posted January 10, 2003 03:16 PM            

...just had an odd thought (though unlikely to happen)...

...Black Orchid (Silver Age version from Adventure Comics and the back of Phantom Stranger) could have her series put with the Suicide Squad from Brave & the Bold (well, she WAS in Ostrander's Suicide Squad after...and some folks might be interested in both...)

posted January 10, 2003 05:38 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by GDL:

I'd love to see a Kamandi Archive series, or perhaps even a color TPB. (sorry, the B&W Kirby reprints just didn't seem right to me)

---

I agree with GDL: let there be no more b/w/grey reprints of anything.

No one expected the b/w/grey versions to satisfy anyone completely. Everyone knew they were a compromise, and the attempt goes appreciated. Still, I was surprised just how UNsatisfying they turned out.

posted January 10, 2003 09:09 PM               

Nope, no plans for either Jonah Hex collection mentioned.

[/B][/QUOTE]

I hope this just refers to the Vertigo collections. As I've said before, a Jonah Hex Archive is at the top of my wish list.

Joe

posted January 12, 2003 06:22 AM               

Mr Greenberg, Id love to know if:

1- the first issues of such Archives, like Legion, JLA, All-Star, Superman, Spirit and similars will be priced at $19.95, like the Batman Archive vol 1 was.

2- I remember you saying earlier that you decided to print Fables and Y earlier because of all the good word about those series and the demand on the early issues. Well, what about Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning early Legion issues (Legion of the Dammed and Legion Lost)?

3- please, keep us informed about the possible DC-ROMs

4- why all teh sudden (at least I think it is) interest in collecting such things as Emerald Dawn (I and II)? I mean, why all this spotlight on GL (not that Im complaining, because I ordered both).

5- back when DC announced the Aquaman ongoing by Veitch, I remember that someone from DC said (I think it was Bob Wayne) something about collecting Atlantis Chronicles in time to coincide with the first issue. Any news on this possible collection?

6- I heard similar things about the death of Oliver "Green Arrow" Queen, when Kevin Smith started his run. Will this be collected?

7- you keep saying that there are tons of cool stuff from the 70s adn the 80s taht youd love to see collected. Since Im a fairly recent reader (been reading for 5 years now) Id love to know exactly what you are refering.

I think thats all for now. Thanks once more for taking your time and answer us.

------------------
N. Franco
aka Thanagarian

posted January 12, 2003 12:53 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Thanagarian:
3- please, keep us informed about the possible DC-ROMs

---

I will never purchase such a thing, and I stand against them even in principle (reading comics on your computer?!?! bleh!)

But "DC-ROMs" is such a catchy and clever name. I think DC should use that as a brand name, it's really cute.

posted January 12, 2003 04:19 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by David Vega:
Dear Bob:

"Yes, we're finishing Alan Moore's Swamp Thing run this year."

Thank you very much for the update!! Can't wait to read the last issue.

Two questions: Will DC ever collect the final Garth Ennis story arc (Rake at the Gates of Hell)? Garth's run is the best of the lot, and the trades seem to be selling pretty well, I'm surprised the entire run hasn't been collected. Also, will there be a final Grant Morrison Animal Man collection?

Thanks,

Dave

---

To save Bob the hassle of repeating himself, Bob answered Yes and Yes to these a few pages back.

posted January 12, 2003 06:16 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by dylanfan:
But "DC-ROMs" is such a catchy and clever name. I think DC should use that as a brand name, it's really cute.

---

posted January 12, 2003 09:10 PM               

Also are there any plans to collect the Ross/Dini books in a more sturdy hardcover format? I was really disappointed with the binding in the oversized books....

posted January 13, 2003 05:31 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by dylanfan:
I will never purchase such a thing, and I stand against them even in principle (reading comics on your computer?!?! bleh!)

---

I dont mind reading them in my computer. If I the comics come out cheaper in CD than in paper then Ill buy the CDs.

quote:

---

Originally posted by dylanfan:
But "DC-ROMs" is such a catchy and clever name. I think DC should use that as a brand name, it's really cute.

---

At first it was a typo. But when I was about to correct it, I found it interesting so I let it be...

------------------
N. Franco
aka Thanagarian

posted January 13, 2003 08:06 AM            

I'm also glad to hear that Alan Moore's Swamp Thing is due to be completed as well as a good prospect of further Starman trades as I have just finished the current trades of Swamp Thing and am approaching the end of the Starman trades and would like to see more soon.

The only comment I have to make is the paper quality variation between trades. I understand that some series look better on the paper they were originally printed on but recently some series have changed paper stock, in particular Starman, Preacher, The Authority and Planetary (of the ones I have read). While Preacher was not affected too badly by change (though the paper in the more recent trades is not glossy and feels flimsier) the glossy paper in Starman really brought out the colours and the recent change has disappointed me and I would much prefer better paper. I would be much more likely to buy trades if the paper suits the art and feels permanent.

