Captain Britain Omnibus

[gryhpon]

When is this coming out? the release date on amazon keeps changing.is there any reason it keeps getting delayed?

[passer-by]

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=242608
.

[Expletive Deleted]

Last I heard, May 6th.

As for why . . . no idea. This isn't the first omnibus that's been significantly delayed, though.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Well, the contents seems to have been finalised a long time back. But a lot of Marvel UK original artwork is pretty hard to come by. That may play a part.

I also understand from speaking to some of the guys from Panini (Marvel's UK & Europe partners) back in October there had been contact from Marvel asking for earlier material. As to whether the content might be getting changed? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[jackdaw53]

I actually looked at Marvels own site for release date just a couple of days ago. It was then at early June this year.

There was no explanation for the constant steady drift of the release date. (Maybe Marvel and DC reckon its mandatory now to release everything late... otherwise fans start believing enough time hasn't been spent getting the quality right. (I can imagine scenes at Marvel HQ. "Is it ready?" "Has been for two months, but if we issue it now everybody will think it's a rushed job. Stop worrying, have another cup of coffee.")

[Loki]

Without knowing the specific details of the delay in this case, I can say that, having worked a lot with the trades department, and having had some peripheral involvement with this particular trade, they don't delay without good reason, and they really do work hard within the constraints of time and budgets to put out the best quality trades they can. They aren't delaying just for the heck of it.

[gryhpon]

i actually feel reassured now. thanks

[bkdane]

Well, the contents seems to have been finalised a long time back. But a lot of Marvel UK original artwork is pretty hard to come by. That may play a part.

I also understand from speaking to some of the guys from Panini (Marvel's UK & Europe partners) back in October there had been contact from Marvel asking for earlier material. As to whether the content might be getting changed? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I hope its the Cap Britain/Black Knight stuff from Hulk Weekly.

[Elayis]

With Alan Moore being sour at Marvel, do you thing he okayed the release of this omnibus? Is he getting any royalties?

[Skeets]

Having recently got into CB&MI:13, this excites me and might be the first omnibus I buy.

[Expletive Deleted]

With Alan Moore being sour at Marvel, do you thing he okayed the release of this omnibus? Is he getting any royalties?He doesn't have anything to do with it.

[Chris N]

I hope its the Cap Britain/Black Knight stuff from Hulk Weekly.

It looks to be the Alan Davis stuff instead, the stuff they'd previously released in two softcover trades.

I would love Marvel to reprint that though. I've come to the (rather informed) conclusion those are the single hardest Marvel stories to track down. Captain Britain comics in general are hard, but those in particular.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

It looks to be the Alan Davis stuff instead, the stuff they'd previously released in two softcover trades.

I would love Marvel to reprint that though. I've come to the (rather informed) conclusion those are the single hardest Marvel stories to track down. Captain Britain comics in general are hard, but those in particular.

They are currently being reprinted in the third Panini Comics Captain Britain volume. The problem is that it's a bugger to track down. It was supposed to have been released in November, but never came out. Lew Stringer's blog recently showed that it WAS finally out, but I've not seen it in stores, and the Amazon listing appears to only be from private sellers.

All very confusing. I've contacted Panini about it a couple of times, but they wouldn't give me a finite release date.

[bkdane]

They are currently being reprinted in the third Panini Comics Captain Britain volume. The problem is that it's a bugger to track down. It was supposed to have been released in November, but never came out. Lew Stringer's blog recently showed that it WAS finally out, but I've not seen it in stores, and the Amazon listing appears to only be from private sellers.

All very confusing. I've contacted Panini about it a couple of times, but they wouldn't give me a finite release date.

Thanks Sword.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Thanks Sword.

You can find a little more info here:

http://lewstringer.blogspot.com/2009/04/spies-footballers-knights-and.html

[Christopher Cross Is God]

It's too bad the British tpb's are in b&w..........If they ever reprint those for the US market, I'd love to see them in color.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

It's too bad the British tpb's are in b&w..........If they ever reprint those for the US market, I'd love to see them in color.

They are not all in B&W. They're printed mostly as they were originally printed. And in the case of those Black Knight/Catain Britain stories they were originally printed in black and white. Very detailed black and white. Trying to add colour now would wash out a lot of detail.

[Christopher Cross Is God]

They are not all in B&W. They're printed mostly as they were originally printed. And in the case of those Black Knight/Catain Britain stories they were originally printed in black and white. Very detailed black and white. Trying to add colour now would wash out a lot of detail.

Isn't it the same with the original British comics which are being put into the Omnibus? From what I gather, the Omnibus will be in color.

I always prefer color over b&w when it comes to comics, regardless of how it was originally printed.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Isn't it the same with the original British comics which are being put into the Omnibus? From what I gather, the Omnibus will be in color.

No. The Omnibus is picking up with the Thorpe/Davis run. They were originally done in black and white, but then later coloured (And some of the artwork cleaned up by Davis himself) for a 90s reprint series X-Men Archives: Captain Britain. These were later reprinted in part for the Alan Moore Captain Britain trade.

The other issues from the Jamie Delano/Davis run were always printed in colour.

The earlier half of Cap's early adventures, which are not in the Omnibus, were a bit of a mix. The earlier issues were coloured, but the later ones B&W. Panini have been reprinting these, largely from scanning and cleaning up original issues, as much of the artwork has long since been destroyed. Heck, a lot of the Marvel UK archive was thrown out in the hurried closure of the British office, by workmen. A huge loss.

[Loki]

The other issues from the Jamie Delano/Davis run were always printed in colour.

