Since getting back into my groove, this is something which I have wanted to talk about here. I'm pretty sure that I've written about this previously and, if I did (I've scanned back and can't find anything myself), it was most likely not on the scale it is now.
However, I didn't have the same incentive as I do now.
This is because I (to the extent that it's actually 'my wife') is expecting our second child!!!
Unfortunately, in this world of dulled expectations, I am now bringing a second mouth to feed into a world where I'm paid less than I need and live in a house which only contains three bedrooms.
The third of which houses my comics.
This is why, several months ago I had started the arduous/fun? task of re-reading my entire collection in order to determine what comics within my collection would stay and what comics would have to go. The thing is, as I've read through series after series of Marvel, DC, Image and the rest, I've had two realisations:
1. The number of comics I could conceivably keep is far less than I first believed.
2. The number of series I can't bear to part myself from is considerably more than the number I can actually keep.
As such, I'm finding that I'm having to seriously brutal in the critique of these comics in order what stays and what goes. For example, Some comics I am finding to be truly epic, or engrossing or enjoyable and so these titles are on my 'keep' list. Meanwhile, series which I dropped part way through or which I re-read and find not to be as enjoyable as I remember them (something I'll get into in greater detail another time) are placed on the 'go' list.
However, I've found that this method has not been without it's problems as no comic series (well, at least very few) are consistently enjoyable and has me questioning how far I need to go to follow the above mandate.
For example; I recently re-read Uncanny X-Force for the first time since it finished six years ago. I found the first 18 issues of this run from Remender, Opena and Ribic to be absolutely gorgeous and fantastic and many other words I'm can't really recite. However, the second half of the run I found to be lacklustre in comparison (although it picked up from issue 24 until the end) and no comparison with it's first half.
Meanwhile, I also re-read Demon Knights by Cornell, Venditti and Neves which, while not as truly epic and mesmerising as X-Force (in my opinion) was more consistently enjoyable over it's 23 issue run.
So, how do I decide what should go here if the choice came down to it? The series which peaked high but fell often, or the series which, while not epic, kept steady throughout?
It only gets more difficult the more I think about it as I could always just sell parts of the series which I didn't get on with. Therefore, with Uncanny I could keep 1-18, sell 19 onwards and keep 24 until the end if I wished. But then, what happens if that missing segment, while not a great read, contains some important bit of narrative which informs the rest of the story. Like ripping the middle 10 pages of a book.
A suggestion which has been made to me (by that fountain of knowledge Matt Garvey) is that, as the comics are already bagged and boarded, they should be protected enough to have them stored in the attic. Now, this is a pretty good suggestion, ruined only by my own concern for my clumsiness. This is because, I'm remarkably clumsy and my attic has no floor. Therefore, I can easily envision my foot going through the ceiling and that is a situation I cannot afford. But also, I love comics too much to place them in the attic where they might (I stress 'might') be destroyed by the elements, especially if they get forgotten about. This then makes me wonder, if I did place them up there then would I ever see them again or would my son find them while cleaning the house after my death and say 'I didn't know Dad had these?'
In the end, I thinking selling them to other people is the best choice (albeit I don't sell them for much) out of all other options as it allows others to give them a good home and enjoy a story I am done with.
But what of the titles I truly enjoy? In truth, I've discovered in these last six months that re-reading a single issue series in full is a rather laborious task and so it does make me wonder whether moving them to trades might be a good plan (another conversation for another time) or possibly even moving fully to digital (again more on that later). This might be the way forward for me, although I would like to find some middle ground so I'm still supporting print.
That said, I've still got six months to decide. More importantly though, I've got to get back to clearing that new nursery.
Monday, 24 September 2018
Thursday, 20 September 2018
Holiday reading part 3.
So hear we are. Part 3!! I really didn't expect to spend as much time on this as I have. I guess I really had a lot to say.
However, there are other things I want to be doing with my time (I have a few other things I wanna blog about as well as I want time to script some story ideas I've being thinking up recently) and so this will be the last part (God willing).
Anyway, back to what I'm talking about.
