How Do You Read Essentials?

[beaglegod]

I was just curious as to how some of you who buy Essentials go about reading them.

Do you read a huge chunck of one title or do you read vol 1 of each title your interested in,followed by volume 2 of each etc.

[Hombre]

Do you read a huge chunck of one title or do you read vol 1 of each title your interested in,followed by volume 2 of each etc.

I always read them in order, but not necessarily all the series at the same time. The essentials can be easier or harder to get through according to your tastes, I think you will find X-Men 1-7 or Defenders to be a breeze, for example, others perhaps not so much.

What I do is read a bunch of things at once, not the best way to go, perhaps. I usually have a couple of Essentials started, sometimes a color trade, and my usual reading of runs of original issues, which are the ones I tend to look most forward to reading when i can.

[CPT Space Bomb]

Does anyone agree with me that they would gladly shell out a few more bucks to have the Essentials in color? Man, I would love to have the essentials in color. Though, black and white gives some of the classics like Super-Villian Team up a sense of true history.

[shaxper]

I don't read the Essentials.

I keep meaning to, but the binding, page quality, and lack of colors are just super unfriendly. Man, it's only a bargain if you can still enjoy it.

Agreed with CPT's comments above.

[Rich L]

Different series but in volume order, if that makes sense - it usually depends on what else I'm reading at the time (other runs, books, etc). At the moment I'm wading through Essential Godzilla, and I have to admit I'm finding it tough going.

[Graham Vingoe]

I tried to read all the essential Avengers in order from the beginning and managed to issue 48 in volume 2 before I began flagging. I've started mixing it up a bit as I am finding the post Gruenwald Spiderwoman issues to be a hard slog. I prefer to have a variety of stuff on the go really.

[Roquefort Raider]

I read them as I buy them, with no particular order in mind.

The lack of color doesn't bother me one bit, since I initially read most of these titles in B&W translated form anyway.

In some cases, I'd even say the lack of color can be an advantage. The art of Gene Colan, Dan Adkins, and Paul Gulacy (if we ever get a Master of Kung Fu essential) looks much better in black and white than covered with the cheap pinks and yellows of yesteryear.

[Slam_Bradley]

Does anyone agree with me that they would gladly shell out a few more bucks to have the Essentials in color? Man, I would love to have the essentials in color. Though, black and white gives some of the classics like Super-Villian Team up a sense of true history.


I wouldn't pay more to have them in color. But then I'm notoriously cheap.

I read them a volume at a time. Usually around three issues a night. I don't usually read sequential volumes of a series because I tend to get burned out by the end of a volume and need a change of perspective.

[scratchie]

Does anyone agree with me that they would gladly shell out a few more bucks to have the Essentials in color?Not if it's the crappy re-coloring job that I've seen in virtually every color Marvel reprint from the 70s (X-Men, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Avengers).

[The Lucky One]

Does anyone agree with me that they would gladly shell out a few more bucks to have the Essentials in color?

According to Marvel, it would cost about 2-3 times as much to do that, as you're not just talking color but better paper quality with it. And if I wanted to pay that much, I'd just read Masterworks.

No, the lack of color rarely bothers me. There are occasional instances where I'll think "Man, I'll bet this splash would look even more awesome in color," but they're few and far between. To each his own, but to me it wouldn't be worth the extra price... for some books, maybe, but stuff like the Silver Age X-Men? That you're just reading for the sake of completion, not because it's awesome stories or anything.

-D

[Lone Ranger]

I love 'em just the way they are.

I still have plenty of back issues, and buy the higher end Masterworks for certain titles, but the Essentials format is perfect for many title (and I used to be a disbeliever)

I tend to read them one volume at a time. That's partly because I try not to have too many books piling up in different areas of my house.

These days, I'm lucky to get through a couple of issues a day.

The only volume I've felt to be a tough slog was Killraven, I kind of had to force myself to finish that one.

[Slam_Bradley]

.

The only volume I've felt to be a tough slog was Killraven, I kind of had to force myself to finish that one.


I felt the same way (waits for Howy to come in and slag us). I'm having the same problem with Monster of Frankenstein. The switch from Gary Friedrich to Doug Moench was not a good thing. And I'm usually a fan of Moench's writing.

[Expletive Deleted]

According to Marvel, it would cost about 2-3 times as much to do that, as you're not just talking color but better paper quality with it. And if I wanted to pay that much, I'd just read Masterworks.Or Omnibuses, which are basically colored Essentials at about six times the price. Losing the oversized trim and the hardcover binding probably make the comparison a bit better, but not by a lot.

[Lone Ranger]

I saw the X-Men Omnibus and it looked pretty impressive. I think it was $100 USD.

I worry about books that thick - whether repeat handling, and opening the pages wipe open will be tough on the spine. Has anyone had any problems.

