Wednesday Comics unfolding pictures

[Gef]

For those of us who won't be near a comic shop for a while (I'm travelling to comic-less lands, alas), can someone take some pics of Wednesday Comics when they pick it up, to show what it looks like and how it unfolds? I've been looking forward to this for months, but will have to wait until October when I can pick up all 12 issues at once from my local comic store when I get home.

Cheers!

[Ex_]

It looks just like a thick bifold comic book, you unfold it, then it really looks like a smaller newspaper. It's fantastic.

[Wilder Midnight]

i am a little confused on this one...despite being advertised for months i really didn't pay much attention to the threads and promos for this.

i assumed that dc was working with major newspapers and was going to produce a comics section that was going to appear in newspapers similar to what the comic section looks like with the sunday paper...only this being an insert in wednesdays newspapers.

now *this* seemed like a good idea~ a great way to introduce potential fans and buyers into the world of dc comics while getting everyone reading...how can you lose?

what i saw on the stands today was disappointing~a four dollar price tag for newsprint?

i'll pass on this thank you.

[chipsnopotatoes]

i love it. i really don't care about the newsprint. besides some of the art looks better on matte than glossy paper anyway.

most of the stories were pretty good. loved the fact that they're out of continuity. i especially liked hawkman's and catwoman's (better start than GCS, IMO).

i only wish that this would be available in the newstands instead of only at LCS.

[Flamebird]

For those of us who won't be near a comic shop for a while (I'm travelling to comic-less lands, alas), can someone take some pics of Wednesday Comics when they pick it up, to show what it looks like and how it unfolds? I've been looking forward to this for months, but will have to wait until October when I can pick up all 12 issues at once from my local comic store when I get home.

Cheers!

Here ya go, straight from the "source". :wink:

Wednesday Comics (http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2009/07/img_6822.jpg)

[Ex_]

i love it. i really don't care about the newsprint. besides some of the art looks better on matte than glossy paper anyway.

most of the stories were pretty good. loved the fact that they're out of continuity. i especially liked hawkman's and catwoman's (better start than GCS, IMO).

i only wish that this would be available in the newstands instead of only at LCS.

Oh my God, that Hawkman story has me foaming at the mouth in anticipation. Same with Metamorpho, it's so delightfully campy! I don't even like Catwoman and I'm excited to see her steal from Jason Blood.

[Joe Franklin]

HOLY CRAP!

Look at the creative teams on Wednesday Comics!

Why can't these be the regular creative teams, on the regular titles?:frown:

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2009/07/wedc_1.jpg

[Joe Blow]

$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories.
I'll repeat that:
$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories!

And that's to say nothing of the folded, crinkled and creased newspaper they use, which is pretty much made to be disposable.

Sure, it's a larger size, but there's nothing here that couldn't translate to a regular sized floppy. Also, the bent pages are a distraction from the art, which is admittedly nice, but would be nicer if there weren't several folds and multiple creases over it.

Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting idea and has potential for some cool stuff, but not at $4 a pop for something that feels so cheap - that's just ass rape.

[Bloody_Entrails]

I thought it was pretty badass despite the price. It was easily worth it.

[Joe Blow]

Just noticed that it's torn in certain spots too - right in the middle of some pages.
Not cool.

[Will.S]

$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories.
I'll repeat that:
$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories!

And that's to say nothing of the folded, crinkled and creased newspaper they use, which is pretty much made to be disposable.

Sure, it's a larger size, but there's nothing here that couldn't translate to a regular sized floppy. Also, the bent pages are a distraction from the art, which is admittedly nice, but would be nicer if there weren't several folds and multiple creases over it.

Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting idea and has potential for some cool stuff, but not at $4 a pop for something that feels so cheap - that's just ass rape.
That's pretty much how I felt about it.

I was really close to buying it but for $3.99 I just felt that it wasn't really worth it. I like the idea and the novelty of it but I just know that its going to be reprinted (perhaps in better paper) so the incentive kind of wears off after thinking about it. I'll be interested to see how they collect it though.

Now if only DC put in as much effort in art and quality on their main line as they did on Wednesday comics....

[Joe Franklin]

Now if only DC put in as much effort in art and quality on their main line as they did on Wednesday comics....

This is what I'm saying?

Why does DC have craptacular creative teams on most(not all) of their main line, and yet high quality creative teams on Wednesday Comics?:confused:

I would buy Metamorpho, Batman, Teen Titans, Flash, Kamandi, Green Lantern, and Superman, if the Wednesday Comics creative teams were on them.

[Michael P]

$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories.
I'll repeat that:
$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories!

And that's to say nothing of the folded, crinkled and creased newspaper they use, which is pretty much made to be disposable.

Sure, it's a larger size, but there's nothing here that couldn't translate to a regular sized floppy. Also, the bent pages are a distraction from the art, which is admittedly nice, but would be nicer if there weren't several folds and multiple creases over it.

Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting idea and has potential for some cool stuff, but not at $4 a pop for something that feels so cheap - that's just ass rape.

Everything you've just said is wrong. Please try to avoid that in the future.

[Name Already Taken]

To the contrary the 3.99 price tag lured me in. If it had been 4 dollars I would have left it on the shelf. That is a ripoff in my book and as a DC consumer I will not stand for it.

[Will.S]

This is what I'm saying?

Why does DC have craptacular creative teams on most(not all) of their main line, and yet high quality creative teams on Wednesday Comics?:confused:

I would buy Metamorpho, Batman, Teen Titans, Flash, Kamandi, Green Lantern, and Superman, if the Wednesday Comics creative teams were on them.
I suppose since it's such a limited set of pages and stories that it's a lot easier for the talent to produce them without having to draw full issues on a monthly basis.

But still, I think DC should worry about their main books more than Wednesday Comics. But to those who buy it, more power to you I guess.

[Will.S]

To the contrary the 3.99 price tag lured me in. If it had been 4 dollars I would have left it on the shelf. That is a ripoff in my book and as a DC consumer I will not stand for it.
Wait, don't you mean if it had been $5?

Because it was indeed $3.99.

[ToxicTeen]

Will there a trade for the Wednesdays Comics? I'm asking because I'm used to buying collected trades...:redface:

[JohnShil]

About the creative teams earlier, you can thank Chiarello - whenever he has a project you can expect it to be awesome: Batman: Black & White, Solo, Wednesday Comics.

About the trade: Chiarello said it would be collected at normal-size and a bigger format, but nothing's for sure yet.

[Name Already Taken]

Wait, don't you mean if it had been $5?

Because it was indeed $3.99.

I hope your sarcasm was as intended as mine :rolleyes:

[van_line]

i thought it was terrible and the cost blew my mind.

In the far future, when we are trying to explain what a comic book is to our grandkids, we will say something like "well, instead of DC doing some with digital downloads or microtransactions they put out a 15 page newspaper for $4."

[drinkblatzbeer]

$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories.
I'll repeat that:
$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories!

And that's to say nothing of the folded, crinkled and creased newspaper they use, which is pretty much made to be disposable.

Sure, it's a larger size, but there's nothing here that couldn't translate to a regular sized floppy. Also, the bent pages are a distraction from the art, which is admittedly nice, but would be nicer if there weren't several folds and multiple creases over it.

Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting idea and has potential for some cool stuff, but not at $4 a pop for something that feels so cheap - that's just ass rape.


i do agree to a point with what you are saying...just, the finished product won me over, hard, so i at least bought the first one...

obviously this will be out in trade form afterward and was thinking of waiting...we'll see how this all plays out...

graphically stunning though...

[MWGallaher]

$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories.
I'll repeat that:
$4 for 15 pages of incomplete stories!

And that's to say nothing of the folded, crinkled and creased newspaper they use, which is pretty much made to be disposable.

Sure, it's a larger size, but there's nothing here that couldn't translate to a regular sized floppy. Also, the bent pages are a distraction from the art, which is admittedly nice, but would be nicer if there weren't several folds and multiple creases over it.


Hm...
The entire 12-issue run will cost $48.
There are 15 features, so that'll end up costing you $3.20 per feature.
With a couple of exceptions in this first issue, each installment easily had at least the equivalent of 2 pages of conventionally-sized comics, so I figure, conservatively, that the complete set will be match or exceed ("content-wise") fifteen 24-page comics, at a comparable price (or better--Marvel will soon be charging $4 for a 20-something page comic). And the pages will all be huge, and designed to exploit that size for aesthetic impact. Oh, yeah, as a bonus, the stories will all be completed by the end of Wednesday Comics, unlike your typical $3-$4 24-page comic from Marvel or DC.
The way I see it, WC is easily of equivalent value to a conventional-sized comic. It may lose points to individual readers who don't care for some of the features or talent. But if you like the content, it's not any kind of a gyp.

[F1uke]

I liked the set up and I thought all the art was really excellent. I did however, have a problem with the stories being so short. I felt like it took me all of 2 minutes to read the whole thing..

[noh-varr]

I really enjoyed it. There was great variety in the stories. Some felt complete while others were big cliffhangers. Of the stories, only two left me cold in any way, and most of the teams didn't make me drool at first, but now that I've read them I want more. I really don't want to see this in normal comic size, if they promised to release a full size trade I may consider waiting. But I think the whole concept does what the pamphlet should be, giving something satisfying while making you want to come back for the next issue. It's really like television, a big variety of stuff on and it gets collected and put on DVD later.

[Joe Blow]

Everything you've just said is wrong. Please try to avoid that in the future.Why do you think the art isn't nice? And you also don't think this is an interesting idea, with some potential? Seems like you hated this more than I did. My only problem was the price paid for the shoddy presentation. I said the content was nice (or else I wouldn't have bought it), but since you think everything I said was wrong, please explain your problem with the content.


The way I see it, WC is easily of equivalent value to a conventional-sized comic. It may lose points to individual readers who don't care for some of the features or talent. But if you like the content, it's not any kind of a gyp.But factor in the fact that the pages are all folded up and creased (and in some cases torn), and you're left with a rather shoddy presentation that doesn't only feel cheaper than a "conventional-sized comic", but present the material in the way it deserves. I somehow doubt that the artists turned in their work folded over twice. If they're going to damage the work like this, they should charge less.

It's really like television, a big variety of stuff on and it gets collected and put on DVD later.I agree, but television is free (mostly).

[CBikle]

I bought it and liked it, but didn't like it enough to keep spending $4/pop for it.

DC's using newsprint, so there's no reason this shouldn't have cost half the price.

[chipsnopotatoes]

About the creative teams earlier, you can thank Chiarello - whenever he has a project you can expect it to be awesome: Batman: Black & White, Solo, Wednesday Comics.


Can't agree more. His projects are a notch above the stuff out there and it seems like he has great access to quality talent. I would love to see Chiarello on the short list when Didio goes.

[Trey]

I bought it and liked it, but didn't like it enough to keep spending $4/pop for it.

DC's using newsprint, so there's no reason this shouldn't have cost half the price.

You're not just just paying for the paper, you know that? By your logic a movie should be half price too.since its a digital copy and those cost nothing to make and distribute.These are some of the best comics creators in the world. That's what you're paying for.

And the folded newspaper is the presentation, the charm of the format is a selling point. And its equivalent to 30 pages, no ads. And it continues next week. No waiting. And its very fun. And it costs less than a six-pack. And you can read it over and over, and it has Risso, Gaimen, Busiek, Allred, Pope...and...and...and......