Hate to have to correct you, but they were black and white too.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Hate to have to correct you, but they were black and white too.

Lol. I actually came back on to specifically correct myself. They were collected in colour, around the launch of Excalibur. But the original issues were in black and white.

Gadzooks, I am not with it today. :frown:

[bkdane]

You can find a little more info here:

http://lewstringer.blogspot.com/2009/04/spies-footballers-knights-and.html

Thanks again. I ordered The Lion and the Spider through amazon.com/uk. It was actually purchased from 'the_book_depository'.

[DC906270-BIL]

I have been waiting for this for a while now, anyone know if its been released yet? Amazon has it down for a 15 July 'availability', is this the first printing?

[jackdaw53]

Marvel's own website has presently got release date as 17th June, I think.

It's gone back a time or three already, so I'd treat any date as provisional. I imagine that Marvel, well aware that I'm skint, are thoughtfully holding back release date till I can buy it.

I'll stay in this Saturday, hide the money saved somewhere, then send Marvel an email saying "I'm ready". That should get things moving.

[passer-by]

Fine. Hurry up with the e-mail, please. :biggrin:

[gryhpon]

ive come to the conclusion its best to just put my preorder in and wait for it to come

[The Sword Is Drawn]

ive come to the conclusion its best to just put my preorder in and wait for it to come

As have I. Fingers crossed it arrives by July. :biggrin:

[gryhpon]

so has anyone heard anything about when this is coming out?

[passer-by]

Amazon lists it for July 15th and the date hasn't changed in the last few weeks. So fingers crossed.

[gryhpon]

i had heard that a reason why its been delayed was that more stuff was added to it. did anyone else hear that?

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Shock, and indeed awe!

The Omnibus appears to be listed in Marvel's books coming out this week!

[Will.S]

*sigh*

So many Omnibi, so little money :frown:

[gryhpon]

so has anyone else heard that more stuff was added to it? or was that just a rumour?

[Scott Taylor]

I wants it, my preciousssss.

[Babylon23]

I've ordered mine from Amazon, so who knows when it'll arrive. The bonus is that with gift vouchers it's only costing me $20, so it's worth the extra wait.

[Global Honored]

Let us know what all is included when someone gets there hands on a copy....pleez

[gryhpon]

I've ordered mine from Amazon, so who knows when it'll arrive. The bonus is that with gift vouchers it's only costing me $20, so it's worth the extra wait.

very nice, i also used gift cards

[Global Honored]

feel free to share those as well:tongue:

[Babylon23]

very nice, i also used gift cards

If I'd picked up the book here in Australia from my LCS, it would have set me back about $125-$150. $20 for quality work like this suites me just fine.

[jackdaw53]

Is it definitely going to be out tomorrow? I feel unexpectedly cheerful today so maybe.... just maybe....

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Is it definitely going to be out tomorrow? I feel unexpectedly cheerful today so maybe.... just maybe....

It certainly appears to be on the shipping lists.

[Robodojo]

I've had this pre-ordered on Amazon.com for about eight months now. The shipping date on my online invoice is July 20th. But the Amazon.com page that lists this item has it for August 12th. So I'm not sure what's happening here.

I've noticed that with the hardcovers that Amazon.com sells, they usually ship them the following week that the direct market begins selling them. That would make sense in this case as well if this omnibus actually does get released to the direct market July 15th.

I wonder how this will sell, given it's very steep price and the lack of character star power. Obviously, having Alan Moore's name on it should help, and to a lessor extent Alan Davis as well.

[passer-by]

I've had this pre-ordered on Amazon.com for about eight months now. The shipping date on my online invoice is July 20th. But the Amazon.com page that lists this item has it for August 12th. So I'm not sure what's happening here.Frack!!! That must have happened no more than a few hours ago, because earlier today it was still listed for July 15th. :evilangry: :mad: :evilangry: :mad:

OK, it's settled - I'm not ordering it before it is announced In Stock.

[Robodojo]

Yep, it appears that it has been delayed further. I checked on my Amazon.com order again, and now they've updated the expected delivery date to mid August.

Seems like Marvel may be stalling, perhaps deciding if this product is still viable in the current marketplace. Keep in mind, the Cap monthly was recently canceled, so they may consider printing this thing to be a losing venture at this point.

[Expletive Deleted]

Amazon's ship dates for Marvel and DC product are notoriously unreliable.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Amazon are notorious for selling Direct Market trades up to a month late. Sometimes longer if they've got the reference number for a hardcover and a trade mixed up (And that has happened to me twice now!). But the bottom line is that pre-ordering saves you money. Amazon will give a discount. And it can't but help the book's cause for Marvel to know just how many are pre-ordering it.

[Robodojo]

Well, it looks like the Amazon.com buyers may have to wait about a month longer for this book, then, but at least it does appear to be coming out. I'll wait the extra month in order to save over $40 through Amazon.com instead of paying the $100+tax of buying it at an LCS.

Looks like I may finally be able to bid a fond farewell to my two well-read Captain Britain trades, one of which I bought back in the late eighties!

[gryhpon]

my order still gives me a shipping date of tommorow, but i guess it might change before then

[Robodojo]

My shipping date changed today when I switched the shipping speed from supersaver to standard delivery. It went from July 20th to August 12th. To be clear, I went from the free delivery to the basic deliver and my order got set back almost a month. Go figure.

[gryhpon]

My shipping date changed today when I switched the shipping speed from supersaver to standard delivery. It went from July 20th to August 12th. To be clear, I went from the free delivery to the basic deliver and my order got set back almost a month. Go figure.
i was already on the standard delivery since i live in canada and ordered it form amazon.com ( the gift certificates were for .com specifically) my delivery date stayed the same. maybe when you switched your order you got pushed down on the order list.

