posted January 17, 2003 09:42 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by dylanfan:
The idea to continue the marble covers past the original 27 seems a little nutty to me. But who knows? Maybe sales of those limited editions will be so crazy Marvel will expand their goal.

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My prior post was not meant to advocate the continuation of the original numbering system; just what it would be if it continued. Although, I do prefer the original marble dustjackets.

posted January 17, 2003 12:09 PM            

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Originally posted by NecessaryImpurity:
"The Complete Marvel".

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Yeah, this is an excellent name.

quote:

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"Complete" denotes that same thouroughness we've come to expect from Archives and Masterworks, without overhyping the bad stories into "Masterworks".

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Dig. Do we really think Marvel will be able to release the "Dazzler Masterworks" or the "Brother Voodoo Masterworks" with a straight face? But that is material which would make for solid archival editions, eventually.

Another title they might use is something like "The History of Marvel", with individual volumes titled like "The History of Captain America, V1" and "The History of Thor, V1".[/b][/quote]

I don't like that as much because to me it implies it'd cover every appearance of a character, which wouldn't make sense given how common it was for Marvel characters to show up in each other's books.

posted January 17, 2003 01:01 PM               

But...the die has been cast, and this is the name of the line. At this point, is there any gain in changing the name? No way...it would freak too many people out.

posted February 05, 2003 02:44 PM               

X-Men Vol. 1 and 2
FF Vol. 1 and 3
Thor Vol. 3
Daredevil Vol. 1

These will join the Hulk Vol. 1 already solicited for June. Preliminary release dates and other information is available at my site.

Among the more interesting nuggets are:

1- The commitment to have all 32 books out over the next 11 months.
2- The limited edition books will be stamped with the print run.
3- The $49.99/$54.99 price point is intact for the normal 220+ page volumes.

posted February 10, 2003 09:33 AM               

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Originally posted by Fazhoul:
I have the first two Thor Masterworks volumes and I am puzzled by the gap in issues. The first book covers JIM #'s 83-100 and volume 2 covers 111-120 and JIM Annual #1. What happened to the stories from JIM 101-110?

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They are in the second Thor Masterworks. You have the 1st and 3rd, despite Marvel and Diamond always listing the 3rd as "volume 2" on order forms. The real volume 2 was volume 26 (the second to last) in the original series and can be seen here:
http://www.marvelmasterworks.freeservers.com/avengers.html

posted February 11, 2003 09:25 AM            

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Originally posted by BillNolan:

They are in the second Thor Masterworks. You have the 1st and 3rd, despite Marvel and Diamond always listing the 3rd as "volume 2" on order forms. The real volume 2 was volume 26 (the second to last) in the original series and can be seen here:
http://www.marvelmasterworks.freeservers.com/avengers.html

- Bill

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So they didn't reissue volume two in the new edition with the little hammer symbols in the background? That's pretty friggin' stupid! I kind of like the sets to have matching covers. Call me crazy. (Everyone else does.)

posted February 11, 2003 09:54 AM               

By the way, pre-orders for the first batch of limited edition variant DJs (the facsimiles of the original 27) must be in by Feb. 20! You must let your comix retailer of choice know which ones you want ASAP. Tales of Wonder is offering a great deal on pre-orders for these limited edition books- check out my site for more details.

Like Marvel said "this is your last chance to complete your collection" if you're one of those that like the first trade design. You're working on a deadline! So get to it!!!!

posted February 11, 2003 10:26 AM               

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Originally posted by dylanfan:
Like Marvel said "this is your last chance to complete your collection" if you're one of those that like the first trade design. You're working on a deadline! So get to it!!!!

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Has there been any word on whether the original trade design will extend beyond the original 27 volumes?

posted February 11, 2003 11:04 AM               

In fact, Thor Vol. 3 is already solicited for ltd. ed. variant, so the clock is ticking on that one.

posted February 11, 2003 11:15 AM               

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Originally posted by dylanfan:
Yes, Dave. It appears as if (at least) the 5 volumes in the ComicCraft design that were not part of the original 27 (Subby Vol. 1, Thor Vol. 3, FF Vol. 6, DD Vol. 2 and X-Men Vol. 3) will receive the ltd. ed. variant DJ treatment.

In fact, Thor Vol. 3 is already solicited for ltd. ed. variant, so the clock is ticking on that one.

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Thanks. I suppose that it is to much to hope that Marvel will continue the original design to any new Masterworks.

posted February 11, 2003 11:38 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by dylanfan:
Yes, Dave. It appears as if (at least) the 5 volumes in the ComicCraft design that were not part of the original 27 (Subby Vol. 1, Thor Vol. 3, FF Vol. 6, DD Vol. 2 and X-Men Vol. 3) will receive the ltd. ed. variant DJ treatment.