[scratchie]

I worry about books that thick - whether repeat handling, and opening the pages wipe open will be tough on the spine. Has anyone had any problems.I worry more that it would be difficult to read a book that big for any extended period of time. I think my arms might get tired from holding that book for an hour or two.

[Cei-U!]

For me, the current format and price *is* the attraction of the Essentials (and Showcases). I have 15 of 'em, all of them reprinting comics I used to own but cannot afford to recollect, not en masse like this. As an artist and a student of the pen and brush, I like being able to see the artwork without the distraction of color. So, no, I wouldn't pay more for color Essentials. Were that to occur, I'd go back to buying lower grade copies of the originals.

As for how I read them, I usually read one volume at a time over the space of a week or so, averaging three to four stories a night. But I have tons of other reading material, comics and otherwise, so I tend to read each new one right away and put it on the shelf, dipping into the others rarely and as the mood strikes me.

I can reread Volume 2 of a set without rereading V.1. I can even read a story in the middle of a volume without reading the others in the book.

Not that "can" equals "do," y'understand.

Cei-U!
I summon the best bargain in collecting!

[beaglegod]

I think Ill be reading one volume of a title through than switching to another title to keep things fresh and a bit more cohesive,although early in the game comics had no where near the overlapping story lines they do now.

Im finding that Essentials will be my staple for comic reading the price is just spot on, I orderd all 7 volumes of X-men for $79 shipping included, I thought at first that the lack of color was a minus,that is until I ordered a bunch of old FF issues from the 70s. The coloring to me was just awfull,todays comics are gorgeous in color no doubt but to me a lot of those bronze age comics look like 8 year olds colored them. So I actualy think the B&W can be a plus. The only change Id make would be to have the covers of each issue reprinted in color, the covers were always beautiful.:D

[Josh S]

I've only got four (FF 1, Iron Fist 1, Avengers 1, Thor 2). I read a few issues from the first three then tired of them, but with THOR I'm finding it to be one of the most enjoyable reads of my limited exposure to comics.


As for paying extra for color, if it was an issue of a buck or two I wouldn't mind because it's still right around $20, but that's not possibe. I could never deal with the omnibus books is that I read comics in the tub alot :o and if I dropped a $100 book in the tub I'd probably just throw a toaster on in with it.

[beaglegod]

I read comics in the tub alot

Josh?......Josh.......Didnt your mother ever tell you,you shouldnt do that?:)

So the old Thor stories are good eh? Well maybe that will have to be next on my list.

[Josh S]

Yeah, they're pretty cool. I haven't read the first volume, though. The guy who suggested I check out the early THOR said that the stories really picked up in the second volume. I'll go back and get the first volume eventually, though.

By the way, I was going to jokingly say that my mom had abandoned the family when I was 3 months old, but I'm not sure how my sense of humor will play around here so I let it go.

[beaglegod]

By the way, I was going to jokingly say that my mom had abandoned the family when I was 3 months old

I can see we will get along just fine.:D

Personaly I was nursed by chimps in the rain forest,so I have quite a unique outlook on things. ;)

[Josh S]

Personaly I was nursed by chimps in the rain forest,so I have quite a unique outlook on things. ;)

Color me jealous.

By the way, when do the ESSENTIAL XMEN start? I've never really cared for XMen (I'm far to hip to like popular stuff), but now I'm kinda intrigued by the whole thing. I'd really like to start around (I think it's) XMen #100 or whatever the really famous issue is.

[jaguarshark]

Originally posted by Josh S
By the way, when do the ESSENTIAL XMEN start? I've never really cared for XMen (I'm far to hip to like popular stuff), but now I'm kinda intrigued by the whole thing. I'd really like to start around (I think it's) XMen #100 or whatever the really famous issue is.
Essential X-Men starts with Giant-Size X-Men #1, followed by X-Men (first series, later to become Uncanny X-Men) #94. If issue 100 is the one you're thinking of, it's a good choice... it's got classic Cockrum art, and is extremely important to the Phoenix Saga, for memory.
The best X-Men stuff I've ever read is in Essential Vol. 2, but it would be a good idea to start with Vol. 1, just so you can see all the story elements being introduced.
I picked up the real first chapter in the X-Men saga a couple of days ago: Essential Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1. It collects all the Lee and Kirby stuff. I've heard it's not great, but it seems like a literally Essential part of any X-Fan's collection.

[Josh S]

I think GIANT-SIZE X-MEN #1 is the issue I'm thinking of. I think it's when Wolverine joins the team and the cover is them busting through the cover. Or I could be mixing up issues.

[Reptisaurus!]

One page at a time. Usually in order, but there are stories I can't WAIT to get too, so sometimes I skip ahead.

Also: Essential Son of Satan up at Amazon. Hooray!