[Joe Blow]

You're not just just paying for the paper, you know that? By your logic a movie should be half price too.since its a digital copy and those cost nothing to make and distribute.These are some of the best comics creators in the world. That's what you're paying for.
No, it's actually like seeing a really good movie in a crappy dollar movie theater with a torn screen, and shitty sound. Which can be cool for a buck or two, but not full price.

And the folded newspaper is the presentation, the charm of the format is a selling point. I don't find a damaged book to be charming, and it's certainly not a selling point - if the price reflected it's inherent cheapness in it's presentation then maybe, but it doesn't.

[drinkblatzbeer]

I don't find a damaged book to be charming, and it's certainly not a selling point - if the price reflected it's inherent cheapness in it's presentation then maybe, but it doesn't.

simply, don't buy it then...

this is a book that honestly, no one should give a shit about how it holds up as far as condition...in the "mint, nm, vg, etc.." mode...
and i got a good laugh at the local shop today at a guy who did buy 2 to keep one in
"mint" condition...

i'd like collectors in this instance to do what DC did with this project and buck the trend, i know i may possibly end up waiting for trades but i also know how awesome the product was for at least the first issue and know some people will, but wish most people are going to take this product for the sheer enjoyment and not the possible "investment" value...

[Joe Blow]

simply, don't buy it then...
Don't worry, I'm not going to again.

And I don't buy comics for investment value - never have for over 30 years, not even during the '90s.

But if we're not supposed to give two shits about how it's going to hold up (which has nothing to do with "investment"), it shouldn't be a four-dollar book, plain and simple.

[Pól Rua]

Well, we seem equally divided between people who'd rather pay for great stories written by top quality writers with fantastic art by top-of-the-line artists, and people who'll pay for nice paper and collectible value.
I'm almost exclusively a trades buyer, but I'm getting every issue.
Because I don't begrudge paying more if it means better comics.

[Green Griffin]

I Wanted to buy it but i just can't cough up 4 bucks every week untill september. I'll wait for the trade.

[CBikle]

.These are some of the best comics creators in the world. That's what you're paying for.


I don't agree with that assessment; the artists are all top notch and for the writers, I like Gaiman, but I don't consider Busiek, Berganza, Didio, Kerschl or Pamiotti to be "some of the best comics creators in the world".

Like I said, it's good, but not $4 good.

[schrutefarms]

I know times are hard, but it's an extra four bucks a week. You guys make it sound like DC is breaking the bank.

I absolutely loved it. The art was beautiful, the stories were fun and god bless DC for trying something new. Not to mention doing something to get Gaiman back in comics since they dropped the ball on the 20th anniversary of Sandman. I hope love for this to be a regular thing.

[CBikle]

Well, we seem equally divided between people who'd rather pay for great stories written by top quality writers with fantastic art by top-of-the-line artists, and people who'll pay for nice paper and collectible value.
I'm almost exclusively a trades buyer, but I'm getting every issue.
Because I don't begrudge paying more if it means better comics.

I agree that the art is fantastic, but it remains to be seen how well written most of the stories will be and, for me, that's what I care most about and I'm just not willing to commit $4/week to something like this in light of DC's recent shaky history with other weekly projects.

Nice idea, but the product is overpriced.

[JP Morgan]

Why do you think the art isn't nice? And you also don't think this is an interesting idea, with some potential? Seems like you hated this more than I did. My only problem was the price paid for the shoddy presentation. I said the content was nice (or else I wouldn't have bought it), but since you think everything I said was wrong, please explain your problem with the content.

But factor in the fact that the pages are all folded up and creased (and in some cases torn), and you're left with a rather shoddy presentation that doesn't only feel cheaper than a "conventional-sized comic", but present the material in the way it deserves. I somehow doubt that the artists turned in their work folded over twice. If they're going to damage the work like this, they should charge less.

I agree, but television is free (mostly).

Everything you've just said is wrong. Please try to avoid that in the future.

[noh-varr]

I agree that the art is fantastic, but it remains to be seen how well written most of the stories will be and, for me, that's what I care most about and I'm just not willing to commit $4/week to something like this in light of DC's recent shaky history with other weekly projects.

Nice idea, but the product is overpriced.

But 52, and especially Countdown had to deal with big editorial mandate, not to mention bieng part of the big old DC continuity. While this was put together by an editor who prefers to let the creative folk run wild, is not set in present continuity (some could be, but they aren't bogged down by it), and some of them were great stories done on their page. The Batman story was complete and very striking. The Wonder Woman story seemed to be five pages with how many panels were included and how much happened in it. Metamorpho set up a great campy adventure and had room for jokes, cheesecake, and set up, it was like the first third of a first issue. This is what weekly comics should be as far as I'm concerned.

[numberONE]

Hm...
The entire 12-issue run will cost $48.
There are 15 features, so that'll end up costing you $3.20 per feature.
With a couple of exceptions in this first issue, each installment easily had at least the equivalent of 2 pages of conventionally-sized comics, so I figure, conservatively, that the complete set will be match or exceed ("content-wise") fifteen 24-page comics, at a comparable price (or better--Marvel will soon be charging $4 for a 20-something page comic). And the pages will all be huge, and designed to exploit that size for aesthetic impact. Oh, yeah, as a bonus, the stories will all be completed by the end of Wednesday Comics, unlike your typical $3-$4 24-page comic from Marvel or DC.
The way I see it, WC is easily of equivalent value to a conventional-sized comic. It may lose points to individual readers who don't care for some of the features or talent. But if you like the content, it's not any kind of a gyp.

Good points.

[another_version]

Not to mention doing something to get Gaiman back in comics since they dropped the ball on the 20th anniversary of Sandman.

Yeah, hopefully DC will finally allow him write a Sandman mini, and then Robinson do the Starman mini. That would make me happy, because DC would be listening to what the fans want, or at least a majority.

[Adam K]

I kinda want to set you people on fire.

I'm not even sure I want to bother though.

ITT: People that started reading comics after 1995.

[Elayis]

I feel really mixed about Wednesday Comics.

I really like the format and most of the teams assembled, but most of the stories weren't long enough to keep me interested, and the $3.99 was way too much. I'd get this for $1.99 or even $2.99, but not $3.99 weekly. Now if it was $3.99 every month, or twice a month, that'd be fine, but I can't go over $20 a week....Wait!!! I can get this!! When this does come out, I can put it on hold at my LCS, and pick it up on my lighter weeks!!

I kinda want to set you people on fire.

I'm not even sure I want to bother though.

ITT: People that started reading comics after 1995.

What?! What does that even mean?

I was born in 1992, so I couldn't even read before 1995. But most of the comics I like were written after then, anyways.

[Dave Hackett]

Loved it. Totally worth the price. Metamorpho, Catwoman & Demon, Supergirl, Flash and Sgt. Rock were the highlights for me. The only misfires were probably Wonder Woman and Teen Titans.

It may have been only sixteen pages, but because of the economy of storytelling the format imposes, I'd say there was double the story you'd find in a 32 page book.

The newsprint adds to the charm IMHO, and makes for a great experience.

Highly recommended.

[Iron-boy]

I feel really mixed about Wednesday Comics.

I really like the format and most of the teams assembled, but most of the stories weren't long enough to keep me interested, and the $3.99 was way too much. I'd get this for $1.99 or even $2.99, but not $3.99 weekly. Now if it was $3.99 every month, or twice a month, that'd be fine, but I can't go over $20 a week....Wait!!! I can get this!! When this does come out, I can put it on hold at my LCS, and pick it up on my lighter weeks!!



What?! What does that even mean?

I was born in 1992, so I couldn't even read before 1995. But most of the comics I like were written after then, anyways.

It would be futile to hold it for a week your light because you're going to accumulate it , since it comes out weekly. I would suggest you skip it and get something better. Such as Thor by JMS. ;)

[Batman was taken]

Comic fans confuse me sometimes.

Half the topics on this site area complaining about stuff that's "wrong" nowadays. Confusing continuity, crappy creators, etc.

DC goes out, does something different, and ambitious, away from all the "common" complaints, and people bitch about the PAPER?

Come on....

[IvCNuB4]

Some people just aren't happy unless they're bitching about something .....

[Herr Mike]

I'm guessing DC editorial will keep this sufficiently watered down to make it a complete bore, despite the talent involved.

[Vic Vega]

Commodoties are only worth what somebody else is willing to pay.

I enjoyed everything in Wednesday's Comics but the Wonder Woman strip.

But as much as I Iiked this, l don't think its worth four bucks a week.

Two dollars I could see, but four?

Something that is published weekly on newsprint should be cheap above all.

Otherwise what is the point? At a reasonable price point Wednesday's comics would be a great entry point for readers new to D.C. as it is the weekly frequency and the price is going to put a lot of folks off.

[Joe Blow]

DC goes out, does something different, and ambitious, away from all the "common" complaints, and people bitch about the PAPER?I'm not bitching about the paper itself, but the condition of the paper and how it's creased and beat-up aesthetic actually takes away from the material, and that charging a premium of $4 for it is absurd. $4 would be fine if it were a giant sized magazine like Life or something with it's pages intact, but as it is, it really shouldn't be more then $2.50 or so for something that's beat up and torn up right off the shelf.

[JP Morgan]

Let's see, it's on newsprint, none of the stories are in continuity and therefore not required reading for any ongoing stories, its not meant to be a bagged-and-boarded collectable, you can't have 15 top tier creative teams work on one project without paying them well, this exact same comic on nicer paper would likely cost twice as much just based on the creative teams alone, its the cost of a frickin' mocha, it doesn't need to be an entry point for new readers, no one is making you buy it, and finally, this is a run-on sentence.

[Herr Mike]

Why not put these creators on the regular comics where they are desperately needed?

If it is aimed at new readers, there is less of a benefit to paying big bucks to these creators. Surely making it cheaper would get more people to check it out, whereas Joe Schmoe doesn't know Lee Bermejo from Herb Trimpe.

If it's aimed at regular comic buyers, they will be put off by the one page at a time, chopped up, out of continuity stories.

Weird move.

[Batman was taken]

I'm not bitching about the paper itself, but the condition of the paper and how it's creased and beat-up aesthetic actually takes away from the material, and that charging a premium of $4 for it is absurd. $4 would be fine if it were a giant sized magazine like Life or something with it's pages intact, but as it is, it really shouldn't be more then $2.50 or so for something that's beat up and torn up right off the shelf.

You keep bringing up that it's torn. Mine wasn't. Aside from the obvious fold creases, it was in perfect shape.

As for the $4 price tag. The shear size of it, and the number of pages is what causes the price, more so than the "crappy" paper.

Finally, if you can't enjoy some (hopefully) great stories because of the paper and "expensive" price, by all means, don't buy it, and don't come in here complaining. Let the people who like it, talk about it.

[Gitaroo_Dude]

Fanastic. Seriously, there is no better value for $4 when you consider the talent involved and just how sublime the stories are.

Meh, I really hate fandom. Always complaining about decompression, unoriginality, blah blah blah. Here's the answer, and it's not collectable enough? :confused:

Bah, at least I have 12 weeks to look forward to of a truly special event.

[KYLeo71]

I have come to the conclusion that there are some people who will complain about anything simply to have something to complain about.

[Jimmy'sFriend]

Here's my reivew for DC's Wednesday Comics #1

DC’s much hyped retro newspaper styled comics section hit the stands today. Boasting a gallery of popular and some more obscure titles, Wednesday Comics is a blast from the past. As I opened the paper (folded into fourths on newspaper stock paper), I felt like a kid grabbing “the comic section” on Sunday mornings before my sister got her nasty little hands on them.