[Robodojo]

You might be right about that. If so, that's a lousy thing for Amazon.com to do to me as a customer. Kind of ironic, too, since the whole reason I switched my order to a faster shipping was to get the book sooner than the free shipping would have. I would have gotten this book far sooner through the free shipping option had I done nothing. Whoops...

[Babylon23]

My shipping date is still listed as July 15.

Really, I don't mind waiting. I have the X-Men Archives: Captain Britain miniseries to tide me over while I wait.

[Robodojo]

I'll be curious to find out if Amazon actually makes those shipments. I emailed them to ask why my order was delayed when it should have actually been hastened. I received a reply within an hour that essentially said that once a change of shipping request is made, the computer reassess' the ship date based on the most current info they have. The most current info they have states the book won't be available to ship until mid August. Unless you've changed an aspect of your order, the computer wouldn't have had a reason to update it until the most recent ship date arrives.

In other words, prepare to be a bit more patient, or spend the extra dough to get it now from an LCS. I've waited this long, so a little bit longer isn't the end of the world.

[gryhpon]

out of curiosity. if this omnibus does well in terms of sales, does anyone think ithere any chance marvel will put out a second omnibus of captain britain containing the earlier stuff?
is the earlier stuff enough for a scond omnibus?

[The Sword Is Drawn]

out of curiosity. if this omnibus does well in terms of sales, does anyone think ithere any chance marvel will put out a second omnibus of captain britain containing the earlier stuff?
is the earlier stuff enough for a scond omnibus?

Well, it's possible.

Although, if you hunt it down, Panini have been putting out trades which cover that continuity for a few years now. Including the Black Knight/Captain Britain stories.

Harder to come by in Canada, I'm sure. But might be worth a look.

[gryhpon]

Well, it's possible.

Although, if you hunt it down, Panini have been putting out trades which cover that continuity for a few years now. Including the Black Knight/Captain Britain stories.

Harder to come by in Canada, I'm sure. But might be worth a look.

i was just saying that maybe if this omnibus does well, marvel might want to do another

[gryhpon]

I'll be curious to find out if Amazon actually makes those shipments. I emailed them to ask why my order was delayed when it should have actually been hastened. I received a reply within an hour that essentially said that once a change of shipping request is made, the computer reassess' the ship date based on the most current info they have. The most current info they have states the book won't be available to ship until mid August. Unless you've changed an aspect of your order, the computer wouldn't have had a reason to update it until the most recent ship date arrives.

In other words, prepare to be a bit more patient, or spend the extra dough to get it now from an LCS. I've waited this long, so a little bit longer isn't the end of the world.

im going to email them to ask if my order will ship today. what department did you email specifically?

[gryhpon]

what i meant to say was, what did you say the issue with the order was from the lsit of reasons they give?

[Robodojo]

I believe I selected the "where's my stuff" option.

[gryhpon]

i had actually jsut sent an email before i saw what you wrote and i sent it under other questions and comments

[gryhpon]

alas, it is indeed delayed on amazon until august according to the email they sent me

[The Sword Is Drawn]

alas, it is indeed delayed on amazon until august according to the email they sent me

I have an estimate of 31st July - 5th August on my order. :frown:

In the meantime UK sci-fi store Forbidden Planet certainly seem to have the book on their weekly releases list (Although, who the hell is Alan David?) :) :

http://www.forbidden-planet.co.uk/acatalog/July_16th.html

Which sounds promising.

I can wait a few weeks if it saves me a tenner.

[Joe Blow]

Marvel's site (http://marvel.com/catalog/?id=11204) still has this as coming out today, as does MyComicShop (http://www.mycomicshop.com/graphicnovels/item?IID=16547021). And amazon usually gets Omnibuses late.

Anyone see this at their local shops today?

[Joe Blow]

Looks like a couple ebayers have it on hand, ready to ship.
Oh, as does my local comic shop...

So I gues it's finally out.

This is one Omnibus I'd pay full retail for, so I think I'll just pick it up today in person - oh happy day!

[gryhpon]

Looks like a couple ebayers have it on hand, ready to ship.
Oh, as does my local comic shop...

So I gues it's finally out.

This is one Omnibus I'd pay full retail for, so I think I'll just pick it up today in person - oh happy day!

if you get it let us know exactly what is in it. like if they included soem extras or whatever

[Robodojo]

It's definitely out. I saw it at my LCS today, and it looked glorious.

Now I'm going to have a lot harder time waiting for it, but no way am I going to pay $100 + tax for this now when Amazon will only charge me $62 if I wait.

[Joe Blow]

if you get it let us know exactly what is in it. like if they included soem extras or whateverI had it in my hands and totally pussed out - I just couldn't justify full retail in this economy. I went ahead and dropped $65 for it on ebay - should have it within a week.

[jackdaw53]

My usual purveyor of fine comics uses a system of delivery that seems to rely on tea cutters rather than teleport beams or black holes.... so it could be a week or three before I see it.

Joe... I trust you made an offer on it before placing it back on the shelf and going the e-bay route. (I often find a hard negotiation along lines of "discount available elsewhere" followed by bursting into tears often works. Though later often works better if you send wife or girl friend.)

Anyway... given we're all going to get it in next few weeks.... I suppose its just a matter of "The Sword is Drawn" judging right moment to open thread so we can all discuss the treasury of stories within the book?