For Planetary and The Authority though, the first trades were on non-glossy paper and the art REALLY suffered as a result - the lovely colour job by Laura Depuy and linework were all muddied as the original art was printed on glossy paper and did not hold up well on the new paper. The Authority received improved paperstock for the Absolute edition and the most recent trade (Transfer of Power) whilst Planetary's second trade featured glossy paper and I have recently seen an edition of the first trade with glossy paper (which annoyed me as I have the version with worse paper). Is there an intention to reissue the Authority trades with improved paper (as seemed to occur with Planetary) at the next printing?

I would just like to see that the paper used suits the art in question as glossy paper often does not suit older material (ie it looks garish when not on newsprint - Swamp Thing works well in the current trades), newer material with more subtle colour schemes can suffer when not on glossy paper (see The Authority). Is this issue being addressed at present? As I have said, it can influence my decision when making a purchase.

posted January 13, 2003 08:33 AM            

Theres such a scope with what you could do with the format. It would be interesting for one to see complete issues reproduced for example. Plus you could use the multi-media format to add interesting features like perhaps interviews, background info and the like.

I dont know if they will ever do a DVD archive type project, as the format & tech issues would have to be worked out 1st. Potenially you could get several archives worth of material on it at least, which might make it attractive to a wide selection of people if they had several different things on it. I'm sure price of producing a dvd itself would be alot cheaper than a paper archive, but getting the format together and the normal cost of "reproducing" any artwork needed is where the cost is going to be.

The question is do DC think it will sell and can it be done in such a way not to hurt the paper archives but to add an enhancement to it?

quote:

---

Originally posted by dylanfan:
I will never purchase such a thing, and I stand against them even in principle (reading comics on your computer?!?! bleh!)

But "DC-ROMs" is such a catchy and clever name. I think DC should use that as a brand name, it's really cute.

---

posted January 13, 2003 09:29 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by vze2:
Personally, I feel that this material is in danger of being destroyed by time. I think that this material is an important part of the historical record of this medium and should be preserved and made publicly available somehow. Even if its only available on a few CDs in a few major libraries.

---

For years all this stuff was available on microfiche, so it's not going to be lost to the ravages of time any time soon.

Now, if only DC would renew the license for the microfiche, we'd all be happy...

posted January 13, 2003 09:34 AM               

We allot between 8-12 pages for non-story material in Archvies depending on the needs.

We chart the sales as described back on page 20 but we also factor in the host series, media interest, fan commentary, availability of material for subsequent volumes and then figure out a plan.

If anything, the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents slot might be taken up with something also outside DC as part of our commitment to preserve great stuff. No promises, guarantees or even hints since we're a few years away from that happening.

Actually, I have never looked at the Wonder Woman Board so their comments had no influence on my statement.

Kamandi, honestly, has not come up in any meeting I've attended. being a 1970s property, I'm guessing people feel we need to get the 1960s material out there first.

Extending the $19.95 idea to all Vol. 1s is interesting.

Yep, a Legion collection is long overdue and Ihope to correct that in 2003.

We took a look at our Out-of-Print collections at the end of 2001, surveyed retailers for their thoughts, and came up with a list of 10-15 books that should be back in print. The Hal Jordan books got the nod simply because he's still a popular character but there was nothing Hal-centric available. Georg Brewer had the idea of one cover artist linking everything together and I lobbied to get Emerald Dawn II into print for the first time. So, in 2003, you will have four nice Hal Jordan books with very cool Alan Davis & Mark Farmer covers.

While I agree ATLANTIS CHRONICLES should be collected, it has sadly become a joke at Collected Editions, poking fun at me for my diehard lobbying. It had been surveyed some time in the past and didn't quite measure up. In today's new market, I would think it has a chance to satisfy fans and find new readers through bookstores who don't need to know the continuity to appreciate the fantasy. I keep hoping....

Nope, no plans to collect the death of Ollie. After all, he got better and we're past that.

The Limited Collector's Editions come up in conversation from time to time but the only one I suspect you will see is the Legion.

No doubt something wonderful will be planned for the Alex Ross/Paul Dini tabloids. Nothing decided or scheduled so stay tuned.

posted January 13, 2003 04:44 PM               

While I agree ATLANTIS CHRONICLES should be collected, it has sadly become a joke at Collected Editions, poking fun at me for my diehard lobbying. It had been surveyed some time in the past and didn't quite measure up. In today's new market, I would think it has a chance to satisfy fans and find new readers through bookstores who don't need to know the continuity to appreciate the fantasy. I keep hoping....

posted January 13, 2003 05:03 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by BillNolan:

For years all this stuff was available on microfiche, so it's not going to be lost to the ravages of time any time soon.