So, after spending some time in the Valiant Universe, I decided to switch lanes at that point and moved towards a graphic novel I'd read previously. Star Trek Volume 1 retells two classic Original Series episodes from the perspective of the Kelvin Timeline crew as in Where No Man has Gone Before, which sees Kirk's friend Lt Mitchell acquire godhood at the edge of the galaxy while, in the Galileo Seven, Kirk, Scotty, Bones and a small crew become stranded on a primitive world.
I had previously read this title a couple of years back and enjoyed it immensely but, upon re-reading it in a similar fashion to Werewolves of Montepellier earlier, I found the impressiveness it imbued on me had subsided somewhat.
Of course, that's not to say that it wasn't a good, enjoyable read this time around, far from it. However, upon revisiting it I struggled to get as invested. Not that I found anything wrong with it as Mike Johnson wrote two competent stories and Stephen Molnar offered solid art.
However, I think that the thing which got me about them was that both stories were not only based on original episodes but I thought they were also almost scene for scene identical to those episodes (which I hadn't watched until after first reading this title).
Of course, as I've been saying, there was nothing wrong with this book, it only didn't appeal to me and gives me little incentive to keep reading this series.
After my little jaunt into Trek, I decided to return to the Marvel Universe with my final two reads and started off with Black Bolt Volume 1, which saw the King of the Inhumans star in his own book as he found himself trapped in a prison from which no one could escape and his immense vocal powers subdued to allow him to speak for the first time (that I know of anyway).
Despite, having seen (and received) recommendations for this book, I was unsure what to expect. However, much like with Ninjak and X-O Manowar, I was really glad I took the dive and give this title a shot. I've always liked Black Bolt and thought of him as an intriguing character, but to here him say what he thinks for a first time really helped to make him a much more interesting character. Saladin Ahmed really put together an awesome story which not only did I enjoy but also made me think and ask questions about some of my beliefs, particularly parenthood.
I think what really made this stand out also the supporting cast, Absorbing Man in particular, who felt like they bounced off of Black Bolt and each other to make some really great dynamics. In fact, possibly my favourite scene was the conversation between Absorbing Man and Black Bolt as they sit chained up with death creeping up on them.
Then, there is Christian Ward's artwork which, although I found a little unusual to look at to start with, won me around as I read on. I think this is because while it gave the entire world the characters were presently inhabiting a very alien look to it, he maintained their very human look, even going so far as to make them look sympathetic in my eyes. Of course, when it then called for going for the nines with the alien looks then he more than succeeded, as evidence with the great look where the Absorbing Man absorbed an alien weapon.
I really loved this book in the end and as such, the second volume was added to my pull list immediately after reading.
And so, that reached us to my final read of my holiday, which was Luke Cage Volume 1 by David F. Walker and Nelson Blake II. This saw Luke summoned to New Orleans after learning that the man who gave his powers, Dr Noah Burnstein, was dead. However, upon arriving for the funeral Luke discoveries that he is not the only recipient of Burnstein's legacy, although this 'brothers' may not be quite as calm as he is.
I had decided to pick up this after recently reading (and enjoying) Power Man and Iron Fist. Given that both titles were written by Walker, I figured that I would also get on well here. However, I didn't find this to be as I struggled to maintain enjoyment of this title as I read it. Of course, there again didn't appear to be anything particularly wrong with either the writing or the art. Indeed, Walker seemed quite adept at capturing Luke's voice as he sounded exactly like he would in my head while Blake gave us some solidly gorgeous work which reminded me of somewhere between Jamie McKelvie and Jonathan Luna.
Unfortunately, for some reason, I just couldn't get engaged with this story, making me think that unless he's on tv (I really did love the Netflix series) or teaming up with Iron Fist, maybe Luke Cage isn't my kind of character.
And there you have it! All seven of my comic book reads from my holiday last week and the thoughts to go with them. Admittedly, it wasn't all great reads from my perspective, but I'm glad I got to try them because (and to put a positive spin on it) you have to read a little of everything because you'll never know what you will enjoy.
However, there are other things I want to be doing with my time (I have a few other things I wanna blog about as well as I want time to script some story ideas I've being thinking up recently) and so this will be the last part (God willing).
Anyway, back to what I'm talking about.
