DC Hardcover Discussion Thread (Absolutes, Omnibuses, Deluxes, etc)

[DonEMC]

I've had a few of the Absolute editions and I think Absolute Crisis on Infinite Earths is one of the best bargains ever. It has that great book with it that goes over all the crossover issues and appearances by the Monitor BEFORE Crisis. It's simply a gorgeous edition that I am so glad I bought.
I know it's not TRULY an Absolute edition, but the JLA-Avengers oversized hardcover is amazing, too.
I got one when it was published as a Christmas gift from DC Comics.

[kaykordeath]

What specifically differentiates an Absolute from an Omnibus from a Deluxe?

[El Sombrero]

What specifically differentiates an Absolute from an Omnibus from a Deluxe?

Absolutes are printed on a significantly larger page size. They're literally a LOT bigger than a standard comic.

An omnibus is typically the same size page as the original comic, maybe slightly bigger. "Omnibus" usually means that it collects a lot of issues, much more than a standard collection. Typically 20+ issues in an omnibus.

A Deluxe hardcover is usually slightly oversized compared to the original comic. Just a little bit larger.

[Knight of DC]

I'd consider getting the Absolute Sandman 5, except if it's the size of the other Absolute Sandmans. I'm a huge fan of Sandman, but they're ridiculously huge and make for uncomfortable reading when I took the first volume out from my library. So I stuck to collecting paperback versions.

Still, Batman Inc, Absolute Kingdom Come and maybe WE3 look interesting.

[FailureByDesign]

Useful thread.

Was thinking of getting the Watchmen absolute, is it worth it for anyone who already owns it?

[philioteria21]

I'd consider getting the Absolute Sandman 5, except if it's the size of the other Absolute Sandmans. I'm a huge fan of Sandman, but they're ridiculously huge and make for uncomfortable reading when I took the first volume out from my library. So I stuck to collecting paperback versions.

Still, Batman Inc, Absolute Kingdom Come and maybe WE3 look interesting.

It is absolutely going to be the same size as all the other Absolutes.

[Jelybely8]

Useful thread.

Was thinking of getting the Watchmen absolute, is it worth it for anyone who already owns it?

Definitely worth it. The oversized production really makes the artwork shine, and the bonus materials provide a lot of extra info about Moore's creation process.

[BigTopTony]

Great thread.

Could someone open up a few of their Absolutes alongside a regular comic to give page size perspective?

[Nova2814.1]

Here are some (not so great) snaps of my regular sized Kingdom Come HC vs Absolute Kingdom Come

[mos2006]

is the Absolute Batman Hush worth purchasing? that's something that i'm thinking bout. cause i may be getting Hush, Heart of Hush, Hush Money, and House of Hush all bound together in a hardcover that'll cover the entire Hush saga.

[FailureByDesign]

Great thread.

Could someone open up a few of their Absolutes alongside a regular comic to give page size perspective?

Agreed. I know some posters have been good enough to post pictures of their Absolute collections but interior pages would also be very interesting to see.

[NZ_InFerno]

is the Absolute Batman Hush worth purchasing? that's something that i'm thinking bout. cause i may be getting Hush, Heart of Hush, Hush Money, and House of Hush all bound together in a hardcover that'll cover the entire Hush saga.

For the artwork I find it appreciably better at the larger size, full page spreads look sublime. Absolutes use a different paper for each comic ie Hush is really glossy which makes the artwork look even better than the tpb copy. It's probably the best book to show off due to the art and the different paper. People go wow when they see it.

I buy absolutes as they are some of my favourite comics. The massive size and presentation means I get more enjoyment from the stories and that I can continue to reread them without wearing out the spine. They are built to last.


In regards to the size Absolutes are 12 by 8 inches, a regular comic is about 10" by 6.5".

[JonQCitizen]

The pics are very impressive.....I've shyed away from the Absolutes because of price....but you're right, they are beautiful! I do have a huge hardcover collection, and seeing these pics has me tempted to get Absolute BM: Hush at least.

I'm excited about the Omni's. I purchased Johns' volume 1 of The Flash and love it, will be getting the Hawkman one as well.....though I would like to see some character-based rather than just author-based for recent books. Example: The Green Arrow monthly after his rebirth, BM: No Man's Land, BM: Murderer/Fugitive, Superman/Batman by Loeb, continue the JLA Deluxe Editions after Morrison's run ended, Superman from his return to present.

I know that's a long list, but Marvel does their Omni's with great success based on characters like Punisher, Daredevil, etc. Plus it'll give the "upset about the re-vamp" fans something to collect until they warm up to the new format.

[mburr]

The pics are very impressive.....I've shyed away from the Absolutes because of price....but you're right, they are beautiful! I do have a huge hardcover collection, and seeing these pics has me tempted to get Absolute BM: Hush at least.

I'm excited about the Omni's. I purchased Johns' volume 1 of The Flash and love it, will be getting the Hawkman one as well.....though I would like to see some character-based rather than just author-based for recent books. Example: The Green Arrow monthly after his rebirth, BM: No Man's Land, BM: Murderer/Fugitive, Superman/Batman by Loeb, continue the JLA Deluxe Editions after Morrison's run ended, Superman from his return to present.

I know that's a long list, but Marvel does their Omni's with great success based on characters like Punisher, Daredevil, etc. Plus it'll give the "upset about the re-vamp" fans something to collect until they warm up to the new format.

I really wish they had done a full JLA hardcover run instead of just a Morrison run. Also let us know how the Hawkman omnibus is when you read it.

[El Sombrero]

is the Absolute Batman Hush worth purchasing? that's something that i'm thinking bout. cause i may be getting Hush, Heart of Hush, Hush Money, and House of Hush all bound together in a hardcover that'll cover the entire Hush saga.

I used to have it. The art looks gorgeous, as NZ Inferno said, it's printed on glossy paper which really adds to the sense of quality. The characters and scenes look gigantic which gives the book a fun sense of childish grandeur, like when you used to have action figure battles as a kid, etc. The extras are decent: a quick interview with Loeb and Lee, another section where Lee picks out some of the hidden easter eggs, a lot of promo sketches and pieces and extra art.

It's worth $50, what it was originally sold for. I think I read the new printing will go for $100, and that's way too much IMO.