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Anyway... given we're all going to get it in next few weeks.... I suppose its just a matter of "The Sword is Drawn" judging right moment to open thread so we can all discuss the treasury of stories within the book?

Ha ha. Maybe at some point when I get my copy. I'm a bit pushed for time, right now. I'm packing up my house, to move in a few weeks (Fingers crossed).

[Joe Blow]

Joe... I trust you made an offer on it before placing it back on the shelf and going the e-bay route. (I often find a hard negotiation along lines of "discount available elsewhere" followed by bursting into tears often works. Though later often works better if you send wife or girl friend.)I know the store owner would've given me at least 10% to 15% off retail, but a) he wasn't there at that moment, and b) that's just not enough of a discount.

And while I'm not above sending my girlfriend to grovel for me, she's pretty much the only person who keeps me honest, so that wouldn't exactly pan out - and while she doesn't shit on this hobby of mine or anything, she doesn't exactly encourage it either.

[Aelle3]

mmm looking foward to this so much, can finally put the dog eared trades to bed.

which cover do you guys like more? I love the old cap suit, but there is something about davis drawing the original suit that is awesome.

[jackdaw53]

Joe. Sounds like your better half has the same amused tolerance of comics as mine. I agree dispatching on a mission to get a decent discount might just be pushing luck a bit too far. (Better not to even think about it.... telepathy is not impossible... and I imagine wrong thought might well lead to trouble.)

"Sword is Drawn". Good luck with the move... one of life's more stressful experiences... and that's if practically it all goes well.

[Robodojo]

which cover do you guys like more? I love the old cap suit, but there is something about davis drawing the original suit that is awesome.This one is my personal favorite, out of all of Cap's different looks over the years.http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51L5Drc6-fL._SS500_.jpg

[The Sword Is Drawn]

which cover do you guys like more? I love the old cap suit, but there is something about davis drawing the original suit that is awesome.

While it's certainly great to see Alan Davis drawing the original Captain Britain red lion uniform for the direct market cover, it does strike me as a little bit odd to have it there. For one there's only a couple of panels in the entire omnibus with Cap in that costume, before it becomes Davis' revamp.

[Robodojo]

While it's certainly great to see Alan Davis drawing the original Captain Britain red lion uniform for the direct market cover, it does strike me as a little bit odd to have it there. For one there's only a couple of panels in the entire omnibus with Cap in that costume, before it becomes Davis' revamp.It's a variant though, isn't it? Variant covers usually don't need to follow any type of story logic, and therefore depicting him in his original outfit would seem to be appropriate. Now if they had him in a Spider-man or Captain America costume, that would be pushing it.

[Babylon23]

Just got an email from Amazon. Looks like delivery will now be August 27 2009 - September 03 2009.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

It's a variant though, isn't it? Variant covers usually don't need to follow any type of story logic, and therefore depicting him in his original outfit would seem to be appropriate. Now if they had him in a Spider-man or Captain America costume, that would be pushing it.

Wolverine Art Appreciation variant, anyone? :rolleyes:

Just got an email from Amazon. Looks like delivery will now be August 27 2009 - September 03 2009.

Bugger. Amazon really need to sort themselves out on this one.

[Aelle3]

has anyone managed to get it through a mail order service?

[The Sword Is Drawn]

has anyone managed got it through a mail order service?

I've only heard of in-store purchases so far. Anybody?

[gryhpon]

i heard amazon didnt have enough copies in stock for the preorders alone

[Robodojo]

i heard amazon didnt have enough copies in stock for the preorders aloneHow many orders could they have gotten? Are there that many of us Captain Britain fans out there, or did Amazon way underestimate the demand for this item (or both)?

I was having no trouble being patient for this omnibus after waiting so many months for it, until I saw a sealed copy of one at my LCS. Now I'm feeling impatient as hell for this thing. I've never seen Alan Davis art oversized and expansive like this, nor have I seen the original pages of these issues presented in such a pristine condition, so I can't wait for it (but of course I will).

[gryhpon]

How many orders could they have gotten? Are there that many of us Captain Britain fans out there, or did Amazon way underestimate the demand for this item (or both)?

I was having no trouble being patient for this omnibus after waiting so many months for it, until I saw a sealed copy of one at my LCS. Now I'm feeling impatient as hell for this thing. I've never seen Alan Davis art oversized and expansive like this, nor have I seen the original pages of these issues presented in such a pristine condition, so I can't wait for it (but of course I will).

my guess is that they underestimated the demand for it

[Joe Blow]

I'd like to get the skinny on why it kept getting delayed - it's easily the most often delayed book of previously published material that I can recall.

[RolandJP]

It is a fabulous Onimbus.

And cheaper than trying to hunt down the individual pictures.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I have at least now SEEN a copy in my LCS. Not bought it, though, as I'm still waiting on Amazon. :frown:

[gryhpon]

has anyone purchased this yet and have it?

[Babylon23]

My housemate picked up an instore copy. Looks fantastic. Can't wait for my own copy.

In the interim, I might have to look into picking up those Panini trades, especially the Captain Britain/Black Knight stories.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Just received an email from Amazon. My copy has been shipped.

Sadly, by a cheap private courier, whom I have had problems with in the past. Twice.

This could get messy. :frown:

[Lord Moon]

has anyone purchased this yet and have it?

Well Amazon cancelled my order (as apparently I didn't notice their email to tell me it would be late and expected me to agree to it) so I ordered from Forbidden Planet. It arrived yesterday, huzzah! A great package.

Do I win?

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Well Amazon cancelled my order (as apparently I didn't notice their email to tell me it would be late and expected me to agree to it) so I ordered from Forbidden Planet. It arrived yesterday, huzzah! A great package.

