER GALLERY


COMPLETE SHIPPING LIST

Code Select Expand

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB130027 1 FOR $1 MIND MGMT #1 $1.00
FEB130015 BTVS SEASON 9 FREEFALL #20 NOTO CVR $2.99
DEC120083 CRIMINAL MACABRE CAL MCDONALD CASEBOOK HC VOL 01 $34.99
DEC120059 MIND MGMT HC VOL 01 $19.99
DEC120101 OH MY GODDESS RTL TP VOL 44 $12.99
FEB130035 SLEDGEHAMMER 44 #2 $3.50
FEB130044 STAR WARS #4 $2.99
FEB130034 X #0 $2.99

DC COMICS

DEC120363 100 BULLETS HC BOOK 04 (MR) $49.99
FEB130140 ACTION COMICS #19 COMBO PACK $4.99
FEB130162 BATGIRL #19 $2.99
FEB130151 BATMAN #19 $3.99
FEB130154 BATMAN #19 COMBO PACK $4.99
FEB130150 BATMAN AND RED ROBIN #19 $2.99
FEB130201 BATMAN ARKHAM UNHINGED #13 $3.99
DEC120324 BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS HC VOL 02 SCARE TACTICS (N52) $29.99
FEB130232 BATMAN LIL GOTHAM #1 $2.99
FEB130179 CONSTANTINE #2 $2.99
FEB130192 DEATHSTROKE #19 $2.99
FEB130187 DEMON KNIGHTS #19 $2.99
NOV120295 DJANGO UNCHAINED #3 (MR) $4.99
JAN130310 FLASH CHRONICLES TP VOL 04 $14.99
FEB130173 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #19 (WRATH) $2.99
FEB130198 RAVAGERS #11 $2.99
FEB130249 SAUCER COUNTRY #14 (MR) $2.99
FEB130193 SUICIDE SQUAD #19 $2.99
FEB130143 SUPERBOY #19 $2.99
JAN130301 SWAMP THING TP VOL 02 FAMILY TREE (N52) $14.99
FEB130189 TEAM 7 #7 $2.99
FEB130190 THRESHOLD #4 $3.99
JAN130325 TINY TITANS TP VOL 08 AW YEAH TITANS $12.99
JAN130302 WORLDS FINEST TP VOL 01 LOST DAUGHTERS (N52) $14.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

FEB130259 AARDMAN BATMAN & ROBIN CLASSIC AF 2 PACK $39.95

IDW PUBLISHING

OCT120439 BRINGING UP FATHER HC VOL 02 CABBAGES & KINGS $49.99
FEB130311 COLONIZED #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
FEB130332 DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS #2 $3.99
JAN138245 DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME #3 2ND PTG $3.99
FEB130303 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CUTTER #1 $3.99
JAN138246 GI JOE #1 2ND PTG $3.99
FEB130284 GI JOE COBRA FILES #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
FEB130361 JUDGE DREDD (IDW) TP VOL 01 $19.99
DEC120430 JUDGE DREDD COMPLETE CARLOS EZQUERRA HC VOL 01 $49.99
JAN130393 KISS SOLO #1 THE DEMON [DIG/P+] $3.99
FEB130325 MARS ATTACKS #9 [DIG/P+] $3.99
FEB130301 ROCKETEER HOLLYWOOD HORROR #3 [DIG/P+] $3.99
FEB130268 STAR TREK COUNTDOWN TO DARKNESS #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
FEB130270 STAR TREK COUNTDOWN TO DARKNESS TP $17.99
FEB130275 STAR TREK SPACE SPANNING TREASURY ED $9.99
DEC120503 STEVE CANYON HC VOL 03 1951-1952 $49.99
FEB130340 TALES O/T TMNT TP VOL 02 $19.99
FEB130339 TMNT COLOR CLASSICS MICRO SERIES LEONARDO $3.99
AUG120324 TMNT ULT COLL HC VOL 04 $49.99
FEB130352 TRANSFORMERS REGENERATION ONE #90 [DIG/P+] $3.99
JAN130416 TRUE BLOOD ONGOING #11 [DIG/P+] $3.99
JAN120420 WILL EISNER SPIRIT ARTIST ED HC PI
DEC120501 ZOMBIES VS ROBOTS PREMIER CONVENTION ED HC PI

IMAGE COMICS

FEB130402 INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #1 [DIG] $2.99
FEB138044 NOWHERE MEN #4 2ND PTG $2.99
FEB130432 POINT OF IMPACT TP (MR) [DIG] $14.99
FEB130461 SAGA #12 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
FEB130463 SEX #2 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
FEB138045 WALKING DEAD #109 BLANK SKETCH CVR (MR) PI
FEB130472 WALKING DEAD #109 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