This is a bonanza of DC talent, showcasing fourteen different titles, authors, and artists. The layout is fun and unique with nostalgia. Of particular interest were Batman, Superman, and Hawkman. With only a full page devoted to each run, you really don’t get much here. I did appreciate the varying artistic styles – some of these panels are gorgeous.

After reading, I’m wasn’t too sure why DC made sure a big deal out of this in its prepublication. However, with the greedy bastards charging
$3.99 for newspaper print, I am beginning to understand. Taking it for what it is, it was a fun read. I am offended that they couldn’t come down on the price, but paying too much for comics is part of collecting.

2.5 out of 5

[Hawkman]

I just finished it and thought it was a lot of fun. Initially I was only interested because of Baker's Hawkman portion, but the whole thing was enjoyable. I was a little concerned about the price at first, but it was more than entertaining enough for me to warrant keeping it on my pull list for the full run.

[CBikle]

Finally, if you can't enjoy some (hopefully) great stories because of the paper and "expensive" price, by all means, don't buy it, and don't come in here complaining. Let the people who like it, talk about it.

Most people seem to like it so far, they just don't care for the price, which for the average reader, can be a deal-breaker.

If DC had aimed for a $2 price tag (which is very realistic and still very profitable for them) there'd be very few complaints.

[Abeja]

If it was $2, I would have easily picked it up. I just couldnt dish out 4 bucks. I guess Ill just enjoy the Superman one.

[Dave Hackett]

I must say I'm surprised at how divided we all are over this.

Most people seem to like it so far, they just don't care for the price, which for the average reader, can be a deal-breaker.

If DC had aimed for a $2 price tag (which is very realistic and still very profitable for them) there'd be very few complaints.

I'm not so sure, given the pool of talent being used, that $2.00 could be profitable. Gaiman alone, based on his previous statements about the Sandman Aniversary project, wouldn't have come cheap.

[Karl O'Neill]

Great first issue and well worth the price.

[Will.S]

You keep bringing up that it's torn. Mine wasn't. Aside from the obvious fold creases, it was in perfect shape.

As for the $4 price tag. The shear size of it, and the number of pages is what causes the price, more so than the "crappy" paper.

Finally, if you can't enjoy some (hopefully) great stories because of the paper and "expensive" price, by all means, don't buy it, and don't come in here complaining. Let the people who like it, talk about it.I think it's certainly within people's rights to give reasons why they didn't feel like purchasing Wednesday comics on a thread like this.

I personally had a similar problem about the paper quality not really keeping the artwork as well preserved as I would like for it to be. If they print it in a trade with better quality paper then I can appreciate the art more although I have to wonder what the exact trade dimensions will be. Its just that for me its not like this is the 1970's or 1980's where a cheap throwaway comic like this can be had for 60 cents or something, this is $4 a pop and for my money I'd rather get something that offers a little more either in presentation or in content.

Of course it this stuff never got traded then that gives me an extra little incentive to buy it in its current form but for now I'll have to pass. For those who are able to get into the novelty of it and enjoy it for what it is (it does have quality writers and artists no doubt) I certainly won't begrudge them for doing so since the product does have an appealing aspect of the yesteryear.

I'll also say that DC has a great opportunity to grab new readers with this by putting it out on the newsstands and other retail outlets but of course, this will probably never be found outside of a direct market shop which seems like kind of a shame given that it's supposed to appeal to a broader audience without the hassle of continuity.

[CBikle]

I must say I'm surprised at how divided we all are over this.



I'm not so sure, given the pool of talent being used, that $2.00 could be profitable. Gaiman alone, based on his previous statements about the Sandman Aniversary project, wouldn't have come cheap.

I'm just thinking of the material savings/profitability on a weekly periodical printed on newsprint; there might even be other cost reductions on expenses related to printing & shipping as well.

[Seraku]

ok breakdown of my opinion

Batman - neat, liked Azzarello's set up and the cliffhanger really got me interested for next week. As always, Risso and Azzarello are a perfect pair

Kamandi - I've always liked Kamandi so seeing him appear in anything is good. Sook's art is gorgeous, but its weird seeing him do Kirby.

Superman - Neat Bermejo art, simple set up

Deadman - I like that they actually felt the need to tell people his origin, he's not one of the better known characters. art fit well.

Green Lantern - I loved New Frontier, and this feels like it's from NF

Metamorpho - Allred's art was neat, cliffhanger was very awkward. Looking forward to what Gaiman has planned

Teen Titans - A bit ambivalent about this as of yet.

Adam Strange - it's Paul Pope.

Supergirl - this was a cute story

Metal Men - great art, but DiDio did jack shit to introduce us to the characters

Wonder Woman - WAY too fucking much crammed into one page

Sgt. Rock - you standard Kubert Sgt. Rock story.

Flash - split format is a brilliant move. Keshl's art doesn't dissapoint

Catwoman/Demon - set up, but seeing as Selina is trying to steal from JASON BLOOD, expect awesomeness to ensue

Hawkman - this was just plain awesome. Hawkman talks to birds, and set up for Hawkman to kill the shit out of terrorists

[Karl O'Neill]

The reviews on newsarama and cbr for this issue are stunning,

[Scott Taylor]

The price did bother me. Just not enough to forgo even giving it a try. Right now, its sitting in plastic in my bedroom waiting to be read.

But I have to say just based on scanning the art - its a big wow experience. Some of those pages are downright framable.

[Karl O'Neill]

Kamandi was fxxking awesome. That's the sort of stuff I wanted to be reading.

[Will.S]

The reviews on newsarama and cbr for this issue are stunning,
LOL, "stunning"?

[kevrhon]

I'm not bitching about the paper itself, but the condition of the paper and how it's creased and beat-up aesthetic actually takes away from the material, and that charging a premium of $4 for it is absurd. $4 would be fine if it were a giant sized magazine like Life or something with it's pages intact, but as it is, it really shouldn't be more then $2.50 or so for something that's beat up and torn up right off the shelf.

Your biggest issue seems to be with the fact that some pages were torn in your copy. Did you tear them? If not, then take it back and exchange it. If you tore them, and the condition of the paper is important to you, them shame on you. Too bad, so sad.

My copy was fine. I even looked through the rack to find one that was folded square. I'm not hung up on the condition. I'm not even bagging and boarding my comics. But it's newsprint. It's not going to be perfect.

[kevrhon]

Why not put these creators on the regular comics where they are desperately needed?

Cause a guy like Joe Kubert, for example, who's either mostly retired or is of an age to be, and who also has a school to run, probably doesn't want to commit to a monthly book. But he's sure got time to produce a dozen oversized pages in a couple of weeks and make a few bucks.

Everyone who's upset about the price needs to remember that there's only one ad in this whole thing too. The economics are, the talent is expensive. There are no ads. Something has to give. Either it has to be $8, or it has to have cheap paper.

Personally, I'd rather see two pages worth of ads and skip the Wonder Woman and Titans features, and bring the price down. But I'm unemployed at the moment and still happy to give $4 for the package we've got.

[kevrhon]

For me, regarding the overall package, I like the attempt and the novelty of it. The format is fun. I like that the stories are mostly period and retro. With money tight as it is, I don't know if I can stick with this. I'll have to wait and see each week what else is coming out.

F
Epic fail. Teen Titans and Wonder Woman are both a mess. The art on both is butt-ugly, the layouts are horrific, and each wastes the page in different ways. Titans has no substance, spending the page briefly explaining who the team is and introducing the bad guy, but is the most watered down of the bunch. Ben Caldwell’s strip is unrecognizable as Wonder Woman. The page layout is a mess, with waaay too much crammed in and no room to breathe. These two are my least favorite of the lot.

D
Supergirl is pretty boring and unremarkable.

C
Superman and Hawkman don’t make good use of the page, using the larger format to do larger panels. The art’s nice, but it’s hard to tell anything about the story. It takes decompression to a new level. You’ve only got 13 weeks. Give me something each week. Sgt. Rock likewise is not nearly dense enough. Kubert and Kubert should be giving us twice as much story for the size of the page. Set up the capture more, or show Rock mouthing off to his captors or something. Just misses the boat for me.

B
Batman has a good look about it and shows promise, and for the most part I trust Azzarello. Metal Men looks great too, and sets a reasonable light tone. I love the human secret identities, hearkening back to the Sekowsky run in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I have a special fondness for those stories. (Along with his work on Wonder Woman in the 70’s, that series demonstrates for me how underrated Mike Sekowsky is.)

A
Kamandi’s not a character I’ve ever cared about , but this looks terrific, and as Joe said, has a great Prince Valiant vibe. Deadman and Green Lantern are both promising, and have a nice Darwyn Cooke “New Frontier” look. Deadman gives us a little more meat. Metamorpho continues this vein. It sets up the story and character well and has the feel of a weekly strip. Strange Adventures has a wonderful sort of Alex Raymond feel to it. Pope’s not that precise a draftsman, but this is evocative of that older strip, and gives me a better appreciation for Pope than I’ve had before.

I like what Kerschl and Fletcher have done with the Flash feature, splitting the page into two different (but presumably related) strips: the action strip with the Flash and the Mary Worth soap opera with Iris. It’s nicely done, and gives us quite a bit of story.

Demon and Catwoman is a pleasant surprise. Like Gibbons and Gaiman, Simonson nails the pacing a one-page weekly feature should have.

[kevrhon]

I'll also say that DC has a great opportunity to grab new readers with this by putting it out on the newsstands and other retail outlets but of course, this will probably never be found outside of a direct market shop which seems like kind of a shame given that it's supposed to appeal to a broader audience without the hassle of continuity.

Yeah, I'm not an industry insider or anything. Just an ex-retailer (mass market, not comics). But it seems to me that a $2 package with a few ads at newstands and on magazine racks and at the supermarket checkout could build readership.

[BeastieRunner]

My turn!

Batman - Not enough Batman but a decent cliffhanger. Please don't let it be some unknown villain.

Kamandi - I enjoyed it and felt like I got a good story out of it.

Superman - Great art, some action, and a mystery.

Deadman - Awesome art but not the most compelling story/character. Interesting choice for this format for DC.

Green Lantern - Why was Hal only in ONE panel? I was expecting more GL. Great art though.

Metamorpho - This was really written by Neil Gaiman? Awesome art and campy 1960s Batman feel has me on the fence on this story.

Teen Titans - Didn't like the art and I was confused during the whole story, just like any regular current Teen Titans story. I guess they kept that trend going.

Adam Strange - This reminded me of when I was a kid reading my dad's old comics or when I watched Flash Gordon with my mom. Nostalgia aside, I can't remember much about the story after I read, "GREAT SCOTT!" so ... I guess the story didn't stick with me very well. Amazing art though.

Supergirl - Best Supergirl I've seen since the animated Bruce Timm stories. I think my wife will love this story.

Metal Men - If I wasn't a fan of these characters, I'd probably be confused as hell about what was going on BUT it made me wanting to read more. So I guess that's a good thing. The art had a nice pop art feel to it.

Wonder Woman - cool art but the story felt a bit cramped and didn't get me excited.

Sgt. Rock - At the risk of being lynched, I didn't like any part of this story.

Flash - Sunday comic format was awesome! I love part one and part was not bad. Glad to see some focus on problems MARRIED CHARACTERS CAN HAVE. Learn from this one, Marvel.

The Demon & Catwoman - Gorgeous art and I'm sold on next week's story!