Do I win?

Yes. Although sadly, aside from actually having a copy, there is no prize. :biggrin:

[Lord Moon]

Yes. Although sadly, aside from actually having a copy, there is no prize. :biggrin:

That'll do for me :smile:

[darkhawk76]

my copy was posted yesterday according to Amazon UK

so I await with baited breath it's arrival, though the £50+ charge is starting to hurt a bit :smile:

[gryhpon]

i heard amazon gets graphic novels a week later than comic. is this true?

[JdRavnos]

Sorry if this was mentioned earlier, but since I'll be waiting a while until mine comes in thanks to Amazon, do we know if the black & white stories have been colored or if they present them the way they were originally?

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Sorry if this was mentioned earlier, but since I'll be waiting a while until mine comes in thanks to Amazon, do we know if the black & white stories have been colored or if they present them the way they were originally?

Coloured versions of all the stories included here have been printed before. So I would expect them to have gone with those.

[Robodojo]

i heard amazon gets graphic novels a week later than comic. is this true?Assuming you mean "than comic shops," Amazon.com often ships their hardcovers starting the following week that a trade/hc is released to the direct market. But this isn't always the case, as their limited supply can sometimes delay orders. We've of course seen this with the Captain Britain omnibus.

[gryhpon]

Assuming you mean "than comic shops," Amazon.com often ships their hardcovers starting the following week that a trade/hc is released to the direct market. But this isn't always the case, as their limited supply can sometimes delay orders. We've of course seen this with the Captain Britain omnibus.
dang i left the word "shops" out. well i guess we shall have to wait and see when amazon ships it

[JdRavnos]

Coloured versions of all the stories included here have been printed before. So I would expect them to have gone with those.

Hmm, I hope you're wrong. I mean, I'm not necessarily against the idea of coloring it, but it seems to me that most people buying a $100 omnibus with a character who isn't the most famous in the world by any means, are probably going to lean more towards "hardcore fan" side of things then not and might like to see it as it was original published. It seems like Criterion Collection DVD that only comes in a sloppy "pan & scan" instead of widescreen.

[gryhpon]

apparently its in stock on amazon.ca

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Hmm, I hope you're wrong. I mean, I'm not necessarily against the idea of coloring it, but it seems to me that most people buying a $100 omnibus with a character who isn't the most famous in the world by any means, are probably going to lean more towards "hardcore fan" side of things then not and might like to see it as it was original published. It seems like Criterion Collection DVD that only comes in a sloppy "pan & scan" instead of widescreen.

I wouldn't be worried. Alan Davis touched up the artwork himself for some of those coloured prints. They don't look in any way odd, or detract from the way they were intended to look.

It'll work out.

My copy is apparently now somewhere in a depot in my town, says the courier tracking site.

However, knowing that I am moving house, and not being sure how long it might be delayed, I changed the address to my Parents' place a couple of towns away, rather than risk it being delivered to somewhere I no longer lived.

I'm actually going to have to go out of my way to collect it now. :rolleyes:

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Hmm, I hope you're wrong. I mean, I'm not necessarily against the idea of coloring it, but it seems to me that most people buying a $100 omnibus with a character who isn't the most famous in the world by any means, are probably going to lean more towards "hardcore fan" side of things then not and might like to see it as it was original published. It seems like Criterion Collection DVD that only comes in a sloppy "pan & scan" instead of widescreen.

I wouldn't be worried. Alan Davis touched up the artwork himself for some of those coloured prints. They don't look in any way odd, or detract from the way they were intended to look.

It'll work out.

My copy is apparently now somewhere in a depot in my town, says the courier tracking site.

However, knowing that I am moving house, and not being sure how long it might be delayed, I changed the address to my Parents' place a couple of towns away, rather than risk it being delivered to somewhere I no longer lived.

I'm actually going to have to go out of my way to collect it now. :rolleyes:

[Lord Moon]

Sorry if this was mentioned earlier, but since I'll be waiting a while until mine comes in thanks to Amazon, do we know if the black & white stories have been colored or if they present them the way they were originally?

They are all coloured, using the versions reprinted in various trades, archives etc over the years. Some of the earliest stuff has also been printed at the back as a B&W appendix as it had apparently been edited to fit the X-Men Archives reprint, so they wanted to show it how it was originally presented.

They have even resisted the temptation to correct spelling, such as when Captain Britain bemoans the loss of his "spectre" when he in fact means his star sceptre. Either that or I've missed something in my reading of CB adventures over the years.

Anyway, it really is a good package and something I was beginning to think would never come out, and its listing was just a fiendish trick against Captain Britain fans.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Which earlier stuff are we talking about, here, Lord Moon?

[Lord Moon]

Which earlier stuff are we talking about, here, Lord Moon?

The very first appearance of the redesigned costume. Where he is sent with Jackdaw the elf to the Earth of the Status Crew.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

The very first appearance of the redesigned costume. Where he is sent with Jackdaw the elf to the Earth of the Status Crew.

Ah, yes. There a few art tweaks in that story. The most notable being the poster for Jaspers' political party, which in the original B&W version looks far more Hitler-esque. They were tweaks which Davis made himself, so I've always been cool with them, but showing the differences here sounds like a really nice touch.

[Lord Moon]

Ah, yes. There a few art tweaks in that story. The most notable being the poster for Jaspers' political party, which in the original B&W version looks far more Hitler-esque. They were tweaks which Davis made himself, so I've always been cool with them, but showing the differences here sounds like a really nice touch.

I'll have to go back and read.