Now, if only DC would renew the license for the microfiche, we'd all be happy...

- Bill

---

posted January 13, 2003 05:13 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bob Greenberger:
While I agree ATLANTIS CHRONICLES should be collected, it has sadly become a joke at Collected Editions, poking fun at me for my diehard lobbying. It had been surveyed some time in the past and didn't quite measure up. In today's new market, I would think it has a chance to satisfy fans and find new readers through bookstores who don't need to know the continuity to appreciate the fantasy. I keep hoping....

---

posted January 13, 2003 05:27 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by NerveTonic:

Re: Kirby Reprints

I agree with GDL: let there be no more b/w/grey reprints of anything.

No one expected the b/w/grey versions to satisfy anyone completely. Everyone knew they were a compromise, and the attempt goes appreciated. Still, I was surprised just how UNsatisfying they turned out.

The worst part is -- those b/w/grey versions insure we won't see a real color archive until the NEW GODS movie comes out (or a couple years later). I know the likelihood is very slim anything like that will happen, but those sad b/w/gs only make it, uh, slimmer?

---

I second the motion for color reprints of Kirby's New Gods material. For that matter, it could come out in trade paperback form, instead of Archives if we can get ahold of it sooner.

Hey, Bob. Here's a thought. Kirby's artwork - in color - oversize. If you've seen any of the Kirby Collector oversize editions that reprint the xeroxes of his original pencils in the same size he drew them -- they are breath taking. Especially those double page spreads.

(I may have to go to Kinko's and just blow them up and laser print them for myself.)

------------------
I INVITE YOU TO SUPPORT OPERATION EMERALD STORM!!

Send your extra comic books to our troops fighting in the Persian Gulf!!

posted January 13, 2003 07:17 PM               

Bob, keep us posted on the Legion trade status - I'm keen to see what all the fuss is about.

posted January 13, 2003 07:25 PM               

Here are some more questions:

1) I have a question to ask: this question concerns about the lawsuit brought by Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel's widow, Joanne Siegel and their daughter in 1997, requesting the return of half the "Superman" copyright, a suit enabled by the changes in copyright law that year.

This was the same principle behind the recent Joe Simon/Marvel Comics suit over Captain America. I was wondering if the case was settled between DC and the Siegels, or is there still some sort of litigation pending? I remember reading about this in Wizard magazine back then, but never heard any follow ups since, or from anywhere else. Can you shed some information about this, or is this strictly private? As a Superman fan, I want to know what happened (if that is possible).

2) Is the Black Canary Archives volume 1 truly the situation where just one volume will be published as most/all of her early stories was virtually collected in this book?

posted January 13, 2003 07:57 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bob Greenberger:

If anything, the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents slot might be taken up with something also outside DC as part of our commitment to preserve great stuff. No promises, guarantees or even hints since we're a few years away from that happening.

---

From this, I gather D C is committed to archiving T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents for as long as the market permits until all material is archived. Then, (when and if) T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents are succesfully archived, D C "might" use its success (or rather, weigh its markting sucess, with respects to sales and time duration to complete T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents) to help in the discussion about possible other comic book material from other publishers getting "Possible" considerations. Also, material outside of D C Comic ownership or creators, of whom D C has formed a publishing realationship (Eisner & Kubert), could always be considered, with out reguards to T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agnets, at any time. But, as of this time, D C is only commited to T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents (as lnog as marketability and sales are satisfactory) as far as archiving comic book material outside of D C Comics ownership and\or already contracted creators (Eisner & Kubert).

Solid sales in T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents over the next few years, would be a great boon for comics and its fans who are clamoring for classic old comics.

posted January 13, 2003 09:13 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by vze2:
So let me get this straight:
Comics are usually shelved next to sci-fi/fantasy.

Peter David's name appears on some of those sci-fi books.

Esteban Moroto's art looks similar to traditional fantasy book covers.

The story really doesn't have anything to do with superheroes.

The story has everything to do with one of the best-known fantasy environments ever: Atlantis.

This doesn't measure up?

---

I really think vze2 and Parsifal have a point. My wife hates comic books. Sandman and Atlantis Chronicles are the only two I can ever remember her reading and liking. (She did try Elfquest but got bored too quickly and never finished the first storyline).

There has got to be cross-over appeal here.

New readers of books like A.C. should lead to at least new comics readers.

posted January 13, 2003 11:24 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bob Greenberger:
That said, I do have some neat sketch material for the next GA collection and JLA: Obsidian Age.

---

Any way you could give the issue numbers those trades will be collecting? Thanks!