That's interesting. Looks like Mcfarlane is a jerk, but I'm sure there's more to it.

Wow, I'm sure Tintin gets better, but the first two stories are terrible. I know they're a product of their time, so I'm willing to forgive the over the top anti-Communist propaganda and disgusting racism, but the storytelling is so absurd and amateur that there's no way I can enjoy them, even taking the times into account.

How early did you start? If you went to the very beginning (Land of the Soviets and Congo), those are not considered canon because they're so far from what the series became.

Yes, I started with Land of the Soviets and Congo.

Is there a good free online comic book catalogue website similar to the ones that we use for DVDs? Do I need to buy a software?

I use comicbookdb.com it works pretty well.

I admire the OCD, but that's a pretty tough road. I've read almost every Tintin multiple times but Congo only twice, and Soviets not at all. Part of it is knowing that once I read that and Alph-Art I'll be completely done, but also I don't really think I'll enjoy Soviets.

If you're inclined to continue--and I hope and expect you are because it sounds like you're committed to making the journey, which I also admire--I would suggest (if it's not already too late, a week later) skipping the next one, Tintin in America, and going straight to Cigars of the Pharaoh. That's more the real Tintin, and you won't really lose anything if you choose to go back to In America later.

Already read In America. While still not perfect (those Indians sure aren't depicted well), it was a quantum leap forward from the first two. For the most part, it felt like Tintin was getting out of situations through his wits rather than sheer dumb luck. Looking forward to getting further in to the series.

Great. In America is the first book in the official canon so it indeed represents a significant step up. However, it's one of the ones I least enjoy rereading so I hope your enjoyment will continue to increase.

Thanks.

Ultimate Spider-man is really working for me. Bendis has his detractors, but I think he's definitely on it with this relaunch of the book. I'm really curious to see how the old Spidey villains will interact with this new kid, and vice versa.

So with Avenging Spider-Man #1 (a 3.99 comic) Marvel will polybag a code for downloading a digital copy. Unlike JL, all copies will have this code. Apparently they had been cutting down the number of pages in their 3.99 books anyway, so this is supposed to add value.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/10/...and-retailers/

Interestingly, they are giving retailers .50 for every digital download redeemed. Also, Marvel will harvest the email addresses.

I would think a lot of customers would rather just have a 2.99 comic, but they've been conditioning people with the 3.99 price anyway, so we'll see what happens. Also, if they go day and date and the digital copy is also 3.99, I have no idea who in their right mind would buy it digitally.

In other somewhat expected news, DC beat Marvel for marketshare in Sept.

Shit like that's why I stopped following Marvel books about fifteen years ago and never looked back.

It's ironic, as this "52" initiative from DC seemed like it was supposed to be a push toward going digital and abandoning print, but it's (so far) been quite the success for them, with all fifty-two of the books getting second printings, and some going getting third printings. I think Justice League is in its fourth printing. Fucking crazy.

So how soon before Marvel reboots their entire line?

Never.

Marvel didn't reboot when DC's COIE was a success, so it is unlikely for them to do so now either.

Read both Cigars of the Pharaoh and the Blue Lotus (I think that's the title). Now these are just a joy to read. Much smarter and more mature than the earlier books.

I started reading "Morning Glories" and I absolutely loved it. The setup is great and the underlying mystery has me wanting more.

I always love when I see people take up these reading projects.

Anyone else pick up Optic Nerve #12? The first part was a strange departure for Tomine me thinks. The second half was pretty much what I expect from him.

I don't tend to read Optic Nerve until they're collected. How is it different? Could it be new married life is influencing his work?

The entire first half consists of these gag strips about a guy trying to make a buck off of plant art. Strange.

Yeah, Optic Nerve #12 was a departure. It's like Tomine was channeling Dan Clowes. The second half (Amber Sweet) felt like a Tomine story, but it looks he changed up his drawing style quite a bit.

Wasn't much of a fan of Optic Nerve 12, either.

PunisherMAX makes every other book I'm reading feel like the Bernstein Bears.