Hawkman - Wow, the best artwork in the bunch and ... I actually care about a non JLU Hawkman story for once!

I give the overall presentation a 4.5 newspapers of 5 newspapers. My only real complaint would be that most of the stories could have benefited from more costumed action. I just wish/hope they get this into to regular stands as well as papers. That would be awesome!

[Elayis]

It would be futile to hold it for a week your light because you're going to accumulate it , since it comes out weekly. I would suggest you skip it and get something better. Such as Thor by JMS. ;)

Actually, how I figured it all out, I can actually get it some weeks (like the 2 and 4 weeks of the month), and pick up the previous issues at that time. I'm still able to get all of the issues by the end of September.

And I'm already picking up Thor, thank you very much!! :biggrin:

[MikeCr]

Just wanted to mention that I'm surprised that no creators went for the Star Wars style "stuff has happened before" illusion and didn't throw us in mid-story. As much as I enjoyed this, and really, those moaning about the price are can't see the forest for the trees here, there was a certain monotony to reading first part after first part after first part.

And yeah, I'd probably pay $3.99 for the Paul Pope page alone!

[Melfice]

Kamandi was fxxking awesome. That's the sort of stuff I wanted to be reading.

I loved the Kamandi strip and I hope there will be an ongoing series for this char soon!

Over all I enjoyed all of the stories in this issue of Wednesday Comics, and the Hawkman was pretty sweet and the best of the lot I thought. Great stuff

[Will.S]

Yeah, I'm not an industry insider or anything. Just an ex-retailer (mass market, not comics). But it seems to me that a $2 package with a few ads at newstands and on magazine racks and at the supermarket checkout could build readership.
I certainly think that this comic would be an even more interesting experiment if it was put out to a bigger audience at a slightly lower price point as sort of a gateway comic. If it fails then fine but at least it was legitimately tried out to get more people into comics.

[Scott Taylor]

I certainly think that this comic would be an even more interesting experiment if it was put out to a bigger audience at a slightly lower price point as sort of a gateway comic. If it fails then fine but at least it was legitimately tried out to get more people into comics.

With the current format, its all original first run work, and that makes it more expensive. It doesn't seem to be intended as a gateway.

The way to make it a gateway comic would be to publish actual excerpts from existing comic lines. By doing that, it would allow them to reduce the price point significantly, since the creative work would already be getting recompensed by sales of the comic book where the excerpt was originally published. And it would mean the readers would have a jumping on point to the existing comic lines.

[victor_lanza]

Comic fans confuse me sometimes.

Half the topics on this site area complaining about stuff that's "wrong" nowadays. Confusing continuity, crappy creators, etc.

DC goes out, does something different, and ambitious, away from all the "common" complaints, and people bitch about the PAPER?

Come on....

QFT!
Buy one less Starbucks a week, then you can buy this! It's newsprint on PURPOSE! It's an attempt to lure in readers of comic pages from newspaper's past, not to collector's who must have everything bagged and boarded. I say congratulations DC on adding something new/old to the table.

[kevrhon]

It's newsprint on PURPOSE! It's an attempt to lure in readers of comic pages from newspaper's past, not to collector's who must have everything bagged and boarded. I say congratulations DC on adding something new/old to the table.

I agree, but it's not being marketed to anyone outside of the comic book fanboy community to my knowledge. The only way to get a copy is to go to a specialty shop, and I haven't seen it advertised anywhere but in DC's comic books and on their website.

[West Mantooth]

The Superman strip was in USA today and will be on their website. I'm guessing the larger Wednesday comics story is advertised there.

[Charles Reed]

Finally, if you can't enjoy some (hopefully) great stories because of the paper and "expensive" price, by all means, don't buy it, and don't come in here complaining. Let the people who like it, talk about it.
I liked it too, but this attitude kind-of puzzles me. If the guy put down his $4 for it (which he apparently did), then he's got every right in the world to express his opinion of the product. He doesn't seem to have denigrated anybody for liking it -- he just expressed his own views about why he didn't think it was worth the price. What the hell's wrong with that?

C

[jtd]

What type of "newspaper paper" is this printed on?

Is it actual newspaper paper that you see used on daily newspapers? This is typically very flimsy and doesn't hold ink fast very well.

Or is it more like the sturdier "newspaper paper" that used to be used for comics? This kind tends to hold ink and doesn't smudge or have ink come off on your hands.

[Pól Rua]

...in light of DC's recent shaky history with other weekly projects.
I'd agree if this was an ongoing, or even a 52 parter, but honestly, a 12 issue run seems pretty reasonable.
If not for the limited length, you'd have the inevitable problem of the first issues full of all-star creative teams and later issues being a hodge-podge of one high profile creative team and a bunch of inconsistent try-out work and inventory stories from virtual unknowns.
Over twelve issues, I don't think maintaining this level of quality's going to be that big a problem.

[Pól Rua]

Why not put these creators on the regular comics where they are desperately needed?
Because many creators are too busy to work on ongoing series, have an art style where they can get a page or two done once a week for three months, but can't go 22 pages a month forever, or have other projects in the works.

[kevrhon]

What type of "newspaper paper" is this printed on?

It's better than the newsprint comics used to be printed on. I'd say it's more like The Comic Shop News, if you're familiar with that, only maybe a little heavier. It's a little whiter than plain newsprint, and heavier.

[jtd]

It's better than the newsprint comics used to be printed on. I'd say it's more like The Comic Shop News, if you're familiar with that, only maybe a little heavier. It's a little whiter than plain newsprint, and heavier.

Cool. Thanks for the info, kevrhorn.

[Pól Rua]

Also, nice to see you kevhron. It's been quite a white.

[Tweedsuitcase]

how cute is Conner's Supergirl?

[Den]

Ok... I too thought it might be overpriced, but in fairness, the talent is tops, there's only one ad, and it is possible they had to get a new printer configured for this or something since it isn't a typical format.

To throw my opinions on the strips as others have:

Batman - I'm not the biggest Batman fan. He's kind of a victim of his own success and I guess I'm a tad burnt out on him. However, I liked this, and given the hurdle it had to overcome, that's impressive. Gordan was spot on and the set up and cliffhanger was quite good.

Kamandi - This definitely felt like a prince valiant or Phantom strip in style, though obviously the setting is centuries away from that. I'm not as into the character as many others, but this could be good. Too soon to really say, but it set it up nicely.

Superman - The art was amazing. Seriously, the expression on Superman's face in the last panel just came alive for me. The story isn't bad, and you have to feel for Superman's frustrations.

Deadman - I'm a fan of Boston, so maybe my bias colored this, but I enjoyed this one a great deal. They had to explain him , but he's hardly the best known guy so I didn't mind. I'm just glad he's getting some air time. This felt pretty gothic pulp to me.

Green Lantern - Very "New Frontier" and that is not a bad thing. While Hal only appears in the last panel, this introduces the supporting cast and lets you know where many of them stand right away.

Metamorpho - This was the one I had heard others raving about, but I thought it was merely 'ok'. It's too soon to dismiss it, but I guess I set my expectations too high because the story didn't snag me at all.

Teen Titans - The first one I actively DIDN'T like the art on. Between it and the story, it felt like fan fic about the Teen Titans cartoon not so long ago. I kept expecting to hear Japanese teeny boppers singing in the background. This one is not for me.

Adam Strange - Very old school space pulp, and I admit, I smiled at Strange's commentary on the invading aliens. This could be fun in small doses, and of course, small doses is what a strip does.

Supergirl - Puppies! This was just too freaking adorable for words.

Metal Men - I loved it. The characterization was clear to the point where I think newcomers will grasp the team niches pretty quickly. This one was light hearted and fun, and I laughed. The art , especially facial expressions, was nice and well coordinated (Notice the line up of them in human guise matches the 'head role call' above). The story is a good fun intro and I don't often say this, but good job Didio! This is probably my favorite of the bunch.

Wonder Woman - I've read it three times, and I'm still going "WTF?" The art was cramped, the font hard to read, and "Wonder Woman" came across more like "Anime Amazon Girl". I hate to say this, but worst of the lot.

Sgt. Rock - I've read old Sgt. Rock comic books... this is very true to them. Whether you like that or not depends if you like Warcomics set in WW2.

Flash /Iris- Intriguing. What could have been more straight forward was split into two, and is the most soap opera like of the strips. Proof that marriages are not 'smooth sailing' even in hero land can be found here.


The Demon & Catwoman - I love me some Etrigan, but am not that big a Catwoman fan. Nevertheless, I think the mix could end up working. The way the two characters are introduced makes sense, and the story is moving along leaving me curious about more. Good job.

Hawkman - I loved the artwork. The shot of Hawkman among "his flock" is so full of win I want it as a poster. This strip was Golden Age surrealism at its finest, and unashamedly so. This one is JUST under the Metal Men for me.

[The_Spirit]

I know I am extremely late to this discussion, so please pardon any re-hashing on my part.

I felt that Wednesday Comics was awesome. I remember, very fondly, growing up and reading the Sunday funnies. I lived in Southern California then, and the comics pages out there on Sundays were not half page ad/half page comic on the front and back page, then 2 pages on the inside, they were ALL COMICS, NO ADS.

In those days, Prince Valiant and Terry and the Pirates were my favorite two "serious" comics to read, except when Terry was replaced with Steve Canyon (all reprints, of course). I avoided the crap like Rex Morgan, MD and Mary Worth, which were just comics that they dared not drop for fear of losing their senior citizen readers.

In those (Terry, Canyon, Valiant), the story would take up half a page, and you'd only get to read that snippet that week, as those comics did not have dailies that ran the rest of the week to fill you in, and even if they did, Sunday funnies are and have always been a completely separate entity apart from dailies. You would have to read the Sunday funnies religiously to keep up with the story, and that is EXACTLY what they have done with Wednesday Comics.

WC completely brings that nostalgia back for me. That alone was worth the 3.99 price tag, and the format was awesome. I don't mind crinkled newspaper, that makes it more real to me, and less like I am buying comics made for the purpose of remembering what it was like to read big comics when you were a kid.

I was psyched as all get out to see Adam/Joe Kubert teaming up on SGT. Rock, and the Metamorpho spread was fantastic. Paul Pope's Adam Strange is going to turn into something fun, I can just tell, and from the onset, the opening Batman spread left me wanting more. Sure, the price tag is a little hefty, but remember paying 5.99 for Jeff Smith's "Shazam!: The Monster Society of Evil"? I do, but I enjoyed that, too. Bringing back Kamandi TOTALLY brought back that sense of "Prince Valiant" for me, as has been said just a few posts before mine. I'm glad I wasn't the only one.

I have to echo some statements, though, about Wonder Woman's strip, and Teen Titans. That Wonder Woman strip still has me puzzled, and I have never been the biggest fan of the "Teen Titans Go!" books geared more toward anime gobbling kids.

I will be back for all 12 weeks of Wednesday Comics.

[dupersuper]

Yeah, hopefully DC will finally allow him write a Sandman mini, and then Robinson do the Starman mini. That would make me happy, because DC would be listening to what the fans want, or at least a majority.

Gaiman just finished a Sandman related mini like 4 months ago...

[RyleKayner]

Dream hunters right?

Nah, that was just a rehashing of a story he wrote ages ago. DC has been dredging up quite a bunch of Gaiman's old work and re-jigging it for comics.

[Herald]

Thankfully nothing. If she did, then Wednesday Comics would have been DOA.

Can you imagine that 90s afterbirth flooding the pages of this gem of a comic with all of her suck?

Ugh.