So, after spending some time in the Valiant Universe, I decided to switch lanes at that point and moved towards a graphic novel I'd read previously. Star Trek Volume 1 retells two classic Original Series episodes from the perspective of the Kelvin Timeline crew as in Where No Man has Gone Before, which sees Kirk's friend Lt Mitchell acquire godhood at the edge of the galaxy while, in the Galileo Seven, Kirk, Scotty, Bones and a small crew become stranded on a primitive world.I had previously read this title a couple of years back and enjoyed it immensely but, upon re-reading it in a similar fashion to Werewolves of Montepellier earlier, I found the impressiveness it imbued on me had subsided somewhat.
Of course, that's not to say that it wasn't a good, enjoyable read this time around, far from it. However, upon revisiting it I struggled to get as invested. Not that I found anything wrong with it as Mike Johnson wrote two competent stories and Stephen Molnar offered solid art.
However, I think that the thing which got me about them was that both stories were not only based on original episodes but I thought they were also almost scene for scene identical to those episodes (which I hadn't watched until after first reading this title).
Of course, as I've been saying, there was nothing wrong with this book, it only didn't appeal to me and gives me little incentive to keep reading this series.
After my little jaunt into Trek, I decided to return to the Marvel Universe with my final two reads and started off with Black Bolt Volume 1, which saw the King of the Inhumans star in his own book as he found himself trapped in a prison from which no one could escape and his immense vocal powers subdued to allow him to speak for the first time (that I know of anyway).Despite, having seen (and received) recommendations for this book, I was unsure what to expect. However, much like with Ninjak and X-O Manowar, I was really glad I took the dive and give this title a shot. I've always liked Black Bolt and thought of him as an intriguing character, but to here him say what he thinks for a first time really helped to make him a much more interesting character. Saladin Ahmed really put together an awesome story which not only did I enjoy but also made me think and ask questions about some of my beliefs, particularly parenthood.
I think what really made this stand out also the supporting cast, Absorbing Man in particular, who felt like they bounced off of Black Bolt and each other to make some really great dynamics. In fact, possibly my favourite scene was the conversation between Absorbing Man and Black Bolt as they sit chained up with death creeping up on them.
Then, there is Christian Ward's artwork which, although I found a little unusual to look at to start with, won me around as I read on. I think this is because while it gave the entire world the characters were presently inhabiting a very alien look to it, he maintained their very human look, even going so far as to make them look sympathetic in my eyes. Of course, when it then called for going for the nines with the alien looks then he more than succeeded, as evidence with the great look where the Absorbing Man absorbed an alien weapon.
I really loved this book in the end and as such, the second volume was added to my pull list immediately after reading.
And so, that reached us to my final read of my holiday, which was Luke Cage Volume 1 by David F. Walker and Nelson Blake II. This saw Luke summoned to New Orleans after learning that the man who gave his powers, Dr Noah Burnstein, was dead. However, upon arriving for the funeral Luke discoveries that he is not the only recipient of Burnstein's legacy, although this 'brothers' may not be quite as calm as he is.I had decided to pick up this after recently reading (and enjoying) Power Man and Iron Fist. Given that both titles were written by Walker, I figured that I would also get on well here. However, I didn't find this to be as I struggled to maintain enjoyment of this title as I read it. Of course, there again didn't appear to be anything particularly wrong with either the writing or the art. Indeed, Walker seemed quite adept at capturing Luke's voice as he sounded exactly like he would in my head while Blake gave us some solidly gorgeous work which reminded me of somewhere between Jamie McKelvie and Jonathan Luna.
Unfortunately, for some reason, I just couldn't get engaged with this story, making me think that unless he's on tv (I really did love the Netflix series) or teaming up with Iron Fist, maybe Luke Cage isn't my kind of character.
And there you have it! All seven of my comic book reads from my holiday last week and the thoughts to go with them. Admittedly, it wasn't all great reads from my perspective, but I'm glad I got to try them because (and to put a positive spin on it) you have to read a little of everything because you'll never know what you will enjoy.
Holiday Reading part 2.
