Why hasn't Ambush Bug been reprinted?

[Kid Kyoto]

Anyone know if there's any chance of the 80s Ambush Bug minis being reprinted. 20 years later they're fondly remembered, the 2 original minis would fit well into a $20 TPB, or add in the specials and DC comcis presents issues and Action Comics stories to make 2 volumes.

Considering some of oddball stuff that's been reprinted I think Ambush Bug deserves his shot.

[rwe1138]

I doubt DC sees much money in it. I'd buy it.

[Jack Zodiac]

I just hunted all the minis down a while back. Found most of 'em in the dollar bins at a couple of comic shops. It'd be awesome as hell if they'd collect all of Ambush Bug's minis in one book, but I doubt it'll ever happen.

[Mike Smash!]

If you're listening DC, I would buy a Ambush Bug Showcase volume in a heartbeat!

[Babylon23]

If DC did this, I'd definitely be there.

[marshal99]

Doubt Ambush Bug is popular enough to warrant a collection.

http://www.christopherjonesart.com/images/bug/bug_preview.jpg

[jam]

If DC did this, I'd definitely be there.

I'd be up for just about any kind of Bug collection!

[MichaelMogg]

I just hunted all the minis down a while back. Found most of 'em in the dollar bins at a couple of comic shops. It'd be awesome as hell if they'd collect all of Ambush Bug's minis in one book, but I doubt it'll ever happen.

Yeah, I bought mine online at Mile High. I think when a book can be so easily found -- not to mention so cheaply -- it doesn't warrant a tpb. :o

Edit: Plus the old ones have that priceless 'comic smell'. :D

[Loren]

If you're listening DC, I would buy a Ambush Bug Showcase volume in a heartbeat!

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3248/193/320/showcasepresentsambushbug2.jpg

I still wish I'd found a better cover choice.

[Jack Zodiac]

The "All In Full Color" joke would really suck, in this case.

[Sean Dulaney]

While I'd say the availability of back issues might be a factor, didn't it leak out awhile back that there's a window of time (like mid-1977 to 1989) that the royalty structure for that period makes trades/reprints less appealing financially for DC? The early ACTION appearances and two mini's would fall in the window. Also, haven't the few reprints of books originally printed with the early flexographic process (The first few issues of COIE) required a certain amount or reconstruction/restoration? At least one of the mini's used the process IIRC.

[Matchstick]

Wait, you're saying there's enough financial incentive for a Metamorpho showcase, but Ambush Bug wouldn't sell enough? (no offense to Metamorpho.)

I realize the character's glory days are long behind him, but it seems to me he has a big enough cult following to warrant at least a showcase reprint. It's time to show some love to the Bug, DC.

Heck, I'd shell out for an Absolute Ambush Bug if such a thing were offered, but that's me.

and I own all his appearances (except the Lobo ones, and background cameos.)

[Kid Kyoto]

While I'd say the availability of back issues might be a factor, didn't it leak out awhile back that there's a window of time (like mid-1977 to 1989) that the royalty structure for that period makes trades/reprints less appealing financially for DC? The early ACTION appearances and two mini's would fall in the window. Also, haven't the few reprints of books originally printed with the early flexographic process (The first few issues of COIE) required a certain amount or reconstruction/restoration? At least one of the mini's used the process IIRC.

That would explain a lot, like why there's 2 Jimmy @#$#%ing Olsen collections but no Suicide Squad or Giffin/Levitz LSH.

Can anyone confirm this or shed more light on it?

[Infra-Man]

This thread reminds me of what my next exciting back issue hunt should be.

[Brian Cronin]

Yeah, late 70s until late 80s, DC had a much higher royalty rate for reprints. So either the book sells SO well that it is worth the money paid out (which is rare), or they negotiate with the creators to get them to cut their rate (which takes time and effort).

I would imagine Ambush Bug just isn't seen as worth the time and effort to renegotiate.

Metamorpho was at the old royalty rate.

-Brian

[rwe1138]

That would explain a lot, like why there's 2 Jimmy @#$#%ing Olsen collections but no Suicide Squad or Giffin/Levitz LSH.

Can anyone confirm this or shed more light on it?

Why 2 Jimmy Olsen trades? Because they're by Jack Kirby, and introduce the New Gods into the DCU.