It would've been a lot better than the Silver Age fetish job we got in the latest issue. I could not agree with Tabu's review more, what a waste of $3.99. The DiDio regime has hit an all-time new low.

[Kurt Busiek]

In those (Terry, Canyon, Valiant), the story would take up half a page, and you'd only get to read that snippet that week, as those comics did not have dailies that ran the rest of the week to fill you in, and even if they did, Sunday funnies are and have always been a completely separate entity apart from dailies.

Not quite. PRINCE VALIANT never had a daily strip. CANYON never had the Sundays and the dailies in separate continuity -- they always flowed into each other. But they were written so that if you only read the dailies or only read the Sundays, it made sense. TERRY started out with the Sundays separate, but merged them together within the first couple of years of the strip. I don't know if they kept it that way; I've read very little TERRY after Caniff left the strip.

kdb

[Kurt Busiek]

Yeah, hopefully DC will finally allow him write a Sandman mini

It's not a matter of "allow." DC would love to have him do more SANDMAN stuff, but are unwilling to back that up with either money or royalty rates that would come anywhere close to comparing to what he could get if he spent the same amount of time writing another novel.

kdb

[mgs]

I...can't.....believe...people.....are....actually .....complaining.....about....this!!!! :confused:


This was amazing!!! It was great to see most of the creators use the space of a full, enlarged page in a way that is not possible in a typical sized comic book, and it was great nostalgia, I think for some of those older stories.

Yeah, some people may not 'get' why this was done, but it's fantastic! I love how it even folds into a comic book size of today's proportions but folds out to a large newspaper size. I just fold mine up and keep it in a mylar bag! Preservation is necessary with newspaper print quality paper! :wink:

[Mat001]

Because many creators are too busy to work on ongoing series, have an art style where they can get a page or two done once a week for three months, but can't go 22 pages a month forever, or have other projects in the works.

That and they don't have to be bogged down in continuity. No New Krypton, no Dick Grayson as Batman, no War Of Light. Quick in and quick out.

[mgs]

okay, I have to admit, the Flash one disappointed. With things that just irk me. I mean, comeon! He can outrun an electrical charge from miles away, but not stop someone 10 feet away from pressing a button?

[Herald]

That and they don't have to be bogged down in continuity. No New Krypton, no Dick Grayson as Batman, no War Of Light. Quick in and quick out.

Even books that are in continuity don't follow continuity. How else do you explain the woeful mischaracterization of Kimyo in JLA, or how Hal Jordan is suddenly on New Krypton, even though he's fighting the Rainbow Coalition halfway across the galaxy? Face facts, editors at DC are only there to further the Buddy Bears mentality instilled by Johns & DiDio.

[Herr Mike]

I like it because it reminds me of reading the Sunday comics as a kid. Finally they have something for us 60 year old dudes who followed the Spirit religiously.

Nostalgia as influence sucks hard as it is, but the nostalgia of people who don't even read comics?

[AdamYJ]

I liked it. I think the next one I get I may save to read while I'm eating breakfast on my day off. That would retain the "Sunday Funnies" feel of it a little more.

The one thing I wish is that, to retain the feel of the old newspaper adventure strips, they had been a little more cross-genre and a little less superhero-oriented. I mean, they did have Sgt. Rock, Adam Strange and Kamandi. However, I think it would have been nice to throw in a Western strip like Bat Lash or a medeival romance like Silent Knight. Maybe even a straight comedy strip.

[BatWolverine]

Even books that are in continuity don't follow continuity. How else do you explain the woeful mischaracterization of Kimyo in JLA, or how Hal Jordan is suddenly on New Krypton, even though he's fighting the Rainbow Coalition halfway across the galaxy? Face facts, editors at DC are only there to further the Buddy Bears mentality instilled by Johns & DiDio.

I have to agree with this. How else do you explain Power Girl being the Chairwoman of the Justice Society of America in name ONLY? Cripes, she's supposed to be in charge of an entire team, but all she seems to do is take orders from and follow the lead of the elder statesman?

Was Johns asleep at the wheel? Was he too busy writing his Hal/Barry slashfic to realize what he was doing was not only undermining the leader of his supposedly beloved JSA, but one of, if not THE GREATEST Superheroine in the DCU.

Superskank-girl can go fly a kite. The real Kara Zor-L is a leader, not a walking, talking trampbot.

[Herald]

I have to agree with this. How else do you explain Power Girl being the Chairwoman of the Justice Society of America in name ONLY? Cripes, she's supposed to be in charge of an entire team, but all she seems to do is take orders from and follow the lead of the elder statesman?

Was Johns asleep at the wheel? Was he too busy writing his Hal/Barry slashfic to realize what he was doing was not only undermining the leader of his supposedly beloved JSA, but one of, if not THE GREATEST Superheroine in the DCU.

Superskank-girl can go fly a kite. The real Kara Zor-L is a leader, not a walking, talking trampbot.

Now THIS is a sentiment I can get behind. I mean really, I don't see the point of a bunch of out of continuity cutesy shorts that have no real relevance. It's just more of the DiDio regime pretending to give us readers what we want, but just shoveling the same ol' same ol' mediocrity down our throats. For shame, DC, for shame.

[The_Spirit]

Not quite. PRINCE VALIANT never had a daily strip. CANYON never had the Sundays and the dailies in separate continuity -- they always flowed into each other. But they were written so that if you only read the dailies or only read the Sundays, it made sense. TERRY started out with the Sundays separate, but merged them together within the first couple of years of the strip. I don't know if they kept it that way; I've read very little TERRY after Caniff left the strip.

kdb

Ah. I was drawing on my memory from when I was a kid, which is to say I didn't know much, if anything, about comics then. Thanks for clearing this up. :)

[AoAMimic]

With the current format, its all original first run work, and that makes it more expensive. It doesn't seem to be intended as a gateway.

The way to make it a gateway comic would be to publish actual excerpts from existing comic lines. By doing that, it would allow them to reduce the price point significantly, since the creative work would already be getting recompensed by sales of the comic book where the excerpt was originally published. And it would mean the readers would have a jumping on point to the existing comic lines.

I wouldn't wish existing comic story lines on my worst enemy. If I want to get my nephews interested in reading comics, Wednesday Comics is what I would hand to them. If it were a dollar cheaper! :) Really though, Kamandi, Strange Adventures, and Metamorpho are worth it.

[Dubbilex]

I like it because it reminds me of reading the Sunday comics as a kid. Finally they have something for us 60 year old dudes who followed the Spirit religiously.

You're right, person with a Calvin and Hobbes icon. Clearly no one living under the age of 60 ever read the Sunday comics section.

[RyleKayner]

I don't see the point of a bunch of out of continuity cutesy shorts that have no real relevance. It's just more of the DiDio regime pretending to give us readers what we want, but just shoveling the same ol' same ol' mediocrity down our throats. For shame, DC, for shame.

The point is that us comic-book fangeeks have been clamouring for electronic distribution or some other means for us to get the funnybooks we love for a reasonable price irrespective of where we live.

So yes, we would love it for DC to try something new. But instead of a direct distribution, iTunes like model, we get Wednesday Comics - warm waves of nostalgia that you have to physically pick up from a specialty store every week.

It's like movie companies trying to answer the online pirates by releasing their new movies with superstar creative teams exclusively on VHS. VHS that comes out weekly, can only be picked up from your local video store and contains snippets of your favourite movies instead of a single complete story.

Yep - thanks DC for trying so hard to stem the slow downward spiral of the comic book industry. As much as I hope this sells like gangbusters - I still want to see the industry flourish - I can't help but feel that this is a giant leap backwards when what we really wanted was a bold step forwards.

[AdamYJ]

I don't see the point of a bunch of out of continuity cutesy shorts that have no real relevance. It's just more of the DiDio regime pretending to give us readers what we want, but just shoveling the same ol' same ol' mediocrity down our throats. For shame, DC, for shame.

No real relevance? :confused:

They're comic books, they're irrelevance is what makes them great. It really gets me sometimes the way fans have this disdain for comic books that supposedly "don't matter". However, that's the beauty of comic books and most every other form of entertainment out there. None of it matters.

The point is that us comic-book fangeeks have been clamouring for electronic distribution or some other means for us to get the funnybooks we love for a reasonable price irrespective of where we live.

So yes, we would love it for DC to try something new. But instead of a direct distribution, iTunes like model, we get Wednesday Comics - warm waves of nostalgia that you have to physically pick up from a specialty store every week.

It's like movie companies trying to answer the online pirates by releasing their new movies with superstar creative teams exclusively on VHS. VHS that comes out weekly, can only be picked up from your local video store and contains snippets of your favourite movies instead of a single complete story.

Yep - thanks DC for trying so hard to stem the slow downward spiral of the comic book industry. As much as I hope this sells like gangbusters - I still want to see the industry flourish - I can't help but feel that this is a giant leap backwards when what we really wanted was a bold step forwards.

Dude, I don't think this whole Wednesday Comics thing was ever intended as any sort of answer to fans' desire for digital distribution or anything like that. It's just DC's newest weekly series, designed as an homage to the Sunday comics.

[West Mantooth]

The point is that us comic-book fangeeks have been clamouring for electronic distribution or some other means for us to get the funnybooks we love for a reasonable price irrespective of where we live.

So yes, we would love it for DC to try something new. But instead of a direct distribution, iTunes like model, we get Wednesday Comics - warm waves of nostalgia that you have to physically pick up from a specialty store every week.

It's like movie companies trying to answer the online pirates by releasing their new movies with superstar creative teams exclusively on VHS. VHS that comes out weekly, can only be picked up from your local video store and contains snippets of your favourite movies instead of a single complete story.

Yep - thanks DC for trying so hard to stem the slow downward spiral of the comic book industry. As much as I hope this sells like gangbusters - I still want to see the industry flourish - I can't help but feel that this is a giant leap backwards when what we really wanted was a bold step forwards.



The Superman strip is online after debuting in USA Today. How is that not an attempt at gauging promotion and interest from the GA?


And your "Field of Dreams" for comics is wrong, imo. People go to Itunes not because people stopped liking CD, but because Itunes anticipated the buying habits of consumers. People no longer wanted whole albums when they only want a handful of songs. If ITunes had sold cheaper music online but still in the 12 song bundle, it would have failed.

People obviously like superheroes and they do know Spidey is a comic character. They don't care that comics cost 2.99 etc because they don't care. Peoople aren't in love with the comic format in general. Simply dumping it online wouldn't have done a thing.

[KYLeo71]

Um... you don't have to go to a comic shop to buy comics anymore. It's this little thing called a computer with internet and they're available everywhere. You can buy comics online and have them mailed to your front door. It's how I got back into comics, actually, and I've only set foot in a comic shop maybe a handful of times in my entire life. There were always too many...um...weird people in there for my comfort level.

[kevrhon]

And I'd be surprised if we ever see digital-only distribution of mainstream DC comics. Unless there's a way to prevent file sharing, it'd just be a leak in the bucket that Warners doesn't want. There's enough of that with music. I don't remember the last time I . . . I mean, this friend of mine, bought a CD.

I'm not sure how receptive the market is to that anyway. I don't see too many people on the subway or on airplanes with a Kindle or other digital book reader. I still see lots of Borders and Barnes and Nobles around.

I've downloaded digital files of back issues that aren't available in Archives (Brave & the Bold), they really don't fit the format of a comic screen anyway. With my laptop I can turn the machine a quarter turn and view an issue as God and Jim Aparo intended it, but that's not really feasible with a desktop. I think part of the appeal of monthlies, or even archives, is their portability.