As previously mentioned, last week I had gone on holiday, where I read a whole load of comic book arcs. Unfortunately, I read so many that I ran out of time in my lunch hour to talk about them all. Therefore, I've decided to make a part two for my holiday reading, where I hope I can say all I want to about all the other titles I read. However, given that I still have a lot to say, I'm not holding out hope that I can avoid a part three.
Let's get back to it.
So, after Night of the Living Deadpool and Werewolves of Montpellier, I decided to embark on a slightly more epic read with X-O Manowar volume 1 & 2 back to back, which began the new Valiant universe all those years ago by following Visigoth prince Aric of Dacia who, after being abducted by a race of aliens, acquired an otherworldly armour before returning to Earth, only to discover that 1600 years had passed.
Let's get back to it.
So, after Night of the Living Deadpool and Werewolves of Montpellier, I decided to embark on a slightly more epic read with X-O Manowar volume 1 & 2 back to back, which began the new Valiant universe all those years ago by following Visigoth prince Aric of Dacia who, after being abducted by a race of aliens, acquired an otherworldly armour before returning to Earth, only to discover that 1600 years had passed.
I've been meaning to read X-O Manowar for quite some time now, having purchased volume 2 during a comixology sale about a year ago, and so decided to force myself to go through it now and I'm sure glad that I did. I really enjoyed X-O Manowar from start to finish as Robert Vendetti conjured a story which I found deeply engrossing and feeling really superhero-esque, all the while feeling much more grounded and realistic than other similar books from more established names.
Meanwhile, Cary Nord's art has this really classical look which, in my opinion, fits nicely for the historic scenes while also working well for the present day and sci-fi bits, meshing rather nicely with each other. This series only improves in the second volume when Vendetti and Nord find their groove and when they add Ninjak to the mix, allowing for a nice dynamic between Aric and Colin which only helped enhance my enjoyment.
In fact, if there is one downside to this series, it's the regret I feel that I didn't check it out sooner. X-O Manowar feels like such a breath of fresh air, with such captivating storytelling and an engrossing world, compared to the stagnation I've recently felt for the big two that I wonder if this is what people felt back when the Fantastic Four first debut.
And so, after X-O Manowar, I decided to remain in the Valiant universe and read Ninjak Volume 1, which followed MI-6 spy Colin King as he and his alter-ego 'Ninjak' embark on aa mission to infiltrate and bring down a shady weapons manufacturer which may just have ties to his own past.
Now, while I loved X-O Manowar, I believe that Ninjak is something else entirely. I loved Ninjak immensely from beginning to end as it came across to me as some of the most refreshing reading material I feel I've had in a good while. I've not read much of Matt Kindt's work (if any) but after reading this I feel as though I should make more of an effort as he wrote a story which felt incredibly immersive and almost unputdownable (I don't think that's a word).
The key success I found to this series was the depiction of Ninjak himself as Colin King comes across as a very complex character whose essence seems to straddle the line between being Batman and James Bond. In fact, I think he is very much an positive amalgamation of the two given that there are some very compelling character traits of both (he has a butler who raised him for instance) and the opening page gadget/personality profile of each issue on helps sell the intrigue.
Meanwhile, I thought Clay Mann's art in this book was beyond fantastic. I loved Mann's work in Action 1000 a few months back but here he just goes all out and it pays off. I found the art in this trade to be so vibrant and truly gorgeous thanks to Mann's pencils, Seth Mann's inks and Ulises Arreola's colours.
All in all, this had to be one of the highlights of my week for, while X-O Manowar was really good, Ninjak (I felt) was infinitely better and may hint to my changing tastes towards spy comics (as my enjoyment of Dynamite's James Bond might testify to.
So, once again, I've managed to use up yet another hour to write all of this so if you fancied reading my thoughts on Star Trek Volume 1, Black Bolt Volume 1 and/or Luke Cage Volume 1, that'll be in part 3.
Meanwhile, Cary Nord's art has this really classical look which, in my opinion, fits nicely for the historic scenes while also working well for the present day and sci-fi bits, meshing rather nicely with each other. This series only improves in the second volume when Vendetti and Nord find their groove and when they add Ninjak to the mix, allowing for a nice dynamic between Aric and Colin which only helped enhance my enjoyment.
