Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
#1
Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
Recently, I've been collecting Omnibus editions of Spider-Man, Iron Man, The New Teen Titans, and, most recently the 2nd Brave and the Bold collection. I've found that they're easier for me to store (and access), and that means I've got easier access to actually read them. My comics in boxes almost never got read.
So I'm dumping at least 2/3 of my collection as I've been gaining many of those issues through the Omnibus editions, Marvel Masterworks, & Trade Paperbacks.
I just sold Amazing Spider-Man 361-363 and the individual Maximum Carnage comics to start paying for the books I've been buying. I know there are a handful of titles I'll never get rid of for sentimental reasons (Amazing Spider-Man 32 & 33, 76, Incredible Hulk 171 & 175, etc) - most of which I bought in the 70's, but the more I can get in collected works the more I can sell of the individual issues.
Anyone else moving to the TPB/Omnibus/Masterworks thing, or do you still prefer individual comics?
So I'm dumping at least 2/3 of my collection as I've been gaining many of those issues through the Omnibus editions, Marvel Masterworks, & Trade Paperbacks.
I just sold Amazing Spider-Man 361-363 and the individual Maximum Carnage comics to start paying for the books I've been buying. I know there are a handful of titles I'll never get rid of for sentimental reasons (Amazing Spider-Man 32 & 33, 76, Incredible Hulk 171 & 175, etc) - most of which I bought in the 70's, but the more I can get in collected works the more I can sell of the individual issues.
Anyone else moving to the TPB/Omnibus/Masterworks thing, or do you still prefer individual comics?
#2
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
I got back into comics maybe 20 years ago through the magic of trade collections that held all the issues from my youth in a convenient package. So aside from an occasional event (Infinite Crisis, etc.), I’ve been trades all the way.
However, a few years ago I started making most of my purchases in digital, and single issues there aren’t as annoying to store as floppies. I still concentrate on the value I get from collections, but I will occasionally get singles either because collections aren’t available (Adam Strange, classic Omega Men) or because I got a deal early and just kept going. I got the whole run of Kill or Be Killed as singles. I’ve also bought a few singles of favorite issues (FF 236) just in case I want to read them without downloading and scrolling through a half-gig book. I don’t mind spending 50 cents or a buck for that.
However, a few years ago I started making most of my purchases in digital, and single issues there aren’t as annoying to store as floppies. I still concentrate on the value I get from collections, but I will occasionally get singles either because collections aren’t available (Adam Strange, classic Omega Men) or because I got a deal early and just kept going. I got the whole run of Kill or Be Killed as singles. I’ve also bought a few singles of favorite issues (FF 236) just in case I want to read them without downloading and scrolling through a half-gig book. I don’t mind spending 50 cents or a buck for that.
#3
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
I went from singles to trades and now back to singles. I was all in on trades, HC's and Omnibus for a few years. But then I was wanting to read stuff that just never appears in trades, so I started collecting runs in singles. Now that is my preference again. To me an old single is a time capsule. The ads of the time, the letter pages, all the period stuff you just cant get in a trade, appeal to me as a total package. Also they are much easier to read since you can lay them down flat, which trades and giant omnibus you can not. I would find I would start skimming an omnibus as well, because there is just so much to read. But a single issue is a smaller bite to take and I would read those thoroughly.
#4
DVD Talk Hero
Join Date: Aug 1999
Posts: 25,580
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
It makes no sense to collect single issues in the modern era. Even if you wanted a time capsule, there are like no ads or they're all the same each month. If you want to get all the singles, the print runs are small enough that you probably have to get them as the series come out. And everyone who collects comics has a problem with how to store them, and then how to find them. If you buy them as they come out, you pay exorbitant prices, and you basically buy sight unseen... sure you have solicitations but creative teams and storylines can change at the drop of a hat. It seems like most of the time it's just an addiction, because people will hang on to series just because they've always collected it or to keep their collection complete even through renumberings and storylines they absolutely hate. I just can't justify spending four or five bucks a month on something I don't even like.
With collections, you can just collect the stuff you either hear buzz about or that you absolutely love and want to keep. And not every storyline is worth keeping around, I mean how often do you go back into your comic box and read everything?
I converted from singles to trades to omnibuses, while still buying singles just because I wanted a monthly read. But I found what would happen is that the single issues were either largely unsatisfying on their own or I would forget what happened last time, so I would save them up to read them in bunches. Prices rose, and DC decided they wanted to reset continuity, and it got me off the monthly addiction. In addition, even my bookshelves were filling up with omnibuses, so I started buying newer stuff just digitally, on sale.
With collections, you can just collect the stuff you either hear buzz about or that you absolutely love and want to keep. And not every storyline is worth keeping around, I mean how often do you go back into your comic box and read everything?
