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 Marvel Masterworks discussion thread (Page 8)
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| Author | Topic: Marvel Masterworks discussion thread |
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Steven Utley Member |
posted May 26, 2002 10:07 AM
 
Thanks for the link. Bill. I mean to set about identifying some old coverless comics I've had for 25+ years. IP: Logged |
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Wayne1776 Member |
posted May 26, 2002 11:03 AM
Thanks Bill - Wow! I have an issue of "All-Select!" Who da thunk it? Seriously, I feel enriched. Thanks so much for the links. IP: Logged |
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Scippio Member |
posted May 29, 2002 02:41 PM
What happened to Iron Man vol1? From everything I can tell Iron Man vol2 is the next Masterworks to be released, even though they haven't released vol1 yet. I know that they had released it at least once before in previous Masterworks printings, but doesn't it make sence to release vol1 before vol2 especially when the old editions of vol1 are out of print? IP: Logged |
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dylanfan Member |
posted May 29, 2002 03:23 PM
Marvel is just now revamping the Masterworks program, and they wanted to issue new volumes as well as old ones. Problem is, there's almost 30 out of print volumes to put back out to market, and the amount of worthy "Vol. 1's" out there are slim right now, so there will probably be some volumes coming out that are past (even well past) what is currently in print. Iron Man is a good example of this. Spider-Man Vol 1 came out a few months ago, and Vol. 2 comes out in July, but Vol. 6 will come out in September or so... I am glad they are putting out new Masterworks, and will be content to wait for the old ones to slowly come back into print over time. Their plan is to alternate months between new volumes and old volumes. Eventually, the whole collection will be back in print. For more details, visit the news section at my website, linked below. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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grimmbeau Member |
posted June 04, 2002 02:37 AM
Just wondering -- has Marvel discontinued its 100 page Monster format? I haven't noticed any listed for a while. if so, it's a shame. I've enjoyed them -- they've led me to comics I wouldn't normally pick up for the reprints. Rob IP: Logged |
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positronic Member |
posted June 04, 2002 02:53 AM
An issue of Fantastic Four from a couple of months ago was a 100-Page Monster. So, they're still continuing. There doesn't seem to be any set schedule for how often they appear, though. IP: Logged |
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superboy1988-92 Member |
posted June 10, 2002 02:00 AM
An issue of the Avengers was a 100 page moster size issue a few months back, I think issue # 48. Yeah, its a shame Marvel ain't doing this as much anymore. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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srca1941 Member |
posted June 10, 2002 01:56 PM
quote: Since I didn't see where anyone else responded to this, I wanted to make sure it got answered. The scanner(s) used a whitening process found in Photoshop and other mid-high range photo programs. It also appears that they may have adjusted the color intensity and brightness. Quite similar to what I do on my site, and what Bill Nolan did on his. -Steve ------------------ IP: Logged |
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grimmbeau Member |
posted June 10, 2002 06:42 PM
Thansk for answering my Monster question. I knew about those issues, but I hadn't seen any solicited for a while and was wondering if any announcement was made. Rob IP: Logged |
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dylanfan Member |
posted June 11, 2002 01:19 PM
A major change in the Marvel Masterworks line (what? another one?!?!?!) has been uncovered by one of the Marvel Masterworks Resource Page's cub reporters (yeah, the main guy was off in Chicago on vacation, slacking off when the real news hits the streets!) So anyways, this news is that Marvel is abandoning the 6/6 strategy that seemed like a good idea at the time in favor of prioritizing the original 27 volumes. More on this at the webpage and message board linked below. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Scippio Member |
posted June 11, 2002 02:14 PM
Good news for those of us who just started picking up Masterworks. Maybe I won't have to wait as long for FF vol1-6 as I thought I would. IP: Logged |
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James Friel Member |
posted June 11, 2002 02:21 PM
Exactly what does this mean? What will the new reprint-to-new balance be? IP: Logged |
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NecessaryImpurity Member |
posted June 11, 2002 02:42 PM
I always questioned the wisdom of issuing Spider-Man Vol 6, when Vols 3-5 were unavailable. They should shift the schedule from 6-6 to 8-4, bringing 8 out-of-prints back online, with a new volume each quarter. The new volumes should be either new Vol 1s, or follow-ons to series that have been completely returned to print. And since Spidey and FF are their biggest guns in the Masterworks, they should make a priority out of returning those to print, with at least 2 volumes a year for each. But they didn't ask me. IP: Logged |
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dylanfan Member |
posted June 11, 2002 02:55 PM
quote: So far, we only have the minimal info Brevoort offered. What we don't know: 1- How long a delay will there be, if any, for the masterworks line to restabilize in its new mission? 2- Are new #1's, like previously announced Nick Fury, at risk until the original 27 are back in print? These questions will hopefully be answered soon, as I have an onslaught of reporters converging on the Marvel offices as we speak. Vee haf vays of making 'zem talk! ------------------ IP: Logged |
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James Friel Member |
posted June 11, 2002 04:26 PM
Wow. Baron Strucker works for you? I'm impressed. IP: Logged |
