expatNERD

Author: Marv

  • 36 – Corner Piece

    36 – Corner Piece

    I remember reading an article on one of those comic book news websites that someone sold the corner piece of Action Comics #1 for a ridiculous amount of money. I was flabbergasted. I mean how do you authenticate something like that?

    Curt thought he could pull a fast one on me (I think). But luckily, being the experienced owner I am of a store that specializes in collectibles, I knew how to shut that down.

    And I do have a feeling he will be back with something else. I will be ready.

    I cannot help but notice that Superman is rocking it right now. The movie was a success and the main Superman books are really good. Mark Waid is on Action Comics at the moment with Skylar Partridge, putting the focus on a new interation of Superboy, which is charming as hell. Also, can I say I am absolutely loving the “Welcome to Metropolis” feature they do in every issue? If you are picking up the Superman books, Skylar does a wonderful, weirdly detailed interview, and you know she is such a fan of the character. She is becoming one of my favorite artists.

    Then of course the Superman line, with our old and trustworthy friend Joshua Williamson with superstar artist Dan Mora, is crushing at the moment. They are bringing back the Legion of Super-Heroes and it is absolutely moving.

    Finally, Jason frickin’ Aaron is still doing Absolute Superman and this is a take that I am really enjoying. All of the super-books are good and now is a really great time to be a Superman fan.

    Dare I say that this rivals or is on par with the ‘triangle era.’ Glove thrown. Down. On the ground.

    -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