[americocaine]

This thing could practically qualify as a free comic book day handout. I've heard its sold out in some places. Not sure if this is the case everywhere. Its hard to say that this will even be the savior of DC Comics. It makes as much sense as DC Universe Zero. And that was only 14 months ago, but it feels like 14 years.

[Kurt Busiek]

Dude, I don't think this whole Wednesday Comics thing was ever intended as any sort of answer to fans' desire for digital distribution or anything like that. It's just DC's newest weekly series, designed as an homage to the Sunday comics.

Yeah.

I have to say, it seems a tad demented to judge any one single new product by gauging whether it will solve all the ills of the comics industry at once.

Is WEDNESDAY COMICS reaching out to people via the Web? A little bit, at least, since one of the strips is being serialized in the online USA TODAY.

But was that the point of it? No. And is that the sum total of DC's online outreach? Hardly.

It probably makes as much sense to complain that DC's Zuda.com comics aren't reaching out to the nostalgic comics fan, or that the Archive hardcovers won't fit in an e-reader.

Not every project is intended to do all things for all readers. WEDNESDAY COMICS does not represent the entirety of DC's future plans, all at once, any more than Mark Chiarello's previous projects, like SOLO, BATMAN BLACK & WHITE and others did.

kdb

[Kurt Busiek]

Its hard to say that this will even be the savior of DC Comics.

Should it be?

"Saviors" generally don't happen in one single project, anyway. DC's first TPB collections didn't make everyone rush to buy comics in bookstores overnight, but if they hadn't taken those first steps, they wouldn't have gotten their collected-edition program to where it is now. If they hadn't done it because that first book wasn't the savior of the company, where would they be now?

kdb

[AdamYJ]

Y'know, it seems to me that whenever a new format is tried by comics companies' everyone starts looking to it to be some sort of way of rescuing the comic book industry. However, sometimes a new format is just a new format.

[theXfactor]

Loved it! Every strip had something fresh and unique about it and I can't wait to read more next week. The only strip that let me cold was the Teen Titans one, but I think at least the story (if not the art) will improve next week. My favorite one was the Metal Men feature . Loved the art, the characters and the overall feel of the strip.
I hope this succeds and Dc launches a second series with Captain Marvel and Aquaman strips (these were the only things missing, really)

[pariah-1972]

I thought this was a bit over hyped (as usual by the reviewers on this very site) the stories were too short to gauge wither they are going to be any good.

I like this approach hypothetically since it hearkens back to silver and golden age stories that aren't connected to any hard continuity.

I found the actual format hard to read tho especially the Wonder Woman one.

[Slothdookie]

Wow...that Wonder Woman page was a mess. Get rid of the WW and TT garbage, knock it down a buck and I'm sold for the series. Just not worth $3.99 a week for a novelty. Slap a hologram and foil on this.

[benday-dot]

First the content:

I just finished reading it and I think I'm hooked.

My favourites thus far are:

Metamorpho (it really comes across to me as more Allred than Gaiman. In tone, it could very well have been a Frank Einstein story, but that is just fine with me, because I have lots of Allred love)

Adam Strange/Strange Adventures)... very mind-blowing art with an exciting story set-up.

Kamandi... again fabulous art; even if all you really get thus far is a set-up to the character and conceit I have a feeling I'm going to dig this one.

Hawkman... breathtaking art and looks like it will shape up to be a very nice Hawkman one-shot that should well-demonstrate what this character can be at its best.

Catwoman... looks to ooze with potential. Though I'll hold judgment on the art until I see Demon Etrigan and not just Jason Blood. Catwoman herself looks great

Others:

Green Lantern, Flash and Metal Men look like they could also be very good indeed... another week or two well tell.

Superman and Batman both seem okay. No real complaints. That hyper-realistic Supes art is interesting. I'm more of a Swan man, but I like different takes on characters.

Supergirl... cute. That's about it. I like the character from the Schaffenburger and Mooney days, so I'll wait and see.

I guess I share the general consensus as to the worst of the lot: Teen Titans was a bit of nothing to me. And Wonder Woman was too much of nothing. But this is only the beginning; maybe I'm being too harsh.

[Ilash]

It would've been a lot better than the Silver Age fetish job we got in the latest issue. I could not agree with Tabu's review more, what a waste of $3.99. The DiDio regime has hit an all-time new low.

You know what, this is ridiculous. No matter what you think of Wednesday Comics (I personally loved almost all of it - Teen Titans and Wonder Woman excepted - even if I'm not used to reading only a page of a story a week), you have to give Mark Chiarello and, indeed, Dan Didio credit for even attempting something like this. I certainly haven't been a fan of all the editorial decisions under Didio's reign but how on earth can you hold it against him when he oversees the release of something as experimental and atypical as this.

[benday-dot]

It's better than the newsprint comics used to be printed on. I'd say it's more like The Comic Shop News, if you're familiar with that, only maybe a little heavier. It's a little whiter than plain newsprint, and heavier.

Back to the above quote in a bit, but first just a further word on the rest of it... the price and format etc.

I didn't read much in advance about the details of Wednesday Comics, so I was surprised that it was printed on newsprint, and also surprised that it was still 3.99.

The first surprise I think is a nice one. I guess it's sort of the point. If you are going to hearken back to the coloured Sunday strips, which were all done in newsprint then why not produce your homage book in a like-manner, the broadsheet fold-up bit and all.

I'm not sure how great this would be in a normal sized trade. As it appears in it's oversized, foldable weekly format it is quite clear what the project is all about. It looks like you're reading newspaper strips, and it feels like it. On the smaller side by side regular looking glossy pages of a trade it might just seem like a bunch of out of context and disjointed one or two page stories. Even if they compile the 12 weeks of story pages together for each character in the eventual reprint it just might sort of underwhelm. Just speculation.

The only worry I have is that repeated folding and unfolding of newsprint can pretty quickly wear a hole through the centre point of all that gorgeous art.

Which brings me to the price. This is only thing out of sync with the newspaper strips to which Wednesday Comics pay fine and loving homage. Silver and bronze age comics and newspapers alike possessed a disposable and ephemeral charm... and their price reflected this in dimes and quarters.

$3.99 may be what it takes to turn a profit on the project, but it looks high for a periodical that feeds on the throwaway charm and nostalgia of yesteryear. 1 or 2 dollars seems more appropriate to me.

Nice analogy above Kevhron... In fact when I picked my copy up today, the LCS worker said they are having a small problem with customers trying to take away their copies for free, so much do they resemble in format and feel the actually free Comic Shop News. I really does look like something that might be free, but that is dreaming for such a lovely weekly.

[dupersuper]

Superman- very cool setup, I loved Arcudis JLA 1-shot years back, and I like the art

Adam Strange/Strange Adventures-another cool setup; looking forward to more

Metamorpho-good, but very much an Allred story. I like Allred a lot, but I love Gaiman, and I'm hoping to hear his voice a little more as the story goes on

Kamandi- beautiful art, and I've liked Gibbons writing since the 3 issue Worlds Finest mini he did with Steve Rude in the early 90's; I have high hopes for this 1

Sgt. Rock- classic Kubert war story; never really my thing, but certainly well-done

Hawkman-loved the narration, and the art looks interesting

Catwoman/JasonBlood/Etrigan, The Demon- yet another good set-up that has me looking forward to next issue

Green Lantern- I wish it was in continuity (not tied to the Final Night stuff, just a modern GL story), but Busiek in a Cooke inspired GL setting could be fun

Flash- Barry was late, and Iris is shocked and leaves him?...she has known that Barry's punctuality impaired since their frst few dates, but whatever...this one looks odd...the art is fine though

Metal Men- a servicible story with good art and protagonists in silly wardrobe

Batman- excellent cliffhanger, very nice art

Supergirl- silly indeed; I like silly

Teen Titans- very bad all around

Wonder Woman- painfully bad art, the birds had some nice dialogue though

As for the price; it is higher than it should be, but I get at least 5 or 6 comics a week, so I doubt I'll notice.

[Will.S]

With the current format, its all original first run work, and that makes it more expensive. It doesn't seem to be intended as a gateway.

The way to make it a gateway comic would be to publish actual excerpts from existing comic lines. By doing that, it would allow them to reduce the price point significantly, since the creative work would already be getting recompensed by sales of the comic book where the excerpt was originally published. And it would mean the readers would have a jumping on point to the existing comic lines.
This would largely depend on what comic line they're pulling the except from.

The advantage of Wednesday Comics is that it all begins and ends with the strips and are for the most part accessible ventures. If they're pulling something from say a random issue of Flash or Superman then it's harder to really say if they'll be invested in it depending on how the writer of said comic wrote it in the first place or if DC pulled out the except effectively enough.

[ben c]

um... which "existing" comics would you use?

the fact that always gets overlooked is that modern comics are inaccessible to most non-comics readers because of their CONTENT. their narrative structure, visual storytelling, and character treatment are all geared towards existing comic readers, regardless of where they are on sale. i was at marvel when they decided to include an X comic in new york newspapers to synch with the release of X2. it was a brilliant idea, but the actual comic used was part 6 of an 11-part arc, without a clear introduction or resolution. the characters on the team were completely different from the ones most people know from the films, and while the art and writing were not bad by any means, they weren't exactly "open" for new readers to get into.
there is a reason why comic movies are not part of continuity, costumes are redesigned etc.

earlier "ages" of comics are much more accessible to the general public, but i imagine most modern comics readers would not consider them a proper gateway to modern comics series.

which isn't to say WC is intended as the ultimate gateway comic. if you REALLY wanted to do a comic that was broadly accessible in terms of content and venue, you'd need to do longer books, probably black and white, aimed at much younger audiences in terms of style and content (less cross-hatching, less rape), and sell them in bookstores. the inescapable fact is that most adult americans are not going to read comics now unless they already do. that will not change, unless younger readers are brought in, which won't happen by simply repackaging material that wasn't written for them in the first place.

i don't care if comics are mature or cartoony or whatever — there's plenty of room for everything — but i don't think many people in the comics community are having a realistic conversation about what the market is and can be.

as for WC, i think it's main intention is to be awesome! i think KB covered whether this one project is going to be a silver bullet for anything.

[matt levin]

I read my Wednesday Comics Sunday morning. That’s when they used be published, in the Sunday papers. Fifty-five years ago my Uncle Sidney visited on Sundays, and would read me the funnies: Popeye, Dick Tracy, Steve Canyon, Little Orphan Annie; he’d explain Jimmy Hatlo’s comics, and the secret who’s whos of Pogo. So I waited from Wednesday to Sunday… ....read only the first page, the lead, Batman story.

I’m excited by the return of the newspaper comics section: I like the large page formats, this first issue’s selection of creators is outstanding, and the whole thing looks good, looks great. About the fragility of the package, ie., newsprint folded, I kinda applaud the return to comic books as disposable entertainment: we’re losing nothing historic, now that reprint collections fill mainstream book marts. And we’ve come so far down the rocky road of ‘collectibles,’ it’s kind of gracious to think back on earlier attitudes.

My complaint is the repetition of “introduction stories”: it was very much like reading the same story repeatedly, characters varied, situations varied, but the core of nearly every ‘story’ was “the horses are lining up; starter raises his pistol—continued next week!” I would very much like to see insertion of one-page stories: Metamorpho seems likeliest to work easily in that format.
This first issue, Supergirl comes closest to a fine one-page comics-section story and would work just as well without that ‘to be continued’ box at the end. The Wonder Woman story, too, comes close, although I question the choice to begin a series like this with a dream.