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dylanfan Member |
posted June 11, 2002 05:08 PM
In his declining years, Baron Strucker has had to take work that, shall we say, is somewhat beneath him. His glory days are long past; in fact, I also have Baron Zemo freelancing for me too. After years of trying unsuccesfully to dominate the world, I suppose there is a toll taken to the ego. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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G. Cornelis McWilliams Member |
posted June 11, 2002 08:17 PM
quote: I think they should stop worrying about numbers, and either release a Masterworks every 6 weeks, or sell their whole publishing interest in Marvel Comics. SEP 2002 SPIDER-MAN VOL.2 O.K., so we figured out the next 2 years. But, what about after???? SEP 2004 NEW X-MEN VOL.1 Why stop here??? SEP 2006 PETER PARKER VOL.1
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dylanfan Member |
posted June 11, 2002 08:39 PM
GCM, I'd buy all those books!  The history of the Marvel Masterworks program has been dotted by indecision and ultra-sensitivity. Two different babies have been thrown out with two different bathwaters, and in the last 6 months, the modus operandi of the series has changed twice. Perhaps the 6/6 strategy was too much to ask. Maybe the 8/4 strategy posited by others on this thread is the way to go, or even 9/3. Let's take 9/3 as an example and see what happens. July- Spider-Man Vol. 2 Well, there's one year down- three new volumes, Nick Fury Vol.1, Iron Man Vol. 2 (the work for which is already complete), and a Western Masterworks. In the middle of all that, you've got 4 Spidey volumes good to go, you're all caught up with two key characters like Cap and Iron Man, and in one more quarter, you could be all caught up with Spider-Man, X-Men, and Avengers, ready to produce more volumes as the market permits. The outlook wouldn't be as dire as it seems now for hardcore Masterworks enhusiasts, as we would have a couple bones thrown to us in the next 12 months, and it would give new fans and retailers a way to catch up on a fast track. What the hardcore Masterworks fan needs right now, the fans who have supported the line for years, is a shred of hope. Anything at all....we're a sad lot in need of a hug and some sort of rainbow at the end of the road. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Marty Raap Member |
posted June 11, 2002 10:59 PM
This latest news is incredibly disheartening. It isn't even so much that they've decided to re-release the 27 old volumes before getting to new volumes -- that's at least an arguable position, although I thought their 6/6 scheme was effective in balancing the interests of old and new fans. What's shameful is the way they keep jerking this Masterworks program around. We simply can't trust a word Marvel says in regard to this program. They cancelled their first line. Then, they revived it with a different trade dress. Then, they cancelled that, too. Then, they revived the second trade dress briefly. Then, apparently heartened by the sales of the revived line, Marvel announced plans to develop a third trade dress. They would alternate new volumes with re-releasing the first volumes in the new trade dress. They even announced upcoming titles -- Nick Fury #1, Spider-Man #6, Avengers #4, Iron Man #2. Problems began immediately, with virtually every volume being significantly late (even though most of these volumes had already been compiled for years and merely had to be re-dressed in the new trade dress!). Now, scant months later, we get the news that all new titles are apparently tabled in favor of exclusively re-releasing old titles. The previously-ballyhooed titles are apparently cancelled, and we don't even know if we'll get Iron Man #2 which had been promised for this month. How can any consumer have confidence in this line? Marvel has shown no willingness to stick by this product and give it time to grow. Why should I have any belief now that Marvel will indeed re-issue all 27 earlier volumes (or 31 if you count the 4 volumes in 2nd trade dress)? I read some posts on this DC Archives board lately to the effect that many people only started buying into the Archives when they realized that the Archives were for real -- that they'd be issued on a monthly basis for the foreseeable future. It may not be too exciting to pay $50 for a one-time reprint of Superman issues 1-4, but the prospect of having a readable copy of Superman #1-100, or even higher, along with runs of who knows how many other characters, on your shelf is a lot more enticing. For the Masterworks program, this incentive works exactly the opposite way. Instead of the excitement we get from wondering about what the next Archives might be, Masterworks fans are left merely hoping another volume will come into existence, with the rug sure to be yanked out from under them just when their hopes are high. Also, I'm irked by the way the news was broken. No Masterwork was announced for August, and silence ensued. Marvel must have been aware of their changed plans for a month or two, but said nothing. Finally, in response to a question, Marvel offers only a terse quote that it'll just be re-releases from now on. We're left to wonder about such things as 1) Will that Iron Man #2 appear? 2) Will any of the previously-promised new volumes appear? 3) WHEN will ANY further volume appear? 4) Will any new volumes be sprinkled in with the re-releases? 5)Will re-releases be monthly? etc. In short, Marvel adds insult to injury by failing to even frankly discuss what they're doing and why. That's a hell of a way to treat dedicated, high-income consumers you've already been pissing off for years. I posted this message here instead of dylanfan's Marvel message board because this news reminds me of how much I appreciate the Archives. The Archives program looks pretty darn good in comparison, doesn't it? Congratulations to DC -- let's hope the Archive program continues as is for many moons to come (I hope the lack of an Archive for August isn't a bad sign!). And shame on Marvel. Someone wake me if they ever get around to issuing new Masterworks again -- I'll be buying Archives in the meantime. IP: Logged |