In fact, if there is one downside to this series, it's the regret I feel that I didn't check it out sooner. X-O Manowar feels like such a breath of fresh air, with such captivating storytelling and an engrossing world, compared to the stagnation I've recently felt for the big two that I wonder if this is what people felt back when the Fantastic Four first debut.
And so, after X-O Manowar, I decided to remain in the Valiant universe and read Ninjak Volume 1, which followed MI-6 spy Colin King as he and his alter-ego 'Ninjak' embark on aa mission to infiltrate and bring down a shady weapons manufacturer which may just have ties to his own past.Now, while I loved X-O Manowar, I believe that Ninjak is something else entirely. I loved Ninjak immensely from beginning to end as it came across to me as some of the most refreshing reading material I feel I've had in a good while. I've not read much of Matt Kindt's work (if any) but after reading this I feel as though I should make more of an effort as he wrote a story which felt incredibly immersive and almost unputdownable (I don't think that's a word).
The key success I found to this series was the depiction of Ninjak himself as Colin King comes across as a very complex character whose essence seems to straddle the line between being Batman and James Bond. In fact, I think he is very much an positive amalgamation of the two given that there are some very compelling character traits of both (he has a butler who raised him for instance) and the opening page gadget/personality profile of each issue on helps sell the intrigue.
Meanwhile, I thought Clay Mann's art in this book was beyond fantastic. I loved Mann's work in Action 1000 a few months back but here he just goes all out and it pays off. I found the art in this trade to be so vibrant and truly gorgeous thanks to Mann's pencils, Seth Mann's inks and Ulises Arreola's colours.
All in all, this had to be one of the highlights of my week for, while X-O Manowar was really good, Ninjak (I felt) was infinitely better and may hint to my changing tastes towards spy comics (as my enjoyment of Dynamite's James Bond might testify to.
So, once again, I've managed to use up yet another hour to write all of this so if you fancied reading my thoughts on Star Trek Volume 1, Black Bolt Volume 1 and/or Luke Cage Volume 1, that'll be in part 3.
Tuesday, 18 September 2018
Holiday reading part 1.
I had planned to write about....well, something, last week but with a planned family holiday coming along half way through, I instead figured well why not just write about the backlog of comics I read during that trip (I have quite a few) and vent my feelings towards those four titles.
(Well, with a change in living conditions, it ended up being seven titles instead of four but what's talking about three more comics).
So, let's begin.
(Well, with a change in living conditions, it ended up being seven titles instead of four but what's talking about three more comics).
So, let's begin.
First up was Night of the Living Deadpool, a four issue series which saw the Merc with a Mouth wake up from a food coma to find that the entire world had succumbed to a zombie plague, leaving Deadpool to attempt to survive and save others as the last surviving superhero in the world.Now, I'm not normally a big fan of Deadpool. Yeah, I enjoyed his film and I liked the dynamic he brought to Uncanny X-Force, but otherwise I was never able to get on board with the character. However, having picked up the first issue of this series previously, I felt that Cullen Bunn wrote a really interesting story which deconstructed/satirised the zombie genre in a way I'd not really seen before.
However, while the first half of the series certainly kept with this tone, the final two issues felt like it had such a major tonal shift that I found it pretty jarring and a struggle to maintain my enjoyment. Of course, it wasn't a total jump off the cliff and Bunn continued with a similar humour to earlier, but for me it just didn't keep me engaged after the midway point.
Of course, Ramon Rosanas' black and white art did make up for this, giving the story a real genre feel, and I loved how Deadpool was set against this in colour, enhancing the fact he is different to the rest of the world (and possibly eluding to how the story ends). In the end though, while it was a fun read and I'm glad I gave it a chance, I'm grateful it was only 4 issues as I might have regretted reading further.
My next read was Fantographic's Werewolves of Montpellier, a short story by Jason which followed Anamorphic Singleton Sven, a recent arrival to the city of Montepellier who discovers a way to enhance his career as a burglar by dressing up as a Werewolf to feed off of his new hometowns myth and buy himself a precious few more seconds should he be caught. However, all does not go to plan when his antics are brought to the attention of a real life group of Werewolves existing in Montepellier.Now, this title I recall having previously read a few years back. However, a recent decision to re-read all my comics (and I am talking ALL, digital is nearly done and print is mid-way through), I figured I would take a look at this again. Thankfully, I'm glad I did for, while I don't recall much of this comic prior, reading it with fresh eyes showed me a really fantastic book.