They've also included the Warpies strip from Captain Britain Monthly, which is nice.

[JdRavnos]

They are all coloured, using the versions reprinted in various trades, archives etc over the years. Some of the earliest stuff has also been printed at the back as a B&W appendix as it had apparently been edited to fit the X-Men Archives reprint, so they wanted to show it how it was originally presented.

They have even resisted the temptation to correct spelling, such as when Captain Britain bemoans the loss of his "spectre" when he in fact means his star sceptre. Either that or I've missed something in my reading of CB adventures over the years.

Anyway, it really is a good package and something I was beginning to think would never come out, and its listing was just a fiendish trick against Captain Britain fans.

Sounds interesting, and does leave me feeling better about it. Thanks for the heads up. Now for me to twiddle my thumbs for another month thanks to Amazon.

[Union Josh]

Lord Moon,

What other bonus/extra material does the Omnibus include? I have both CB trades, and most of the original issues so I'm looking for a justification to drop the money on the Omnibus. Are the original covers presented? With or without text? Any of the art from the promo posters bound in the original magazines? And finally, are Alan Moore's text pieces from the original UK mags presented?

Thanks

[gryhpon]

Lord Moon,

What other bonus/extra material does the Omnibus include? I have both CB trades, and most of the original issues so I'm looking for a justification to drop the money on the Omnibus. Are the original covers presented? With or without text? Any of the art from the promo posters bound in the original magazines? And finally, are Alan Moore's text pieces from the original UK mags presented?

Thanks
im curious as to what else is inlcuded, as well

[Lord Moon]

Lord Moon,

What other bonus/extra material does the Omnibus include? I have both CB trades, and most of the original issues so I'm looking for a justification to drop the money on the Omnibus. Are the original covers presented? With or without text? Any of the art from the promo posters bound in the original magazines? And finally, are Alan Moore's text pieces from the original UK mags presented?

Thanks

It contains all the original covers, with text as I don't think that the cover art without text still exists in Marvel's vaults. To further answer your question, I would say that to my knowledge it contains every bit of Captain Britain artwork/pin-up/promo pics from 1981 up until just before Excalibur starts. It also contins the X-Men, New Mutants and Captain America issues that have a CB appearance (although I've just noticed that the contents page incorrectly suggests that Captain America 305 was in May 1985 and 306 was in June 1986 - I could believe that if Kevin Smith was writing back then).

There's a Short History of Captain Britain by Alan Moore and a text story about Captain Granbretan! Lots of design sketches and other assorted... stuff. Such as the Alan Davis CB pic that was used for the Marvel Superheroes RPG advert in the UK.

I've got both trades too but there is the earlier stuff, before Alan Moore started writing the strip, that had only been reprinted in the X-Men Archives series. In fact the only thing CB related from the period that's missing is James Jaspers' surprising appearance in one panel of an X-Men issue. Surprising because Marvel US never seemed to refer to anything in Marvel UK continuity at the time, and also because he had been killed.

In short this is a package I don't think you'll regret shelling out for. And if you buy from Forbiden Planet (co.uk) it's only £50. I'd check with them first for stock though as they don't always tell you if they've run out and can leave you hanging on for months.

I'm worried I'm coming on like an advert but I'm considerably pleased with this book.

Edit: Sorry I just realised you're in the States so the Forbidden Planet recommendation would be pointless.

[CaptainCanada]

I've got mine on order from Amazon; be a bit of a wait, but I've got lots of other stuff to read at the moment (not the least of which is the second half of The Faerie Queene).

I'm looking forward to reading something of Moore's from Marvel.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Very pleased to see they've included the Captain Granbretan text story, in that.

A rarity for those unaware, written by one Mr Grant Morrison.

[darkhawk76]

yay my copy turned up yesterday, well worth the wait

had a brief scan through and the stories look pretty good

nice to see what I was missing when I more interested in Buster and Whizzer & Chips :biggrin:

[Joe Blow]

Bah! The copy I ordered through ebay last week just shipped today - I thought I'd be getting it today... oh well.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I have it. It's in my hands. But first I must write my thoughts on Captain Britain & MI13 #15.

Which. Was. Frickin'. AWESOME.

[Union Josh]

I'm sold! Placing my order with Amazon today.

Thanks

[jackdaw53]

In bath this morning. Loud knock at door.

Answer door, wrapped in towel, water dripping onto mat. Thinking... what can it be this time.... grin of pleasure when I realize its the omnibus, about a week earlier than expected.

All new material to me, so this will avoid my Captain Britain withdrawal symptoms for a long while. Quick scan.... only problem is size and weight of volume. I may have to go into garden shed and construct a wooden machine to act as a support device for it while I read it.

[Robodojo]

That's the same problem I have with this format. I love the larger pages and having so much story in one book, but it can be a bit of a daunting task to hold the thing.

Still wish I had this book, though.

[Joe Blow]

... but it can be a bit of a daunting task to hold the thing. You don't hold it. You use one of these:

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/7915/lectern.jpg

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Marvel marketing and merchandising - Where's my official Captain Britain Omnibus Lectern? :mad:

[gryhpon]

i dont believe it. amazon.com changed their release date for it again. to TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[coconutphone]

Sweet! Enjoy.

[gryhpon]

Sweet! Enjoy.

i just hope it actually does ship today

[Robodojo]

Interesting, I'll keep an eye on this. My expected ship date remains August 12th, but you're certainly correct about Amazon.com changing the release date to July 29th.