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dylanfan Member |
posted June 11, 2002 11:45 PM
quote:
The only thing I can say is that any grievances against the Masterworks program can be parsed out among at least three different regimes at Marvel. No one person or collective of people are to blame. Everything they have done has presumably been for good reasons. What is really too bad is that there wasn't that one person overseeing everything in a long-term way, directing the series through good times and bad. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Marty Raap Member |
posted June 12, 2002 02:33 AM
I should probably add that I don't consider myself to be a Marvel-basher in general. I've bought many comics from both Marvel and DC in my life, and I'd say I like both companies equally -- maybe Marvel even a little more. I'm not one to say Joe Quesada is evil, or anything like that. But when it comes to the Masterworks line, I just can't see what Marvel is thinking. I mean, they know about the Archives -- they must have some idea about how to do a high-class reprint line right! I've been willing to cut them some slack due to their troubled history. But, at some point, there's just no excuse. How cash poor can they be after that Spider-Man movie? If there's ever a time to invest some capital in a potentially lucrative high-end reprint line, I'd think this was it! I'm reminded of the phrase "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." How often has Marvel jerked the Masterworks rug out from under us now? When they announced the 6/6 reissue plan, my one expectation was that they would stick with it long enough to give it a fair chance. The fair chance consisted of a handful of reissues of the old volumes that have already been reissued several times, and one actual (very late) new volume, with pre-orders for a second volume that we don't know if we will even see now. Even if financial considerations truly compelled them to change course like this, you'd figure they could at least give their consumers an explanation and an indication of what the future holds. I'd love to give Marvel my money for some Masterworks, but every time I hold it out, they throw it back in my face. I guess if there's something I'd like to see out of this, it's a quick, clear explanation of what their plans are and why; maybe such an explanation would show me that this isn't as bad as I fear it is. Hopefully Marvel will fully commit to a monthly release of all old volumes with some new ones sprinkled in as well. IP: Logged |
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James Friel Member |
posted June 12, 2002 03:16 AM
In partial (and only partial) defense of Marvel's history with the Masterworks and other trade publishing over the period between the mid-nineties and last year, we have to remember that Marvel was functioning in a state of bankruptcy--allowed to do only things which were pretty much guaranteed to show a profit. (And failing to make money at many of them, but let's not get into that...) Things like reprinting trades (including the Masterworks) were, as I understand it, regarded by their court appointed trustee as insufficiently certain to produce an immediate profit to be allowable. During this period, repaying $10,000 of debt would always have been chosen over investing that money in 2000 copies of another edition of Spider-Man Masterworks. We know that's stupid, but try explaining that to an accountant (with the authority to back up his decisions) whose job is to get cash from a failing company. That being said, I don't think that Marvel understands now, or that it ever truly has, the economics of book publishing. You try, if you can, to break even on the project with your advance orders; profits come from long-term sales. Marvel, under all its varied ownerships, has always been a company that went for the quick and dirty buck. IP: Logged |
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positronic Member |
posted June 12, 2002 06:30 AM
quote: I believe that the whole "100-Page Monster" concept was editor Tom Brevoort's brainchild, and when, where and how often they appear is entirely up to his discretion. I'm not sure if any "100-Page Monster"s have even appeared outside of the Brevoort-edited titles. Obviously, they don't want to over-milk the concept, they want it to retain some degree of "specialness". Since they've already done 100-pagers for AVENGERS, IRON MAN, FANTASTIC FOUR, and HULK in the last year, I'd say you could expect the next 100-Pager to show up in THOR (or did I already miss that one?) Was there a THUNDERBOLTS 100-pager? (Seems unlikely given the nature of the book, but I guess they could reprint old stories of the characters in their original villainous roles.) IP: Logged |
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positronic Member |
posted June 12, 2002 06:51 AM
quote: Although I haven't been keeping strict track of the reprinted volumes, Marvel has given us 5 new volumes since the beginning of 2001: FF Vol. 6, DAREDEVIL Vol. 2, X-MEN Vol. 3, THOR Vol. 3, and SUB-MARINER Vol. 1. I've no idea if the previously-solicited IRON MAN Vol. 2 will actually come out this month (after all, so far it's only missed its ship date by a week, which isn't that unusual by Marvel standards). I'm not sure what you mean by "one actual (very late) new volume". Seems like you're being a little harsh here, in light of the actual facts. While it's true previously-announced things like NICK FURY may now not show up for quite a while, at least give them credit for the 5 (possibly 6, depending on IRON MAN) new volumes that they have produced. IP: Logged |
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BillNolan Member |
posted June 12, 2002 08:41 AM
quote: There were indeed Monsters already for both Thor and Thunderbolts. I don't regularly buy any Marvel titles, but I do get most of the Monsters. The Thunderbolts one reprinted several Iron Man stories featuring Hawkeye as the villain, I believe. I've skipped at least two Monsters, the Black Panther one (not enough reprint material I didn't own already) and an X-Men one (reprinted newer crap). - Bill IP: Logged |
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