Despite it's title, an some more thriller-esque aspects of the plot, Werewolves of Montepellier is very much a slice of life book as we get to see Sven struggle through life as an artist as well as his ongoing romantic problems. Surprisingly (to me. I think I've read too many superhero comics), I just loved following Sven go through his life with a certain quiet reflection and silently pine for someone unobtainable. It makes me feel that Jason had literally lived through this, the level of genuineness that is included.
Meanwhile, his art is equally fitting for the story and was the icing on the cake for me along with the perfect marriage of the slice of life story with the more fantastical 'Werewolf' B-Story, which was equally a joyous read. In the end, I was kind of sad that it was only a single issue, but glad that I gave it a second chance and look forward to reading it again some day soon.
Shockingly, just talking about these two comics has taken me an hour to do (in fairness though, I'm at work and I have a habit of being asked questions). Therefore, I've just decided that I'm going to do a another post later in the week for the remainder of my reads.
Therefore, if you wanna hear me ramble about; X-O Manowar volume 1 & 2, Ninjak Volume 1, Star Trek Volume 1, Black Bolt Volume 1 or Luke Cage Volume 1 that'll be next time.
Wednesday, 5 September 2018
Opportunity Costs.
This is a topic I've been thinking about for a while now because it seems to constantly applies to my life, specifically that part of it involving comics.
However, given that there's a tonne of sales going on at Comixology of late, it seems fitting to talk about it now.
I'm an accountant. I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned that but when I'm not spouting about comics that is what I do. I've been in that line of work since I was 18 because, simply put, I'm very good with numbers. While training in this line of work (and something which, surprising has stuck) was a business concept known as opportunity costs.
Opportunity costs are basically the costs gained or loss due to the timing involved in making a decision (I'm sure google can explain it far more eloquently). In layman's terms, it is the cost of doing something now as opposed to the cost of doing something later (or vice versa).
For example: I chose to buy DC Rebirth #1 as a digital comic. Because of this I gained, say, $1 worth of savings. On the flip side, I do not have a physical copy which "may" be worth something one day. Therefore, while I've saved a dollar in the short term, I could have cost myself much money in the long run.
Of course, that's just an example.
Anyway, this notion is something I'm finding myself dwelling on more and more in the last few days and weeks, especially when it comes to comic buying/reading. The main reason for this revolves around my digital pull list, which at the moment consists primarily of Black Science. Black Science is a monthly release which appears on Comixology for £2.49. It is also a fantastic, exciting read which I need more of immediately. It is also a title which, after 1 month (approximately), Comixology reduces the price of from £2.49 to £1.49.
Therefore, the question is do I buy immediately and lose myself an extra pound or do I suffer through a month of waiting knowing it's there to save money I can spend on other comics?
Same applies for these current sales. I have a wishlist consisting of (presently) 181 separate comic titles. Comixology. However, beyond my pull list budget (which covers my single issues, my Comichaus subscription and one trade every six months), it is a struggle to find additional funds to justify buying more. Therefore, when a great book ends up on sale as a digital book, I find myself with some new dilemmas: do I use money I may not have to get these book or wait for a later date when I'm guaranteed funds and hope there'll be back on sale.
As a result, I'm backing and forthing on multiple titles I really want to buy. However, I have questions rolling around in my head; can I justify the spend? Do I not already have enough in my to read pile (about 30 trades worth at present)? Do I really want to read it?
In the end, while it might be a cut and dried decision, it's these questions which will have dither until the very end because, for me, I have to finely balance my comic addiction with bills and all that real life stuff.
But then, I know that this won't be the last time that I will dwell on such a thing because, there'll always be more reductions and sales and I love comics too much.
However, given that there's a tonne of sales going on at Comixology of late, it seems fitting to talk about it now.