[gryhpon]

Interesting, I'll keep an eye on this. My expected ship date remains August 12th, but you're certainly correct about Amazon.com changing the release date to July 29th.

i adjusted my shipping speed to see if that would change the date and now they say they will email me when they have a shipping estimate

[gryhpon]

it seems it isnt shipping today after all

[Joe Blow]

Alright, got it today and, actual content aside (which I'm already familiar with and knew would be exemplary), I'm a little disappointed by a couple nits I have to pick.

I should point out that I do love how it's all put together, how it's sequenced and the extra material at the end is fantastic.

But first off, most (not all) of the color looks really, really washed out.
Especially notice the skin tones and how they're almost as white at the paper stock.
Here it is for you to compare to the original trade - and it's definitely not due to the paper being a different shade.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/5258/rf001.jpg
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/5046/rf002.jpg

It just doesn't look good.

One more quibble - a couple pages that have bleeding art, cut it off for some reason:

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/1560/rf004.jpg

Notice all the extra white space at the bottom of the Omnibus page - plenty of room for the art to not be cut off.

This thing was delayed for almost 6 months - these sorts of problems are inexcusable - especially for a $100 Omnibus.

[Robodojo]

Wow, what a bummer! Thanks very much for the side-by-side comparison shots, Joe Blow. You just saved me 66 bucks. I can't believe the omnibus pages look worse than the old trades. Inexcusably sloppy work, especially for the exorbitant price.

Washed out color + cut off art + art that isn't any bigger than the previously released trades = no sale for me.

I'll stick with what I have, dang it.

[jackdaw53]

Robodojo... If I'd got the material already... I'm sure I'd come to the same "no buy" decision as your good self.

But exorbitant price?? $66 for that amount of material.... compare that to anything between 3 to 4 dollars for a typical new comic. Factor in that the Captain Britain material (unlike just a few current comics) features high quality story according to large majority of people that have read it.

To me... the Captain Britain omnibus is a bargain. (And I really shouldn't put "words in his mouth", but I suspect Joe agrees with that. NB Joe... please correct me if I'm wrong... I do tend to be fairly often.)
Jack

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Part of the problem is that the original issues were printed in British comic size and aspect ratio - which is wider than US comics. Even the UK trade you are showing on the left is a slightly different shape to US tpbs. The colour is a little washed in places, I'd agree. Not badly, but I've seen similar with a lot of 70s and and 80s material being reprinted on modern paper. I think it's done to disguise the roughness of the the brush strokes in some of the larger blacker areas of of panel. The down side with doing that, of course, is while it may make the black areas bolder it does also wash out the lighter colours as you toy with it. Getting the balance right is not so easy.

It doesn't change the fact that it is a brilliant collection though. And in terms of actual material it is good value. The first time US readers have been able to read it all, too.

[Joe Blow]

To me... the Captain Britain omnibus is a bargain. (And I really shouldn't put "words in his mouth", but I suspect Joe agrees with that. NB Joe... please correct me if I'm wrong... I do tend to be fairly often.)
JackNo, no - I completely agree. But it's a bit tricky since Robodojo already has most of the material printed in the Omnibus. But yeah, you're looking at (still) a very nice hardcover, with good quality paper/stitching, no ads, containing almost 30-issues worth of material, extras, etc. Even with the washed out color, $66 is a bargain, as it comes out to about $2.45 per 22-page "issue". I'm just miffed that they didn't "improve" on the color as most Omnibus do, especially when taking the book's huge delay into account.

[Robodojo]

The thing is, I do already have the best stuff in this collection. I was hoping to be able to replace the trades I already have with this omnibus. But why would I read from the omnibus if it looks better in my older trades? And if I'm not going to read the meat of the omnibus because I have a better version elsewhere, then 66 bucks is a lot of money to pay solely for what's left (at least to me, I'm certainly not rich).

I was hoping that Marvel would be able to restore this better, and I'm disappointed that doesn't seem to be the case. Perhaps it's not their fault, and the technology for this type of restoration just isn't up to par yet. Or maybe they didn't think it was feasible to spend a lot of money making this collection look perfect. Either way I'm sorry to see it turn out like that.

[gryhpon]

as long as i get to read material i havent read yet, im getting this

[The Sword Is Drawn]

as long as i get to read material i havent read yet, im getting this

Which is after all the reason Marvel collected it.

[Robodojo]

No, no - I completely agree. But it's a bit tricky since Robodojo already has most of the material printed in the Omnibus. But yeah, you're looking at (still) a very nice hardcover, with good quality paper/stitching, no ads, containing almost 30-issues worth of material, extras, etc. Even with the washed out color, $66 is a bargain, as it comes out to about $2.45 per 22-page "issue". I'm just miffed that they didn't "improve" on the color as most Omnibus do, especially when taking the book's huge delay into account.Can you imagine how good this would look if they paid someone as talented as Laura Martin to go in there and completely recolor all these pages? Now that I would buy for full retail.

[Robodojo]

Which is after all the reason Marvel collected it.Well yes, but it would have been nice if they could have matched the color quality of a trade paperback that was released in the 1980s.

[gryhpon]

Which is after all the reason Marvel collected it.

well of course

[gryhpon]

Well yes, but it would have been nice if they could have matched the color quality of a trade paperback that was released in the 1980s.

i would have prefered it in the original black and white, truth be told.

[Joe Blow]

The stuff that was originally in B&W looks fine - it's the later, Delano material that have the washed out look.

[Robodojo]

All of this talk of these Cap stories makes me wish that Alan Davis was still working with the character. If anyone is to take over Cap's story from here, it would be wonderful if it was Davis. I'm afraid Marvel might not consider Captain Britain to be much of a marketable character on the heels of his recently canceled series, but perhaps the contents of this omnibus will go a far way towards convincing them otherwise.

