I heard good things about this series, and I do like Bendis (when he's on), AND even though I'm very familiar with the Marvel universe, I'm not too familiar with this book and it's character (when it was coming out, like most people, I thought it was an adaption of the TV show). The art doesn't look too appealing, but if it works with the story, I can get over it.

The only reason I'm considering it is that it seems like the book is way out of print and very hard to find (none on ebay, and only one on amazon-marketplace going for $130) - my local Border's has a copy going for $69, and if I sign up for their card, I get 30% off, which brings it to $49 - not bad for a hardcover collection of 29 issues - which comes to $1.72 per issue - far less than the $2.99 floppies.

So, thoughts on the book...

I enjoyed it quite a bit. I honestly didn't have a lot of knowledge of this character either, but I don't think that held my enjoyment of it back any. I also liked the art a lot, I think it's perfect for this type of book.

...and he is on "Alias".

If the cost of the omnibus is holding you back, the individual TPBs are $11-$13 a pop at DCBS. If you like the first trade -- and you will! -- it's pretty representative of the rest of the series. Very dark and noir-ish. Plenty of continuity porn. Makes characters like Captain America seem like people under the cowl, not just over-the-top action archetypes.

I think I'll pick up the Omnibus on my way home - the four TPBs come out to be about the same as the Omnibus, which is a much nicer package, and more "valuable".

I think you'll enjoy it. It's a really nice book. I think I'm going to reread it again soon myself.

On a related note, should I get a prostrate exam?

Seriously, I read the first trade and it just wasn't my cup of tea. It wasn't really bad, but I just didn't get into it. Just my two cents.

What? You have trouble laying down flat?

Actually I did mean "prostrate" thank you very much Mr. Wisenheimer! My back is all jacked up.

"Alias" was one of the best books Marvel put out in the past 10 years. I was really sorry to see it go.