I'm an accountant. I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned that but when I'm not spouting about comics that is what I do. I've been in that line of work since I was 18 because, simply put, I'm very good with numbers. While training in this line of work (and something which, surprising has stuck) was a business concept known as opportunity costs.
Opportunity costs are basically the costs gained or loss due to the timing involved in making a decision (I'm sure google can explain it far more eloquently). In layman's terms, it is the cost of doing something now as opposed to the cost of doing something later (or vice versa).
For example: I chose to buy DC Rebirth #1 as a digital comic. Because of this I gained, say, $1 worth of savings. On the flip side, I do not have a physical copy which "may" be worth something one day. Therefore, while I've saved a dollar in the short term, I could have cost myself much money in the long run.
Of course, that's just an example.
Anyway, this notion is something I'm finding myself dwelling on more and more in the last few days and weeks, especially when it comes to comic buying/reading. The main reason for this revolves around my digital pull list, which at the moment consists primarily of Black Science. Black Science is a monthly release which appears on Comixology for £2.49. It is also a fantastic, exciting read which I need more of immediately. It is also a title which, after 1 month (approximately), Comixology reduces the price of from £2.49 to £1.49.
Therefore, the question is do I buy immediately and lose myself an extra pound or do I suffer through a month of waiting knowing it's there to save money I can spend on other comics?
Same applies for these current sales. I have a wishlist consisting of (presently) 181 separate comic titles. Comixology. However, beyond my pull list budget (which covers my single issues, my Comichaus subscription and one trade every six months), it is a struggle to find additional funds to justify buying more. Therefore, when a great book ends up on sale as a digital book, I find myself with some new dilemmas: do I use money I may not have to get these book or wait for a later date when I'm guaranteed funds and hope there'll be back on sale.
As a result, I'm backing and forthing on multiple titles I really want to buy. However, I have questions rolling around in my head; can I justify the spend? Do I not already have enough in my to read pile (about 30 trades worth at present)? Do I really want to read it?
In the end, while it might be a cut and dried decision, it's these questions which will have dither until the very end because, for me, I have to finely balance my comic addiction with bills and all that real life stuff.
But then, I know that this won't be the last time that I will dwell on such a thing because, there'll always be more reductions and sales and I love comics too much.
Monday, 3 September 2018
Back from my Break.
It's been nearly four months since I've written anything here (or anywhere for that matter), allowing me something of a welcome break to (essentially) re-focus and recharge.
However, rather than come back and write, pretending that nothing has happened, I've decided that I would like to just vent to explain where I've been and why I've come back. Doing this might give some clarity but, if for no other reason, it's mostly for the purpose that it gets it all out of my own head.
So, I'd be remiss to not mention that all of this started long before May itself, as the stress of many things all at once (including comics) has given me the feeling of really chipping away at my soul. This came to a head at the beginning of May as my work and home life reached a point of no return and lead me back to Doctors where I realised that my depression had returned. Now, depression isn't really something which comes and goes in my opinion, it being something which is always with you. However, it's the management and control of it which is the key and, at the time, I had neither.
Anyway, Four months later, I've gotten my head back in better shape than I was thanks to getting the right support. However, this wasn't without sacrifice on my part as I decided that I could not continue to split my focus amongst so many things in my life, as that kind of stress would not help me. Therefore, I decided to pull away from comics, quitting my review work for Pipedream Comics, cease blogging, put the dream of writing on hold and give all my attention to my job, my family, and my recovery.
Of course, I'm still a comic book addict and so the thought of no comics at all is rather ludicrous. That said, rather than read them for the purpose of critiquing, I used this time to read comics for the reason they were made: to be enjoyed. This was doubly important because, during my last remission, it was comics have always helped me step away from this dark place I'd found myself in (Comics should totally be available on the NHS). And so, I've read used every spare moment I can muster to read as much as I can and it has been quite a list so far:
Now though, I am in a better frame of mind and am ready to move back to more of what I used to do and be more me, even if it is only gradually. Therefore, while I probably won't try for the frequency I had once planned, I'm going to try and write on here more,instead focusing on the thoughts, ideas and general ramblings about comics which are in my head.