I converted from singles to trades to omnibuses, while still buying singles just because I wanted a monthly read. But I found what would happen is that the single issues were either largely unsatisfying on their own or I would forget what happened last time, so I would save them up to read them in bunches. Prices rose, and DC decided they wanted to reset continuity, and it got me off the monthly addiction. In addition, even my bookshelves were filling up with omnibuses, so I started buying newer stuff just digitally, on sale.
#5
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,181
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
I prefer TPB and Omnibuses, despite it being a little more difficult to find an individual issue within them - I'm all digital, or as near as I can be.
One thing I noticed in the TPBs I've been reading they don't seem to include references that the single issues do. For example, in Deathstroke Rebirth Vol I or II a a character makes a reference to a past event that happened in another comic. In the single issue there's an asterisk and note to say the issue that's being referred to, but in the TPB there's nothing. I was told that references are removed from TPBs - is that correct? I can't think of a reason why they would do that.
One thing I noticed in the TPBs I've been reading they don't seem to include references that the single issues do. For example, in Deathstroke Rebirth Vol I or II a a character makes a reference to a past event that happened in another comic. In the single issue there's an asterisk and note to say the issue that's being referred to, but in the TPB there's nothing. I was told that references are removed from TPBs - is that correct? I can't think of a reason why they would do that.
#6
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
My comment about time capsules refers to older comics, not modern. With crazy ads for X-ray specs and kung fu lessons. I keep modern singles as well, that I enjoyed reading and will re-read again later. No different than getting a trade of a modern book and keeping it around.
Collectors who have a wall full of omnibus books are now just the same as someone with a lot of long boxes. Unless your digital, like any collection, space is space.
Plus just like every movie didnt make it to DVD or Blu-Ray, not every comic or series gets collected. And collecting is still fun for me, finding a book I need for a particular run.
Collectors who have a wall full of omnibus books are now just the same as someone with a lot of long boxes. Unless your digital, like any collection, space is space.
Plus just like every movie didnt make it to DVD or Blu-Ray, not every comic or series gets collected. And collecting is still fun for me, finding a book I need for a particular run.
#7
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
I pretty much only buy trades. The only times I really buy single issues are for big events or milestone issues. I also occasionally will pick up the first issue (or few or whatever is out) for a new comic that I’m interested in but doesn’t have a trade out yet.
#8
DVD Talk Hero
Join Date: Aug 1999
Posts: 25,580
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
My comment about time capsules refers to older comics, not modern. With crazy ads for X-ray specs and kung fu lessons. I keep modern singles as well, that I enjoyed reading and will re-read again later. No different than getting a trade of a modern book and keeping it around.
Collectors who have a wall full of omnibus books are now just the same as someone with a lot of long boxes. Unless your digital, like any collection, space is space.
Plus just like every movie didnt make it to DVD or Blu-Ray, not every comic or series gets collected. And collecting is still fun for me, finding a book I need for a particular run.
Collectors who have a wall full of omnibus books are now just the same as someone with a lot of long boxes. Unless your digital, like any collection, space is space.
Plus just like every movie didnt make it to DVD or Blu-Ray, not every comic or series gets collected. And collecting is still fun for me, finding a book I need for a particular run.
The omnibus thing is why I stopped collecting every omnibus that came out and decided to be more selective. It's why I stopped collecting the floppy because I was doubling down on the trades, then tripling on the omniboo, and even those are just backlog. What also hurts is when they change the trade/omnibus dress and the volumes either no longer match or aren't collected in the same style.
But I really just want to read comics, not really collect them. My mom got me into comics when I was really young and we didn't even bag and board them, I read basically the whole Claremont/Byrne Uncanny run on comics that were worn from reading and re-reading. It's why something like Marvel Comics Unlimited or even the DC online service are so appealing to me.
#9
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
Hey, if anyone has omnibuses or Masterworks or Epic Collections they don't want I've still got several that I need to be able to get rid of most of my singles collection...

#10
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
I pretty much only like buying omnibuses and larger trades these days, but I'm starting to get an itch for individual Silver Age comics. I've been following eBay auctions recently and getting a gauge of their worth. Half the fun of a comic book to me is a great cover, which doesn't feel the same seeing it in a larger trade.
#11
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
I got into comics so big time around 2003, ended up buying ENTIRE run of Batman and Tec from 1986-2003. Added LODK, SOB and all the other Bat stuff, along with tons of DC. IT seemed I loved the reading first, and the "collecting" was like an addiction. Ended up selling all flippies right after the New 52 because I hated the new stuff so much vs the older stuff. Now the Rebirth stuff is getting old and the Marvel SJW stuff just kills me.
Fast forward to today, I own every single FF floppy from 1975 to when they ended a few years back, everything else is digital, cbr/cbz. It is a HUUUUUGE digital collection, just unreal due to uhm, lets just say they are cheap if you get my drift.