JAN130626 WALKING DEAD TV SER 3 BLOODY B&W AF 3-PK PI

MARVEL COMICS

FEB130477 AGE OF ULTRON #5 $3.99
FEB130562 ALPHA BIG TIME #3 $2.99
JAN138308 AVENGERS #6 2ND PTG KUBERT VAR NOW $3.99
FEB130499 AVENGERS #9 NOW $3.99
FEB130507 AVENGERS ARENA #7 NOW2 $2.99
FEB130483 AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #14AU NOW2 $3.99
JAN130772 AVENGERS VS X-MEN TP VS $24.99
FEB130563 AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #19 $3.99
JAN130778 CAPTAIN AMERICA BY ED BRUBAKER TP VOL 03 $19.99
JAN138310 DEADPOOL #5 2ND PTG DARROW VAR NOW $2.99
JAN138314 DEADPOOL KILLUSTRATED #2 2ND PTG DEL MUNDO VAR $2.99
JAN130765 ESSENTIAL IRON MAN TP VOL 05 $19.99
FEB130521 FANTASTIC FOUR #6 NOW $2.99
JAN130759 FANTASTIC FOUR TP VOL 01 NEW DEPARTURE NEW ARRIVALS $15.99
FEB130517 FEARLESS DEFENDERS #3 NOW $2.99
FEB130652 GAMORA BY MANARA POSTER $8.99
JAN138315 HAWKEYE #2 5TH PTG AJA VAR $2.99
JAN130720 HAWKEYE #9 $2.99
JAN138311 INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #4 2ND PTG YU VAR NOW $3.99
FEB130654 IRON MAN BY RIVERA POSTER $8.99
FEB130589 MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS EARTHS HEROES #13 $2.99
JAN130764 MARVEL UNIVERSE IRON MAN DIGEST TP $9.99
JAN138312 NOVA #1 2ND PTG MCGUINNESS VAR NOW $3.99
JAN130770 OZ ROAD TO OZ HC $24.99
JAN130790 ROCKET RACCOON AND GROOT COMPLETE COLLECTION TP $29.99
FEB130503 SECRET AVENGERS #3 NOW $3.99
OCT120680 SECRET SERVICE #6 (MR) $4.99
FEB130530 THOR GOD OF THUNDER #7 NOW2 $3.99
JAN130723 ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #23 $3.99
FEB130485 ULTRON #1AU $3.99
FEB130653 ULTRON BY DJURDJEVIC POSTER $8.99
JAN130658 UNCANNY AVENGERS #6 NOW2 $3.99
JAN130779 UNCANNY X-FORCE TP VOL 06 FINAL EXECUTION BOOK 1 $19.99
FEB130545 UNCANNY X-MEN #4 NOW $3.99
FEB130556 WOLVERINE #2 NOW $3.99
JAN130784 WOLVERINE COVENANT TP $14.99
JAN130783 X-MEN RECKLESS ABANDONMENT TP $19.99
FEB130597 X-TREME X-MEN #13 XT $2.99

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

FEB130839 ADVENTURE TIME FIONNA & CAKE #4 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99
DEC121237 ALIEN ILLUSTRATED STORY FACSIMILE ED TP (MAY128154) $14.95
FEB130858 ALIENS VS PARKER #2 (MR) [DIG] $3.99
FEB131164 ARCHER & ARMSTRONG (VU) #9 REG LUPACCHINO $3.99
FEB130833 BRAVEST WARRIORS #7 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99
JAN131340 CASE CLOSED GN VOL 46 $9.99
JAN130934 CRITTER (ONGOING) #10 $3.50
JAN130895 CROSSED BADLANDS #25 DLX COLL BOX SET (MR) $99.99
MAR120776 DEAD MANS RUN #4 CVR A PARKER [DIG] $3.50
MAR120777 DEAD MANS RUN #4 CVR B RYAN $3.50
DEC120838 DEVIL IS DUE IN DREARY #4 (RES) $3.99
OCT121084 EC JACK DAVIS TAINT MEAT ITS HUMANITY HC $28.99
OCT121087 EC WILLIAMSON 50 GIRLS 50 & OTHER STORIES HC $28.99
JAN131342 EXCEL SAGA TP VOL 25 $9.99
FEB130832 GARFIELD #12 [DIG] $3.99
FEB131220 GFT MADNESS OF WONDERLAND #3 A CVR PANT (MR) $3.99
FEB131221 GFT MADNESS OF WONDERLAND #3 B CVR ERIC J (MR) $3.99
FEB131218 GFT WONDERLAND #10 A CVR KROME (MR) $2.99
FEB131219 GFT WONDERLAND #10 B CVR MYCHAELS (MR) $2.99
SEP121017 GREEN HORNET #34 $3.99
FEB131157 HARBINGER (VU) #11 HARBINGER WARS (2 OF 3) PULLBOX HENRY $3.99
FEB131156 HARBINGER (VU) #11 HARBINGER WARS REG EVANS $3.99
OCT121173 HARVEY HORRORS COLL WORKS WITCHES TALES HC VOL 03 $47.99
NOV121279 HARVEY HORRORS COLL WORKS WITCHES TALES HC VOL 04 $47.99
JAN131246 HARVEY HORRORS WITCHES TALES SLIPCASE ED VOL 02 $113.99
JAN131341 ITSUWARIBITO GN VOL 08 $9.99
JAN131043 JENNIFER BLOOD #25 (MR) $3.99
JAN130851 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #191 [DIG/P+] $3.99
JAN130852 KEVIN KELLER #8 REG CVR [DIG/P+] $2.99
JAN130935 LEGEND OF OZ THE WICKED WEST ONGOING #6 $3.50
DEC121025 LORD OF THE JUNGLE #14 (MR) $3.99
JAN131343 LOVELESS 2-IN-1 ED TP VOL 03 $14.99
FEB131172 M3 TP $24.99
JAN130857 MEGA MAN #24 [DIG/P+] $2.99
FEB130821 MYLO XYLOTO #3 $3.99
FEB130969 PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #8 CVR A ALEX ROSS $3.99
FEB130970 PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #8 CVR B JONATHAN LAU $3.99
JAN131242 PS ARTBOOKS SHOWCASE TP VOL 01 $7.99
DEC121030 QUEEN SONJA TP VOL 05 ASCENDANCY $19.99
FEB131017 RELISH MY LIFE IN KITCHEN GN $17.99
DEC120998 SHADOW #11 $3.99
FEB130754 SHRUGGED VOL 2 #2 ASPEN RESERVED CVR $3.99
FEB130753 SHRUGGED VOL 2 #2 DIRECT MARKET CVR $3.99
FEB130824 SPONGEBOB COMICS #19 $2.99
JAN131007 STANDARD #2 $3.99
NOV121310 STUFF OF LEGEND TOY COLLECTOR #4 $3.99
FEB130860 SUPURBIA ONGOING #6 [DIG] $3.99
FEB130659 TALES OF FEAR #1 (MR) $4.75
FEB131173 TIGER & BUNNY GN VOL 01 $9.99
JAN131096 UNICO GN $34.95
JAN131012 VALERIAN GN VOL 01 CITY OF SHIFTING WATERS $11.95
DEC121011 VAMPIRELLA #28 $3.99
FEB130941 VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #4 CVR A JOHNNY D $3.99
FEB130942 VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #4 CVR B NEVES $3.99
DEC121021 WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS #24 (MR) $3.99
JAN131014 XIII CINEBOOK ED GN VOL 15 OPERATION MONTECRISTO $11.95

