expatNERD

Author: Marv

  • 35 – The Pull-List

    35 – The Pull-List

    Is our industry complicated? If someone watched the Superman and Fantastic Four movies and decided to try out this thing called comic books, would they be able to navigate the treacherous waters?

    Probably not. At least not on their own.

    Luckily there are many trusted comic book stores out there (mine included) who do give good advice and customer service to the newbie. But obviously, from experience, sometimes it feels like I am discussing the topic of quantum physics. My favorite part is when their eyes sort of glaze over and I know I have lost them. It is usually on the “everything you order comes out in two months”‘ part.

    Do not get me wrong. It has been well documented that the direct market saved the industry because the circulation system was not working. Publishers would ship out 300,000 copies, half of which would be returned, and that was not sustainable. Financially and environmental(ly?).

    Finally, why is Franka giving Barbara the low down on the industry? Read forthcoming installments of Solicitations to find out!

    -Marv

  • 34 – Master Splinter

    34 – Master Splinter

    To say Jason Aaron’s current run on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is successful would be a gross understatement. It is one of the most popular books leaving expatNERD today and I think it must be IDW’s most popular series at the moment. And as a TMNT fan, I can declare everything from the above to be correct and good.

    However, what separates me from other lovers of this series is restraint and not taking things literally. When Donatello convinces his brothers that the dead rat on his shoulder is their dead father it is because the fate of New York City is on the line.

    When Curt does it, it is something else entirely.

    But hey! This is why comics are so great. Something can resonate so well with someone that they instantly become loyal and will shout it from the rooftops.

    I do hope in the future that Curt will leave the roadkill alone or call the proper authorities to come collect it.

    Finally, your weekly, friendly reminder is to subscribe to our newsletter. If you like what Franka is doing you can receive the comic right in your inbox every Monday before it goes live on Tuesday. And you also will have the Thursday recommendation to start your week off right. What is not to love about that?

    -Marv