I really like the “double story” look of Flash Comics: the division into “The Flash” and “Iris West” helped break a very repetitious flow of these giant one-page after one-page layouts. The variety of styles, both written and illustrated, keeps the experience fresh, page after page, but the over-all experience is a little over-whelming.
On the other hand, I’d like to see the “Batman created by Bob Kane” legend a couple of type-sizes larger.

Of these fifteen first offerings, I liked best Metamorpho, Strange Adventures, Supergirl, Demon/Catwoman, Batman, Kamandi, and Superman; but even those I cared less for, were mostly all engaging, lovely to look at, and part of a welcome way to begin my Sunday.

[Lupek]

Most of the artwork is gorgeous and most of the stories are done well. But 4 bucks for newsprint seems over priced so I will pass on the rest. If there is a trade collecting these stories at some point, I will pick it up then.

Good on DC for trying something different. I'd love to see strips like these in daily newspapers or the sunday funnies on a regular basis.

[Kirayoshi]

Flash- Barry was late, and Iris is shocked and leaves him?...she has known that Barry's punctuality impaired since their frst few dates, but whatever...this one looks odd...the art is fine though

Plus there's the fact that she knew he was the Flash from their honeymoon night(he talked in his sleep), so she should know why he's always showing up late on her.

Seriously, check out Mark Waid's "Life Story of the Flash". Part comic, part text, tells the whole story from Iris' POV.

[Thok]

I'm trying to decide how much the WW strip was inspired by Little Nemo in Slumberland.

[dumbstruck]

But factor in the fact that the pages are all folded up and creased (and in some cases torn), and you're left with a rather shoddy presentation that doesn't only feel cheaper than a "conventional-sized comic", but present the material in the way it deserves. I somehow doubt that the artists turned in their work folded over twice. If they're going to damage the work like this, they should charge less.


For you, and everyone complaining about the newsprint presentation, you're really missing the point of the format. Would it be nice to see this work on heavier grade, glossy paper? Sure. But that's not the point behind this project. The point is to hearken back to an age when comics were about reading them instead of collecting them. When they were largely a fun, throw-away entertainment.

[pariah-1972]

For you, and everyone complaining about the newsprint presentation, you're really missing the point of the format. Would it be nice to see this work on heavier grade, glossy paper? Sure. But that's not the point behind this project. The point is to hearken back to an age when comics were about reading them instead of collecting them. When they were largely a fun, throw-away entertainment.It would be really ironic then if it did become a collector's item.

[chrisgiff]

i just read this and thought it was amazing. it was such a fun read. wonder woman was the only thing that really sucked about it. i can see the price being a little steap, but then again, i enjoyed it more than some of the marvel titles i have been reading...

[Joe Blow]

The point is to hearken back to an age when comics were about reading them instead of collecting them. When they were largely a fun, throw-away entertainment.And that's fine, if they were priced accordingly. $4 for 15 pages (I don't care how big they fold out to) is certainly not "throw-away entertainment". And it's not like I'm asking them to "hearken back" to charging a dime or something - just a buck or so less would jive a lot better with this format.

[Will.S]

And that's fine, if they were priced accordingly. $4 for 15 pages (I don't care how big they fold out to) is certainly not "throw-away entertainment". And it's not like I'm asking them to "hearken back" to charging a dime or something - just a buck or so less would jive a lot better with this format.
Yeah, $3.99 ain't what I would call throw away entertainment.

I would preserve the hell out of those fold out pages.

[Ilash]

And that's fine, if they were priced accordingly. $4 for 15 pages (I don't care how big they fold out to) is certainly not "throw-away entertainment". And it's not like I'm asking them to "hearken back" to charging a dime or something - just a buck or so less would jive a lot better with this format.

However much I agree with this, I just don't know if realistically they could have done this. I never considered this until it was brought up in the iFanboy podcast but Wednesday Comics has a grand total of 1 advert, meaning that they can't rely on advertising to help cover costs. I do also think that this took me longer to read than your usual 32 page comic, probably because I spent such a large amount of time just pouring over the art. And that's the final point, it's hard to see this as throwaway when the artwork is this gorgeous. I didn't so much want to bag and board this as I wanted to frame pretty much each and every page and hang it on my wall.

I have, very simply, spend $4 on comics that have felt far less deserving of their price than this one did.

[Joe Blow]

One issue might be that I really don't see how this could be collected in a trade in any satifactory way - I really don't.

So, not being able to make money that way, they might've had to compensate by charging extra here - but who knows.

[Scott Taylor]

the fact that always gets overlooked is that modern comics are inaccessible to most non-comics readers because of their CONTENT. their narrative structure, visual storytelling, and character treatment are all geared towards existing comic readers, regardless of where they are on sale. i was at marvel when they decided to include an X comic in new york newspapers to synch with the release of X2. it was a brilliant idea, but the actual comic used was part 6 of an 11-part arc, without a clear introduction or resolution. the characters on the team were completely different from the ones most people know from the films, and while the art and writing were not bad by any means, they weren't exactly "open" for new readers to get into.

Thats the way I got into comics as a kid, by just jumping into the middle of things. Chances are good that you get a representative feel for the comic that way, much better than in one of the so-called "jumping on point" comics. Those are usually special and different in tone from the normal fare.

[mgs]

The point is to hearken back to an age when comics were about reading them instead of collecting them. When they were largely a fun, throw-away entertainment.
Exactly! :wink:

One issue might be that I really don't see how this could be collected in a trade in any satifactory way - I really don't.
not the point, see above.

[Joe Blow]

not the point, see above.Where did I say that it was?

If this belabored "point" is the actual point, then why is it so expensive?

All these theories of it being a call-back to days gone of throw-away entertainment are obliterated by it's price-point.

I was just trying to come up with reasons why it's so expensive.

[mgs]

Where did I say that it was?

If this belabored "point" is the actual point, then why is it so expensive?

Well, just b/c you brought it up. (re: the trade thing)

As for the 'expensive' part. I didn't think it was, compared to most prices of comics, these days, and even in the past, as indicated by my collection.

[AdamYJ]

Y'know, there's a good chance that $3.99 is exactly as much as it had to cost in order to make a profit. People keep thinking that newsprint's cheap. However, people should be aware that newspapers have been losing money for ages. You see, the newspapers actually go out of their way to make them cheap. There's a rule of thumb that states that a daily newspaper should only cost as much as a cup of coffee from a diner. So, right now that's about fifty cents, even though it costs more than that to make the whole paper itself.

So, I just thought people should consider that.

[Ilash]

Y'know, there's a good chance that $3.99 is exactly as much as it had to cost in order to make a profit. People keep thinking that newsprint's cheap. However, people should be aware that newspapers have been losing money for ages. You see, the newspapers actually go out of their way to make them cheap. There's a rule of thumb that states that a daily newspaper should only cost as much as a cup of coffee from a diner. So, right now that's about fifty cents, even though it costs more than that to make the whole paper itself.

So, I just thought people should consider that.

Yup, I've heard from interviews with a number of industry pros, most notably Mark Waid, that switching to newsprint would make next to no difference in the cost of producing a comic book.

[GRANT!]

Yup, I've heard from interviews with a number of industry pros, most notably Mark Waid, that switching to newsprint would make next to no difference in the cost of producing a comic book.

Jay Faerber who does Noble Cause and Dynamo 5 at Image says it cost more for some reason.

[mgs]

Yup, I've heard from interviews with a number of industry pros, most notably Mark Waid, that switching to newsprint would make next to no difference in the cost of producing a comic book.
I never get when people say something like this....EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!!! O.o

Even if it would make comics cost 3 cents less, DO IT!!

Jay Faerber who does Noble Cause and Dynamo 5 at Image says it cost more for some reason.
That actually makes more sense, given the state of paper publishing these days.

[Kurt Busiek]

Jay Faerber who does Noble Cause and Dynamo 5 at Image says it cost more for some reason.

If you use a non-standard paper, the printer charges more to re-set the presses. So paper that costs the same or even a little less than whatever the standard paper stocks that printer uses can result in higher printing prices.

Switch to a different printer, who uses that paper stock as standard, and you may wind up paying higher shipping prices, or getting less of a volume discount than at your regular printer.

It's all a balancing act. Changing one element changes others, too, and going "cheaper" on one thing may cost you more money overall.

kdb

[West Mantooth]

I love your work, but your use of facts, logic, and rationale in posting is depressing.

[pariah-1972]

I love your work, but your use of facts, logic, and rationale in posting is depressing.Oh god i'm gonna have to quote that aren't i?

[ben c]

um... and there's also the fact that they paid us in DUBLOONS.

[Pól Rua]

It would be really ironic then if it did become a collector's item.

Given that collectibility is largely a result of scarcity, a mint-edition copy of Wednesday Comics in 20-30 years is probably going to be quite rare given the quality of the paper and difficulties in storage.
That said, I'm just gonna read the crap outta mine for as long as it lasts and buy the trade when it comes out.

[West Mantooth]

um... and there's also the fact that they paid us in DUBLOONS.

I knew you were a pirate! Ben C? Been Sea? Been at Sea! Pirate!

Yeah, that was lame. :cool:

[Paul McEnery]

um... and there's also the fact that they paid us in DUBLOONS.

Ben -- Don't listen to the nattering nabobs. That Wonder Woman page is worth the price in itself. I'm impressed just by the way that you made the oversized page look nowhere near big enough.

Also, to everyone complaining about the price: each page is the equivalent of four pages of a regular comic. So that's 60 pages of comics for four bucks.

[TJ Shoun]

Man, this thing is AWESOME!

I had a blast flipping through this thing like a big newspaper!

And man, these creative teams are flat-out the best in the business!

Way to go, DC!

I can understand - to some degree - the complaints about the $3.99 price tag.

But here's my suggestion: Skip this week's shitty Wolverine $3.99 one-shot... or whatever useless one-shot or mini-series tie-in Marvel will be flooding the market with this week. Then skip it again next week too, and replace it with this in your stack.

You'll have more fun and get to see top-notch creators doing their thing, and you'll have less Wolverine fatigue come Thursday morning too.

[Pól Rua]

Issue 2 is even better than #1. It's like, with the introductions out of the way, we can just dive into the actual stories... Why, the Kamandi story alone is almost worth the price of admission. Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff.

[dumbstruck]

And that's fine, if they were priced accordingly. $4 for 15 pages (I don't care how big they fold out to) is certainly not "throw-away entertainment". And it's not like I'm asking them to "hearken back" to charging a dime or something - just a buck or so less would jive a lot better with this format.


Okay. We get it. You don't like the price. Then don't buy it. Frankly, I'm amazed at all the complaints. It's not like DC made the format a secret. What you and everyone else complaining about the format is not taking into consideration is the lack of advertising dollars going into this project. There are no other points of revenue to subsidize the book. Couple that with all the writers and artists that still need to be paid. Plus the profit margin DC expects. All of this cost has to be recouped, and with lack of advertising, that means a higher price to the consumer.

In terms of the actual amount of material in each issue, it is equivalent, or near enough, to a regular size comic. So $3.99 is pretty reasonable, IMO.

And no. Obviously this isn't meant to be throw-away entertainment. That's not what the industry is about anymore. And that is the very essence of why DC has chosen this format. It's a retro project designed to give modern readers just a little bit of a feel of how things used to be.