Meanwhile, I also hope to return to Pipedream Comics (if they'll have me) and get back into the reviewing of some great comics, although maybe not to the 1 review a week level I was previously at. Instead, I've had some ideas brewing in my head that I would like use more of my time to try and turn them into something a bit more substantial, if for nothing other reason than to quell Matt Garvey's constant nagging that I can do it!!
However, all of this may be WAY in the future (well a few months). For now, I just want to get back into the swing of comics and, if nothing else, use this blog as a platform to just ramble about what's in my head in lieu of someone to actually talk to.
A part of me does wish I'd fought through and kept writing but I'm glad I didn't as, looking back, I realised I'd taken too much on. I don't plan on making this mistake again but I'm not sure I can spend anymore time not talking about comics and the thoughts they bring me. Therefore, now that I've vented and gotten this all out of my system, I'm ready to move on and start talking about comics again!
However, rather than come back and write, pretending that nothing has happened, I've decided that I would like to just vent to explain where I've been and why I've come back. Doing this might give some clarity but, if for no other reason, it's mostly for the purpose that it gets it all out of my own head.
So, I'd be remiss to not mention that all of this started long before May itself, as the stress of many things all at once (including comics) has given me the feeling of really chipping away at my soul. This came to a head at the beginning of May as my work and home life reached a point of no return and lead me back to Doctors where I realised that my depression had returned. Now, depression isn't really something which comes and goes in my opinion, it being something which is always with you. However, it's the management and control of it which is the key and, at the time, I had neither.
Anyway, Four months later, I've gotten my head back in better shape than I was thanks to getting the right support. However, this wasn't without sacrifice on my part as I decided that I could not continue to split my focus amongst so many things in my life, as that kind of stress would not help me. Therefore, I decided to pull away from comics, quitting my review work for Pipedream Comics, cease blogging, put the dream of writing on hold and give all my attention to my job, my family, and my recovery.
Of course, I'm still a comic book addict and so the thought of no comics at all is rather ludicrous. That said, rather than read them for the purpose of critiquing, I used this time to read comics for the reason they were made: to be enjoyed. This was doubly important because, during my last remission, it was comics have always helped me step away from this dark place I'd found myself in (Comics should totally be available on the NHS). And so, I've read used every spare moment I can muster to read as much as I can and it has been quite a list so far:
- Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol's 3 & 4 (Kieron Gillen run)
- Star Wars: Darth Maul
- Star Wars: Captain Phasma
- Kingpin
- Iron Fist Vol. 1
- Fantastic Four: Island of Death
- Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1 (Charles Soule run)
- Trespasser
- Mother Russia
- Slots
- Daredevil #595-600
- Black Science #35-37
- Secret Wars
- Marvel 2-in-1 Vol. 1
- Harvest
- Point of Impact
- Snapshot
- Demon Knights
- Black Panther: Man Without Fear
- The Massive
- Secret Warriors
- Brightest Day - Justice League: Generation Lost
- Brightest Day - Birds of Prey
- Brightest Day - The Flash
Now though, I am in a better frame of mind and am ready to move back to more of what I used to do and be more me, even if it is only gradually. Therefore, while I probably won't try for the frequency I had once planned, I'm going to try and write on here more,instead focusing on the thoughts, ideas and general ramblings about comics which are in my head.
Meanwhile, I also hope to return to Pipedream Comics (if they'll have me) and get back into the reviewing of some great comics, although maybe not to the 1 review a week level I was previously at. Instead, I've had some ideas brewing in my head that I would like use more of my time to try and turn them into something a bit more substantial, if for nothing other reason than to quell Matt Garvey's constant nagging that I can do it!!
However, all of this may be WAY in the future (well a few months). For now, I just want to get back into the swing of comics and, if nothing else, use this blog as a platform to just ramble about what's in my head in lieu of someone to actually talk to.
A part of me does wish I'd fought through and kept writing but I'm glad I didn't as, looking back, I realised I'd taken too much on. I don't plan on making this mistake again but I'm not sure I can spend anymore time not talking about comics and the thoughts they bring me. Therefore, now that I've vented and gotten this all out of my system, I'm ready to move on and start talking about comics again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)