I want to pick up the BPRD trades, but...

[Juno Reactor]

So it took a while -- like, four years -- but I've finally warmed up to Guy Davis, and I've decided now's the time to try the BPRD series.

Problem is, I can't find the trades at my local shops, and my only option appears to be buying them online -- and I've heard many a horror story of the quality they may arrive in. It sounds like Amazon isn't that reliable for a safe delivery (even though I got "Strange Places" from them without trouble), but what about other outlets, like TFAW? Is there any place online where I can trust them to send the books in good condition (barring any freak accidents like exploding UPS trucks, of course)?

I'm itching to jump into "A Plague of Frogs," "The Dead," "The Black Flame," and "The Universal Machine," but I need to know where to get them first!

- JR

[TBolt]

I've never had a problem with Amazon. Your local shop can get them all thru Diamond, too.

[Todd H]

Amazon will definatly be your cheapeast outlet. Only problem I've ever had with them was one of my trades had a back corner folded over. I was a little distressed by it at first but I'm over it now :D.

TFAW is reliable as far as I can tell. I've done a few orders with them now and never had an issue.

Overstock.com also has the books cheap (they tend to hover around Amazon prices). I've only ordered regular novels from them so I don't know how they'd ship out comics or trades. Never had an issue with the books though.

[Juno Reactor]

Bellygrub, I remember your story about the folded cover. Even so, I think I may go with Amazon, but Amazon no longer carries new copies of "A Plague of Frogs." I can get the other three through Amazon, though.

Anyone else want to share their experiences? I'm particularly interested in TFAW, since I'll probably have to at least get "Plague" there.

- JR

[Rachel Edidin]

Bellygrub, I remember your story about the folded cover. Even so, I think I may go with Amazon, but Amazon no longer carries new copies of "A Plague of Frogs." I can get the other three through Amazon, though.

Anyone else want to share their experiences? I'm particularly interested in TFAW, since I'll probably have to at least get "Plague" there.

- JR

The advantage of TFAW is that it shares a warehouse with DH, so (I think) the book would be going through one stage less of packing, mailing, etc. I may be mistaken, though, so please don't take my word for it.

[hellboyone]

Also, Amazon will replace your book if you're not satisfied with it. You won't be stuck with a book you don't want.

[Gary_B]

I can't find the trades at my local shops, and my only option appears to be buying them online -- and I've heard many a horror story of the quality they may arrive in. - JR

I suggest asking your local shop to order them for you. You can check them for damage before you pay and there wont be any shipping charges.

[Neil Hill]

TFAW is reliable as far as I can tell. I've done a few orders with them now and never had an issue.

I agree with Bellygrub. However, I'd still go with Amazon due to the lower price point.

Also, lest we forget that at comic book conventions you can often find TPB's for dirt cheap prices. For instance; several years ago at SDCC TFAW had a booth setup where they were selling TPB's 5 for 5 bucks a piece!! And the discount was even better the more you purchased. In other words, sometimes it pays (literally) to just hold onto your cash for a local convention and then buy in bulk. Of course if after 'hearing' this you still have that "I want it now" feeling, I'd still go with Amazon.com.

[patrick r]

If you want new trades and great shipping, check out instocktrades.com (http://www.instocktrades.com).

I have ordered from them several times and all of the books have arrived in excellent condition.

They offer a standard 35% off and no shipping on order of =/>$50.

They do have the following BPRD trades in stock at $11.67 each. If you get all five shipping you wouldn't have to pay shipping.

B.P.R.D.: A Plague of Frogs TPB
B.P.R.D.: The Dead TPB
B.P.R.D.: The Soul of Venice and Other Stories TPB
B.P.R.D.: The Black Flame TPB
B.P.R.D.: Universal Machine TPB

The trades are in alphabetical order but some of them are listed as B.P.R.D. and others as BPRD so they aren't all grouped.

[evening]

As far as TFAW goes, I have ordered from them several times, without any problems.

[Asa]

I got most of the trades from comic shop. Others I got from TFAW. I had good luck either way.

[Jankenstein]

I've ordered from TFAW and Amazon with no problems from either. There are quite literally hundreds of various online comics retailers, and most have fair reputations for service.

I haven't checked to see if they carry the BRPD TPB's, but no one packs their books better for shipping that Bud Plant Comic Art. (http://www.budplant.com).

[Juno Reactor]

If you want new trades and great shipping, check out instocktrades.com (http://www.instocktrades.com).

I have ordered from them several times and all of the books have arrived in excellent condition.

They offer a standard 35% off and no shipping on order of =/>$50.

They do have the following BPRD trades in stock at $11.67 each. If you get all five shipping you wouldn't have to pay shipping.

B.P.R.D.: A Plague of Frogs TPB
B.P.R.D.: The Dead TPB
B.P.R.D.: The Soul of Venice and Other Stories TPB
B.P.R.D.: The Black Flame TPB
B.P.R.D.: Universal Machine TPB

The trades are in alphabetical order but some of them are listed as B.P.R.D. and others as BPRD so they aren't all grouped.
This service sounds great, but are the TPBs they sell brand new?

I just want to make sure.

- JR

[patrick r]

This service sounds great, but are the TPBs they sell brand new?

I just want to make sure.

- JRThey are indeed crisp, clean & shiny new.

[Juno Reactor]

Okay, I did exactly what Petriacce suggested, and ordered from Instock Trades. I'd like to thank everyone for their help, though.

It's funny. I originally only planned to get volumes 3, 4, 5 and 6, but at these prices and free shipping I figured, hell, I might as well get Volume 2 while I'm at it. And it just so happens that Volume 1, the only trade not available at the site, is the one BPRD trade available at my local comic shop. So at the end of the day, I'll have all of them and be all caught up in time for the Garden of Souls trade in January (I think it was January).

Now I need to make room on my shelf!

And in case anyone's wondering: my moment of conversion from a Guy Davis skeptic to a Guy Davis believer was when I saw a panel of Katha-Hem rampaging across the countryside. I had been warming up to Davis every since I saw his e-comic contributions to the "Pan's Labyrinth" DVD, but Katha-Hem was when I was born again. :)

Thanks again everyone!

- JR

[el seth]

I had been warming up to Davis every since I saw his e-comic contributions to the "Pan's Labyrinth" DVD, but Katha-Hem was when I was born again. :)

Watch for webbed toes.

That's the first sign.

[Juno Reactor]

Watch for webbed toes.

That's the first sign.
Haha, what are you talking about, I feel -- RIBBIT!

Erm...

By the way, Seth, your Metroid avatar reminds me: I need to finish Corruption! The last time I played, I had just picked up the nifty Nova Beam. I need to get off this damn Pirate Homeworld... :)

But uh, back to BPRD! I got the confirmation letter -- WHOO! If I live in Michigan, I wonder how long my order will take to get here?

- JR