[gryhpon]

well, 2 days later and amazon.com is no closer to shipping it to me

[gryhpon]

changing your shipping speed does move you down the preorder list since i found out the preorders were shipped but i have to wait till august 24 till i get my copy.

[Babylon23]

All of this talk of these Cap stories makes me wish that Alan Davis was still working with the character. If anyone is to take over Cap's story from here, it would be wonderful if it was Davis. I'm afraid Marvel might not consider Captain Britain to be much of a marketable character on the heels of his recently canceled series, but perhaps the contents of this omnibus will go a far way towards convincing them otherwise.

This is why I think the omnibus should have been released about....say, 15 months ago. It could have attracted new readers to Captain Britain and maybe helped with sales of MI:13

Anyway, my housemate got his copy on the weekend. lots of very nice extras, including the Mike Collins Warpies stories. Can't wait for Amazon to ship my copy.

[gryhpon]

when i checked last, a few minutes ago, it was the top selling comic on amazon.ca and number 113 in terms of sales.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

when i checked last, a few minutes ago, it was the top selling comic on amazon.ca and number 113 in terms of sales.

That's not bad.

[gryhpon]

amazon sent me an email saying they are shipping it to me express on monday

[CaptainCanada]

My delivery got rescheduled for later; looks like I'm lower on the list than you.

[gryhpon]

i cant believe it. amazon sent me an email that they have shipped it to me.

[jdchevallier]

I've cracked my direct edition copy open and noticed that though it is listed in the contents page, and the cover is printed on the dust jacket, Marvel Super Heroes #384's story is not reprinted within my copy of the Omnibus. Anyone else noticed this?

Joel

[Union Josh]

I've cracked my direct edition copy open and noticed that though it is listed in the contents page, and the cover is printed on the dust jacket, Marvel Super Heroes #384's story is not reprinted within my copy of the Omnibus. Anyone else noticed this?

Joel

Really? Almost makes me glad Amazon never shipped mine, then. Is this a universal glitch? If so, hopefully Marvel corrects this omission for future pressings.

[gryhpon]

IT HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!!!

oh and i checked and my copy has the story from issue 384

[The Sword Is Drawn]

IT HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!!!

oh and i checked and my copy has the story from issue 384

And not before time. Hope you enjoy it Gryphon. It's a good collection.

[CaptainCanada]

The email saying mine had shipped just came; I'd almost forgotten about it, honestly. I've now got three separate shipments inbound over the next week or so (that one, a Starman Omnibus v.3 and two copies of Secret Invasion: Incredible Hercules (one's a gift), and Daredevil Omnibus by Ed Brubaker).

[Christopher Cross Is God]

Which version had a higher printing run? The LCS version with the old costume, or the mainstream version with the newer costume?

At first I was assuming the mainstream version had the higher printing run, with so many people buying from amazon.com.........But then I figured if every LCS has one copy in stock, the LCS version may have a higher print run because I don't know if many regular bookstores would carry this $99.99 hardcover collection of comic books.


Really? Almost makes me glad Amazon never shipped mine, then. Is this a universal glitch? If so, hopefully Marvel corrects this omission for future pressings.

He said he has the direction edition, which isn't sold by Amazon.....So if it's a universal glitch, it's possible the direct edition is the version which has this glitch.

I think everyone on this thread who has posted about their copy having #384 are the people who ordered off Amazon.

[Christopher Cross Is God]

Decided to take the plunge and buy the original costume (direct market) cover version of the omnibus........It was on sale for $72, and I had $28 credit with the store (Due to trading in some comics a few months ago), so I essentially got it for $44+tax.

To those fuddy-duddies who always say they don't care about keeping their comics in mint condition, because it's about appreciating the content & reading it, not collecting............I've saved a bit of money by keeping my comics in long-boxes & bags/boards. I don't end up liking every single comic I've purchased, and if you're fortunate enough to be near a comic shop which focuses a lot on back-issue sales & trade-ins, you can save some money by trading in comics you don't care to keep.

Anyway, I could've gotten either cover version, as they had both available.

What's irritating is I e-mailed Marvel, via their website, asking which cover version had the lower print run, and I didn't get an answer.....I also asked on Alan Davis's forum (Was hoping a die-hard Alan Davis fan might know).

Oh, well. I'll still be happy with the book, especially at that price. I probably have over 60% of the content (Captain Britain tpb, X-Man Archives, the two Captain America issues, the New Mutant & Uncanny X-Men annuals), but it'll be great to read the stories I haven't encountered yet, and I don't mind having all of this work in omnibus form.

[Christopher Cross Is God]

I've cracked my direct edition copy open and noticed that though it is listed in the contents page, and the cover is printed on the dust jacket, Marvel Super Heroes #384's story is not reprinted within my copy of the Omnibus. Anyone else noticed this?

Joel


Just got my copy today......Direct edition, like yours, but mine does have Marvel Super Heroes #384.

So, it looks like you may have acquired an "error" printing?

Anyway, I'm in bliss due to acquiring this omnibus. I think I'm going to lay in bed naked while I rub this beautiful book all over my sweaty body.

[Aelle3]

Just got my copy today......Direct edition, like yours, but mine does have Marvel Super Heroes #384.

So, it looks like you may have acquired an "error" printing?

Anyway, I'm in bliss due to acquiring this omnibus. I think I'm going to lay in bed naked while I rub this beautiful book all over my sweaty body.

As soon as I get my copy, i plan on doing the same thing.