In fact, Thor Vol. 3 is already solicited for ltd. ed. variant, so the clock is ticking on that one.

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But won't that probably be the ComicCraft design. Would Marvel really design new "old-style" marvle covers for those five books? How would they number them? 28+?

- Bill

posted February 11, 2003 11:49 AM               

Thor Vol. 3 is being offered in the "original 27" variant dustjacket. I have no idea about numbering system, but I hope to have that information, along with lots of other answers, later in the day.

posted February 12, 2003 10:36 AM               

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Originally posted by dylanfan:
The ComicCraft version of Thor Vol. 3 is still in print. In fact, I think it's part of that "blowout" initiative Marvel is offering to retailers to get rid of them.

Thor Vol. 3 is being offered in the "original 27" variant dustjacket. I have no idea about numbering system, but I hope to have that information, along with lots of other answers, later in the day.

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Have you gotten that info yet? I must say that I have been anxiously awaiting a follow-up post either here or on your board.

posted February 12, 2003 10:47 AM            

I just think this policy needs to be cleared up by Marvel, because with all of their crossovers in the 60's, it will become a nightmare in the Masterworks.

posted February 12, 2003 12:13 PM               

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Originally posted by Redfury:
Does anyone know if Marvel has worked out a consistent plan of what to include in each Masterwork...My suggestion: Don't include ANY of the crossovers. Just stick to the main title being archived. If you want to read the Daredevil and Iron Man crossover stories from Sub-mariner, go buy their Masterworks books too.

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posted February 12, 2003 12:36 PM               

I looked at the material included in Subby 1 as bonus material- freebies if you will. Marvel Comics #1 was valuable to novice Subby readers to draw distinctions between the Silver Age Namor and the well-established Golden Age version. DD #7 was valuable in that it set up a story in the Subby book.

Yes, it would have been nice to see the Iron Man story, and I'm of a similar mind as James. On a case by case basis, duplications like this are the way to go. Marvel may not have done so in this case for whatever reasons, perhaps the restoration of that Iron Man story would have held up the Subby volume. I dunno.

posted February 12, 2003 12:39 PM               

I'm still awaiting followup from my sources at Marvel. I sent these very busy people (32 books in 11 months!!! ) a rather long email with lots of questions. I certainly hope, but don't expect, that I will get a quick reply. As soon as I get word you'll know. I'll post here and at my message board my findings on this matter.

posted February 17, 2003 09:43 AM               

The new Masterworks that are coming out with the older marble covers, do they have the same numbering as the old series (1-27) ? Or do they have the new volume numbers for each title (FF vol 1, FF vol 2)?

I want the books to match on my bookshelf but I only bought about 10 books of the first series and want to fill in the gaps.

posted February 17, 2003 09:48 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by bmiddleton:
The new Masterworks that are coming out with the older marble covers, do they have the same numbering as the old series (1-27) ? Or do they have the new volume numbers for each title (FF vol 1, FF vol 2)?

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The limited-edition, more expensive versions which Marvel is putting out now will have the marble covers and the old numbering (1-27). They are also releasing the same books with the new dustjacket design at the same time for about $5 less. Also, Marvel is going to re-release all the newer Masterworks in limited-edition marble-look covers with the old style number (28-32), also for a slightly higher price than the regular versions. Marvel has not indicated whether it will offer any brand new Masterworks in the future with the old cover design. That probably depends on how well the limited editions sell. This info came from the Masterworks site mentioned above.

posted February 17, 2003 09:48 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by bmiddleton:
This may have been asked before but I will ask again.

The new Masterworks that are coming out with the older marble covers, do they have the same numbering as the old series (1-27) ? Or do they have the new volume numbers for each title (FF vol 1, FF vol 2)?

I want the books to match on my bookshelf but I only bought about 10 books of the first series and want to fill in the gaps.

Anyone know?

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From dylanfan's website, it appears that the new volumes will be numbered (FF 51-60 will be 28, etc).

posted February 17, 2003 10:12 AM               

Here's what the back end of the Ltd. Ed. DJ numbering system will look like:

28- FF Vol. 6
29- Daredevil Vol. 2
30- Thor Vol. 3
31- X-Men Vol. 3
32- Sub-Mariner Vol. 1

These Masterworks were never part of the Original 27, but will be a part of the limited edition scheme, so if you want to continue on with that trade design, you will have the opportunity.

There is the caveat, however, that Marvel could say that the Ltd. Ed. venture wasn't worth their efforts and abandon it after the revamp. My guess is, it will be enough of a success that won't happen. We'll see....

I post the most current news about the Masterworks program at my site, so don't be afraid to visit!