I want to psychically own so, so much it is hard, very hard!
Like about, the feel, the ads, oh my GOD the smell of any comic especially from pre glossy paper, I just love it!
Right now on the fence with Omnibus, no adds, not vintage feel, not sure what to do. Still want a few key floppies for nostalgia but my addiction is very bad, once I buy some floppies, I need runs, then before you know it I have 6 long boxes full!!
Right now a buddy has the complete 80's-90's Green Lantern 1-181 run, amazing condition VF++to NRMT, he only wants $230 for them, soooooo tempting!!!!
Fast forward to today, I own every single FF floppy from 1975 to when they ended a few years back, everything else is digital, cbr/cbz. It is a HUUUUUGE digital collection, just unreal due to uhm, lets just say they are cheap if you get my drift.
I want to psychically own so, so much it is hard, very hard!
Like about, the feel, the ads, oh my GOD the smell of any comic especially from pre glossy paper, I just love it!
Right now on the fence with Omnibus, no adds, not vintage feel, not sure what to do. Still want a few key floppies for nostalgia but my addiction is very bad, once I buy some floppies, I need runs, then before you know it I have 6 long boxes full!!
Right now a buddy has the complete 80's-90's Green Lantern 1-181 run, amazing condition VF++to NRMT, he only wants $230 for them, soooooo tempting!!!!
#12
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,969
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
I like the idea of buying an issue, reading it on a lunch break or after work, and tossing it. I might keep it if it has an exceptional cover and story.
I guess it'd be cheaper to buy the omnibuses but I'm not a fan of the write-for-the-trade style.
Originally Posted by fujishig
With collections, you can just collect the stuff you either hear buzz about or that you absolutely love and want to keep. And not every storyline is worth keeping around, I mean how often do you go back into your comic box and read everything?
I have about 3 long boxes, and all of the comic issues are worth it. Yeah I've bought some so-so to crappy comics here and there, but they went straight to the trash.
I converted from singles to trades to omnibuses, while still buying singles just because I wanted a monthly read. But I found what would happen is that the single issues were either largely unsatisfying on their own...
It felt like I was throwing money away.
$3 or $4 for decompressed storytelling, where nothing really happened in
#13
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
I got into comics so big time around 2003, ended up buying ENTIRE run of Batman and Tec from 1986-2003. Added LODK, SOB and all the other Bat stuff, along with tons of DC. IT seemed I loved the reading first, and the "collecting" was like an addiction. Ended up selling all flippies right after the New 52 because I hated the new stuff so much vs the older stuff. Now the Rebirth stuff is getting old and the Marvel SJW stuff just kills me.
Fast forward to today, I own every single FF floppy from 1975 to when they ended a few years back, everything else is digital, cbr/cbz. It is a HUUUUUGE digital collection, just unreal due to uhm, lets just say they are cheap if you get my drift.
I want to psychically own so, so much it is hard, very hard!
Like about, the feel, the ads, oh my GOD the smell of any comic especially from pre glossy paper, I just love it!
Right now on the fence with Omnibus, no adds, not vintage feel, not sure what to do. Still want a few key floppies for nostalgia but my addiction is very bad, once I buy some floppies, I need runs, then before you know it I have 6 long boxes full!!
Right now a buddy has the complete 80's-90's Green Lantern 1-181 run, amazing condition VF++to NRMT, he only wants $230 for them, soooooo tempting!!!!
Fast forward to today, I own every single FF floppy from 1975 to when they ended a few years back, everything else is digital, cbr/cbz. It is a HUUUUUGE digital collection, just unreal due to uhm, lets just say they are cheap if you get my drift.
I want to psychically own so, so much it is hard, very hard!
Like about, the feel, the ads, oh my GOD the smell of any comic especially from pre glossy paper, I just love it!
Right now on the fence with Omnibus, no adds, not vintage feel, not sure what to do. Still want a few key floppies for nostalgia but my addiction is very bad, once I buy some floppies, I need runs, then before you know it I have 6 long boxes full!!
Right now a buddy has the complete 80's-90's Green Lantern 1-181 run, amazing condition VF++to NRMT, he only wants $230 for them, soooooo tempting!!!!
#14
Re: Individual Comics VS Collections (TPB/Omnibus/Etc)
The more I read through my old comics as I organize the ones I'm selling vs keeping the more I want to replace all of them with Omnibuses, Masterworks, or Trade Paperbacks.
The pages have yellowed and the color has faded, even on comics only 25 years old. It makes them harder, and less enjoyable, to read.
I've replaced about half of my collection with books, and will end up keeping only a few key issues that aren't in any trades.
The pages have yellowed and the color has faded, even on comics only 25 years old. It makes them harder, and less enjoyable, to read.
I've replaced about half of my collection with books, and will end up keeping only a few key issues that aren't in any trades.