[jaguarshark]

Yep Josh, that's Giant-Size X-Men #1. Ironically, it's not written by Claremont, but the next 17 years-or-so worth are, so if you do buy those Essentials, get ready for lots of focused totality, as you join mind, body and soul with the team, who offer no quarter and take none. Claremont's the best there is at what he does... and what he does isn't pretty. If you don't read those issues, it's your funeral, bub.
Sorry... once you read the issues, you'll understand. Claremont has a fairly... distinctive writing style, that tends to involve the same phrases repeating themselves a lot. Still, the man's a genius.

[Josh S]

Thanks. I'll pick up the first volume the next time I get a chance.

[shaxper]

Yep Josh, that's Giant-Size X-Men #1. Ironically, it's not written by Claremont, but the next 17 years-or-so worth are, so if you do buy those Essentials, get ready for lots of focused totality, as you join mind, body and soul with the team, who offer no quarter and take none. Claremont's the best there is at what he does... and what he does isn't pretty. If you don't read those issues, it's your funeral, bub.
Sorry... once you read the issues, you'll understand. Claremont has a fairly... distinctive writing style, that tends to involve the same phrases repeating themselves a lot. Still, the man's a genius.

Clarement takes over writing on issue #94 and plotting on #96. Early on, he's strong with narration, characterization, and long-term plot developments but weak on single issue plots. Two issues in (#98), he begins laying tracks for the biggest event in X-Men history. This was Claremont's first ongoing work in the superhero genre (he'd done an issue of Daredevil and FF prior), so it's pretty amazing what he accomplishes right off, but he doesn't really hit his peak until around #129 (where the retroactively titled "Dark Phoenix" saga begins) so be patient with him. I think the team really finds its emotional center with #153 ("Kitty's Fairytale"), one of my favorite comics ever written.

[Agentum]

Some Essentials is hard to read like Cap. Americas, i can't get that done:)

But New Uncanny X-men and the more modern Essentials from the 70s (Powerman, Moon Knight etc.) is often very easy to read, but i guess it depends a bit what you are used to, i mean i growed up with 70s and 80s comics.

[Slam_Bradley]

Yeah, they're pretty cool. I haven't read the first volume, though. The guy who suggested I check out the early THOR said that the stories really picked up in the second volume. I'll go back and get the first volume eventually, though.



He was absolutely right about that. The best part of the first volume is the Tales of Asgard back-up in the later issues that are reprinted therein. The main Thor stories don't have a whole lot to recommend them .

[Josh S]

Some Essentials is hard to read like Cap. Americas, i can't get that done:)

But New Uncanny X-men and the more modern Essentials from the 70s (Powerman, Moon Knight etc.) is often very easy to read, but i guess it depends a bit what you are used to, i mean i growed up with 70s and 80s comics.


I agree. I'm loving THOR, but I'm finding AVENGERS and FANTASTIC FOUR much tougher to get through. It's not that they're bad, though.

[Agentum]

I agree. I'm loving THOR, but I'm finding AVENGERS and FANTASTIC FOUR much tougher to get through. It's not that they're bad, though.
No, i'm not stating that they are bad, but they take some time to get used to, after all to me Marvel comics from the 60s is much easier to read than DC from the same era, that feels like another planets comics to me:D

[Josh S]

I didn't mean to imply that you were saying they were bad. Sorry. And I actually prefer the DC stuff to the Marvel in that it's just so ridiculous. They're both "simpler" than current comics, but Marvel seemed to try to have a serious tone to their books where as DC would have Superman turning into a lion and Batman dishing out spankings to everybody within reach.

[Agentum]

I seem to forever have lost my intrest for thet type of comics, i can read an issue or two of Superman from the 60s but i'm getting tired of the coffe break storytelling very quick.
They had great energy and imagination but they did not put much work in the storys, but then again their targets was young boys not adults.

[Shellhead]

I wouldn't pay more to have them in color. But then I'm notoriously cheap.

I read them a volume at a time. Usually around three issues a night. I don't usually read sequential volumes of a series because I tend to get burned out by the end of a volume and need a change of perspective.

I've been noticing that I get burned out about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way into a typical Essentials volume. In the early running, I'm fine with the format, but the lack of color eventually causes a certain boredom to set in as I continue reading, in a way that doesn't happen with actual color comic books. I do appreciate the price difference, and I also feel that certain artwork looks great in black and white. Early Byrne, for example, or anything by Paul Gulacy.

[Josh S]

Agentum - I can't read either for long without tiring of it. But, yeah, it's obvious those comics were geared toward young readers.

Shellhead - I agree that the lack of color eventually begins to take a toll. When I was reading ESSENTIAL THOR 2 last night I kept looking over at the stack of THE MIGHTY THOR comics that I'd just got and found myself stuggling to keep myself from reading them. I just really want to get through this ESSENTIAL first, though, because I was told if I don't read it first then the first cliffhanger in Simonson's run won't mean as much to me.

[spoon_jenkins]

The only ones that I've read cover to cover within a short period are Spider-Man volumes. I think I may have even read back-to-back volumes of Spider-Man in order. Usually, I just read small portions, sometimes out of order, because of time constraints or other reasons.