MAGAZINES

FEB130587 CARS MAGAZINE #13 $4.99
FEB131243 COMIC SHOP NEWS #1347 PI
FEB131246 COMIC SHOP NEWS FCBD 2013 SPECIAL PI
FEB131307 DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 66 BAMA CVR $14.95
FEB131306 DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 66 REG CVR $14.95
JAN131410 DR WHO MAGAZINE #458 $9.99
FEB131230 HI FRUCTOSE MAGAZINE QUARTERLY #27 $6.95
FEB130585 MARVEL SUPER HEROES #8 $4.99
JAN131438 SFX #233 $10.99
FEB131308 SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 71 $14.95
DEC121389 VIDEO WATCHDOG #173 (MR) $8.95

[sheldipez]

WALKING DEAD #109 - I'm honestly not sure if I care about what's going on right now. Maybe I've finally reached my drop point? Probably not though.

I wish Walking Dead Volume 18 would hurry up, feels like a big long wait, I was expecting them to pull this forward but it's still down for back end of June.

oh and Star Wars #4 - Love the covers, love the story and art. Basically how to do a licenced title right.

[Link Prime]

Anyone actually read Uber # 0?
Reviews are starting to garner my interest, but you'd sooner get a your hands on a Dead Sea scroll FFS.
Heard a reprint edition with extra material is out soon. Must get a copy of it.

[sheldipez]

Anyone actually read Uber # 0?
Reviews are starting to garner my interest, but you'd sooner get a your hands on a Dead Sea scroll FFS.
Heard a reprint edition with extra material is out soon. Must get a copy of it.

Read it last night, it's some decent Nazi supersoldier nonsense, there's a lot of set-up for the amount of pages it covers, some OK art within but it is a bit muddy and I found it hard to differentiate some of the characters in some panels. I think I'll continue with it unless I have problems getting my hands on #1.

[Link Prime]

Cheers Sheldipez, am keeping an eye out for it.

[Ancient Otter]

SAUCER COUNTRY #14 - Final issue before going on extended hiatus. Sad to see it go. Gorgeous to look at, and trying something different. To bad it couldn't find an audience.

Here is news about the hiatus.

[Colin YNWA]

Right you lot I've already had words about you people not reading the Planet of the Apes books and in doing that I also mentioned that WHICH other book was in danger ... well... WAS ANYONE LISTENING...

... Well no we know that don't we. How do we know that. Well cos IT Girl and the Atomics is finishing with issue 12. Yes that's right cos you don't listen to me a really fun comic book is finishing... Well I've given you ever chance and so I want the lot of you to write 100 times in your books

"I will always buy the comics that Colin likes, that don't get enough readers."

By Monday 9am. SHARP.

Lets just hope this doesn't happen again hey...