How does IDW get away with 4-issue trades for 17.99?

**PsychoGoatee** · 05-02-2012, 09:31 AM

Pretty much, the industry standard for trade paperbacks is 6 issues, usually priced between 14.99 and 16.99. IDW trades of late include only 4 issues and retail for 17.99. In comparison, 4-issue trades for mini-series etc from other publishers often retail at 9.99. These are the prices before discounts online. IDW's trades actually cost more than individual 3.99 comics.

So, what's the best way to point out the obvious, that this should be discouraged? I guess posting about it and cutting back on my IDW purchases is the first thing that comes to mind for me. We don't want to end up with a worse standard.

**Mr. Rice** · 05-02-2012, 09:36 AM

Some of the Dark Horse Hellboy trades can get up there. I've just seen it as more indy-books just costing more. Also, it's pretty rare for me to find a six issue trade that cheap. It seems the standard has become five issues for that prices point.

And I don't see them getting cheaper...

But I love those 9.99 trades.

**PsychoGoatee** · 05-02-2012, 09:41 AM

It's not indie books in general, Image comics trades like Savage Dragon, Invincible, Witchblade etc all cost less than IDW's and contain 6 issues. Dark Horse books like Buffy have 6 issues and retail for the same as IDW's 4 issue trades, etc. IDW is definitely overpricing here.

**Angilas-Man** · 05-02-2012, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Rice

Some of the Dark Horse Hellboy trades can get up there. I've just seen it as more indy-books just costing more. Also, it's pretty rare for me to find a six issue trade that cheap. It seems the standard has become five issues for that prices point.

It's really dependent on the amount of material for a Hellboy trade. They can range from 4 to 6 to 8 issues of stuff.

**Alton** · 05-02-2012, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by PsychoGoatee

Pretty much, the industry standard for trade paperbacks is 6 issues, usually priced between 14.99 and 16.99. IDW trades of late include only 4 issues and retail for 17.99. In comparison, 4-issue trades for mini-series etc from other publishers often retail at 9.99. These are the prices before discounts online. IDW's trades actually cost more than individual 3.99 comics.

So, what's the best way to point out the obvious, that this should be discouraged? I guess posting about it and cutting back on my IDW purchases is the first thing that comes to mind for me. We don't want to end up with a worse standard.

I understand that production costs have gone up,but you are right that we seem to be seeing a Indie trade price hike and not just with IDW. The current price hikes from Marvel are totally wrong as well.I think the problem with IDW is it's overreliance on licensed product.As long as IDW's main output is pushing Transformers/Star Trek/TMNT etc. I see no end to this with them and consumers have to let them know they aren't happy and also stop buying for awhile.Even their original material at that price for only 4 issues is wrong.Any original material that comes out at 3.99 per issue from any Indie is also wrong. People came down hard on DC and Marvel on the per issue price 2 yrs. ago with partial success but I see no Indie fan push to ask the same from Indies.Interviewers and reviewers for this web site and others are too busy shmoozing in the Tiki room with Alonzo and Lee over AVX or Before Watchmen to cover what's going on anywhere else.

**the goddamn batman** · 05-02-2012, 11:25 AM

Marvel charge $20 for a 4 issue HC. the TPB is gonna run you $16 or so.

Hellboy/BPRD all seem to be a flat $19.99 now regardless of issue count.
I don't pay any attention to DC's trade pricing. I imagine it's similar.

IDW are, unfortunately, not alone in this. Comics ain't cheap anymore.
This is why I buy big HCs and usually from amazon. Can't afford anything else. Seems the best value these days.

**The Adventurer** · 05-02-2012, 12:14 PM

I don't know, but its pretty disgusting. Its part of the reason I avoid IDW TPs like the plage. HCs are a little more reasonably priced. I think 6 issues of Shock Rockets was only 25 bucks. A 50 for the Ult. TMNT HCs feels right for what you get.

But 18 bucks for the first four issues of the new TMNT series TP? What a joke. Especially when Image is putting out first TPs (usually collection 5-6 issues) for 10 bucks, and follow up trades of the same length for $15-18.

**the goddamn batman** · 05-02-2012, 12:20 PM

I like that Vertigo always do the first trade for $10. and each following volume is usually priced according to how many issues are in it.

**md62** · 05-02-2012, 05:21 PM

This is the main reason I have passed on IDW titles. Too pricey.

**yungducketz** · 05-03-2012, 05:09 AM

Paid $18 for the first Fear Agent trade which was also only four issues. Dark Horse really isn't any better.

**Michael P** · 05-03-2012, 05:16 AM

Different companies, different metrics. They do what it takes to stay alive.

**chrisgiff** · 05-03-2012, 08:58 AM

I don't understand how IDW gets away with the 3.99 or above price on every single issues also.

**the goddamn batman** · 05-03-2012, 12:00 PM

IDW have, in my experience, had higher production values than every other company. Card stock covers, higher gsm paper for interiors. no ads. House ads in the back.

You get what you pay for. never had a problem supporting their creator owned books.