[dumbstruck]

One issue might be that I really don't see how this could be collected in a trade in any satifactory way - I really don't.

So, not being able to make money that way, they might've had to compensate by charging extra here - but who knows.

That's pretty lame. You're condemning a project because you're worried about whether or not it'll be collected in trade in the future? Forget missing the point of this project. You're missing the point of comics.

Comics are supposed to be fun. How much fun can you have if you're worrying about possible (and I stress that word) future collections?

[pariah-1972]

Okay. We get it. You don't like the price. Then don't buy it. Frankly, I'm amazed at all the complaints. It's not like DC made the format a secret. What you and everyone else complaining about the format is not taking into consideration is the lack of advertising dollars going into this project. There are no other points of revenue to subsidize the book. Couple that with all the writers and artists that still need to be paid. Plus the profit margin DC expects. All of this cost has to be recouped, and with lack of advertising, that means a higher price to the consumer.

In terms of the actual amount of material in each issue, it is equivalent, or near enough, to a regular size comic. So $3.99 is pretty reasonable, IMO.

And no. Obviously this isn't meant to be throw-away entertainment. That's not what the industry is about anymore. And that is the very essence of why DC has chosen this format. It's a retro project designed to give modern readers just a little bit of a feel of how things used to be.The last part doesn't really make sense to me but i rarely ever read any Superhero comic strips.

If you want to remind people of the "good ole days" wouldn't it help to reference that with a cheaper price like how things used to be back then?

[dumbstruck]

The last part doesn't really make sense to me but i rarely ever read any Superhero comic strips.

If you want to remind people of the "good ole days" wouldn't it help to reference that with a cheaper price like how things used to be back then?

See the first part of my post. You guys are missing out on a truly great and unique project because you're hung up on a price point you don't understand. It's a shame, really.

At the end of the day, DC still has to make a per unit profit. Besides, the price most of the complainers want, about 25 cents, adjusted for inflation would be around $786. So 3.99 is a bargain.

[pariah-1972]

See the first part of my post. You guys are missing out on a truly great and unique project because you're hung up on a price point you don't understand. It's a shame, really.

At the end of the day, DC still has to make a per unit profit. Besides, the price most of the complainers want, about 25 cents, adjusted for inflation would be around $786. So 3.99 is a bargain.I just don't see the point of spending all that money on something that A. you can't bag and board b. is probably going to take a bunch of issues for the stories to complete before anyone can judge the actual quality of the stories (unless you are just in it for the art)

and C. is probably going to vary wildly in quality once this thing really gets started since you have so many different creators.

[dumbstruck]

I just don't see the point of spending all that money on something that A. you can't bag and board b. is probably going to take a bunch of issues for the stories to complete before anyone can judge the actual quality of the stories (unless you are just in it for the art)

and C. is probably going to vary wildly in quality once this thing really gets started since you have so many different creators.


a) It's interesting you put the whole bag and board thing first. Says a lot about what's important to you; namely collectibility.

b) No different from any new series.

c) I seriously doubt this will be a problem since it is only 12 issues.

By all indications, you aren't anything except against this book, so why did you even bother with the 1st issue?

[pariah-1972]

a) It's interesting you put the whole bag and board thing first. Says a lot about what's important to you; namely collectibility.

b) No different from any new series.

c) I seriously doubt this will be a problem since it is only 12 issues.

By all indications, you aren't anything except against this book, so why did you even bother with the 1st issue?I'm not into "collectability" at all or i wouldn't waste my time discussing comics on here but i would like to be able to keep it somewhere safe where it won't get torn up.


I doubt it's "only" gonna be 12 issues unless this thing flops.

I'm against this book now cause i'm severely disappointed in this after waiting so long and after so much stupid hype .this and Cry for Justice makes me wonder why i waste my time when Dc comics is not interested in trying to get me to read most of there stories.

[dumbstruck]

I'm not into "collectability" at all or i wouldn't waste my time discussing comics on here but i would like to be able to keep it somewhere safe where it won't get torn up.


I doubt it's "only" gonna be 12 issues unless this thing flops.

I'm against this book now cause i'm severely disappointed in this after waiting so long and after so much stupid hype .this and Cry for Justice makes me wonder why i waste my time when Dc comics is not interested in trying to get me to read most of there stories.

If bagging and boarding is so important, than there are other alternatives. Get yourself some of those clear plastic three-ring binder sleeves. Or buy some of those magazine sized bags and boards. They do sell different sizes. You can also get tabloid sized ones that fit those Alex Ross/Paul Dini series of specials from a few years back.

As it stands, WC is 12 issues. DC has given no indication they will continue this beyond that. They have another weekly planned for the new year, iirc. I could see them doing another WC run in the future if it's successful, but no way would it be ongoing. The salaries for all the creators on this project I'm sure are quite high, hence the high cost you're so against.

Perhaps you should be disappointed in yourself for evidently buying into the hype. I sure hope you aren't planning on getting Blackest Night, considering all the hype it's had. And there's no possible way it could ever live up to the two years worth of hype that project has had.

[Karl O'Neill]

I wonder if this will be collected in the same style as the weekly installments?

[KYLeo71]

I'm not understanding the concerns about not being able to bag & board. My issue came already bagged and boarded as do all my comics since I order online. If my OCS can bag and board them, why does everyone else seem to be having so much trouble? :confused:

[ben c]

it is 12 issues. beginning, middle, end.

[Batman was taken]

I'm not understanding the concerns about not being able to bag & board. My issue came already bagged and boarded as do all my comics since I order online. If my OCS can bag and board them, why does everyone else seem to be having so much trouble? :confused:

Yeah, I have no idea. It fits in a bag just fine. Not in a current sized bag, but there's more than one option.

And I just want to say, it's sad and telling that this thread has turned into a debate/discussion about price and crap, as opposed to talking about the actual comic, the stories, the art... No, we have to bitch about prices and bags...

[dumbstruck]

Yeah, I have no idea. It fits in a bag just fine. Not in a current sized bag, but there's more than one option.

And I just want to say, it's sad and telling that this thread has turned into a debate/discussion about price and crap, as opposed to talking about the actual comic, the stories, the art... No, we have to bitch about prices and bags...


That's because the critics don't have much else to dislike beyond the price.

[pariah-1972]

Yeah, I have no idea. It fits in a bag just fine. Not in a current sized bag, but there's more than one option.

And I just want to say, it's sad and telling that this thread has turned into a debate/discussion about price and crap, as opposed to talking about the actual comic, the stories, the art... No, we have to bitch about prices and bags...What else is there to say besides the pretty pictures?

[CBikle]

That's because the critics don't have much else to dislike beyond the price.

I think for most people, the price point is the only obstacle and it's a pretty big one.

Aside from that, most people seem to like the idea of WC and like how it was executed.

[rick]

Nice looking with great creative teams and well worth the cost.

[dumbstruck]

I think for most people, the price point is the only obstacle and it's a pretty big one.

Aside from that, most people seem to like the idea of WC and like how it was executed.


Oh I agree. The price is going to prove difficult for some. That's $16 a month that many can't spare. My issue is that some are using the price (of which they have no idea how that price was decided upon) to condemn the project as a whole, and that to me, is shortsighted and smacks of ignorance.

[Pól Rua]

If you want to remind people of the "good ole days" wouldn't it help to reference that with a cheaper price like how things used to be back then?
And wouldn't be nice if comics were free and everybody had a magic flying pony...

[KYLeo71]

And wouldn't be nice if comics were free and everybody had a magic flying pony...
You mean everyone doesn't have a magic flying pony?

[Trey]

Nice looking with great creative teams and well worth the cost.

So true. Its only four books. That's half an hour of work if you are making minimum wage!!!! Its 1.25% of your weekly pay. Cheap!!!!

[Pól Rua]

You mean everyone doesn't have a magic flying pony?

I have a magic talking monkey named Mister Blammo that has a stretchable tail instead. He and I go on adventures together.

[Pól Rua]

So true. Its only four books. That's half an hour of work if you are making minimum wage!!!! Its 1.25% of your weekly pay. Cheap!!!!

If you're making minimum wage, you probably have more important things to spend your money on than comics.
You'd be a fool to pay $3.95 for a good comic if you were on minimum wage, but then again, you'd be an even bigger fool to pay $2.95 for crappy comics.
Seriously, go to a library and read the damn things for free, then buy food and pay rent.

[victor_lanza]

I just don't see the point of spending all that money on something that A. you can't bag and board b. is probably going to take a bunch of issues for the stories to complete before anyone can judge the actual quality of the stories (unless you are just in it for the art)

and C. is probably going to vary wildly in quality once this thing really gets started since you have so many different creators.

Just a note, fits with a board in a silver age bag just fine.

[pariah-1972]

I'm probably just gonna wait for the trade thanks tho.

[Thok]

So about Wednesday Comics 2

1. I sort of wish the Wonder Woman strip had numbered panels, especially since that would fit in with the Little Nemo influence on the strip.

2. Flash/Iris West continues to be wonderful, and almost justifies the existence of this project by itself.

3. Gaiman had a mock letters at the bottom of the page!

4. Does anybody have any idea who the man in the purplish hat in the Metal Man comic is likely to be? (He's in both pages and it's obvious from the framing that he's either going to be important of Didio is messing with us.) Candidates I've heard about are the Phantom Stranger and Joker.

[ultramandingo]

.........need to get darwin cook to do a couple 7 page The Spirit stories

[dumbstruck]

And wouldn't be nice if comics were free and everybody had a magic flying pony...

Then what's been in my backyard all these years?

[Batman was taken]

So about Wednesday Comics 2

1. I sort of wish the Wonder Woman strip had numbered panels, especially since that would fit in with the Little Nemo influence on the strip.


The Wonder Woman strip is my least favorite. It's too damn crowded. That and the Teen Titans are the worst of the lot, I think.

I'm loving the Supergirl though:biggrin: Bad Dog!

[jade_nova]

Was the style for these comics inspired by the comics in the newspaper? "Kamandi" looks like it is done in the style of "Prince Valient" and "Strange Tales" looks like "Flash Gordon".

[Thok]

Was the style for these comics inspired by the comics in the newspaper? "Kamandi" looks like it is done in the style of "Prince Valient" and "Strange Tales" looks like "Flash Gordon".

There's definitely an influence. As I've said a couple times, Wonder Woman is also clearly inspired by Little Nemo in Slumberland (http://www.comicstriplibrary.org/display.php?id=111) (go, go, archives of works that have entered the public domain) with the large number of panels, relatively dense amount of text and the whole "I'm going on a quest in my dreams" plot.

[Seraku]

week 2

Batman - aftermath of last week, we get hints of the main plot. more good work by Azz/Risso

Kamandi - the plot is finally introduced. more good art by sook.

Superman - Batman can be such an asshole :lmao

Deadman - ok, I gotta say I;m intrigued.

Green Lantern - more set up, but we get told what the conflict of the story is

Metamorpho - basically the 2nd page of the story. liked the retro strip at the bottom.

Teen Titans - I liked it ok

Adam Strange - more Paul Pope Adam Strange.

Supergirl - aww that's cute

Metal Men - lol trying to shoot the metal men

Wonder Woman - still too much crammed into one page but I'm getting used to it. gotta say they have my attention in regards to the plot.

Sgt. Rock - Sgt. Rock acts awesome even under Nazi torture

Flash - ok this one was just fucking hilarious :lmao

Catwoman/Demon - Seline seems a bit out of her element, she's gonna be in trouble now...

Hawkman - Hawkman killing terrorists. awesome.