MARK:
> I've been looking for this story for forever and a day. It's UNCLE SCROOGE
> #310. Can anyone help me?
Have a look at Gladstone's site:
http://www.brucehamilton.com/gladstone/AAA%20Steve%20Files/Series2Comics/US/USpg310.htm
The issue is sold out, but they have "a few US Prestige Sets (US 309-318)
available for $125 that include US 310", whatever that means.
> I need a NM copy for my collection and I'd be
> willing to pay above the cover price, plus any shipping charges. Thanks!
Make that *a lot* above the cover price; according to the same site, this
issue is "valued at over $50 due to extreme scarcity"--ouch!
In the unlikely case that you can read Greek (well, you do have a Greek name,
so it doesn't hurt to ask), if you are mainly interested in reading the story,
the Komix edition should be available as a back issue for a lot less. Let me
know, and I'll check for you.
Kriton.
-----
"What's the time?"
"The relative measure of state of decay, but that's not important now."
-----
Author
Topic: 200511
(87 messages)
Kriton Kyrimis
The Sign of the Triple Distelfink
Message 16 -
2005-11-04 at 14:19:56
Ola Martinsson (AS/EAB)
Gemstone's Donald Duck Halloween Ashcan comic book
Message 17 -
2005-11-04 at 15:41:37
Why is it called Ashcan issue ?
Ola in cloudy Stockholm +10
Ola in cloudy Stockholm +10
Ola Martinsson (AS/EAB)
The place to look for the Norvegian series of TPB Donald Duck
Message 18 -
2005-11-04 at 15:56:37
Hi all of you that would be interested in buying the DD Dailies from
1938 to 1955. They are in Norvegian but I suspect that a lot of you
would enjoy them anyhow. They are printed in black and white in TPB
format and all the fine details in Taliaferros drawings appear clearly.
One year of dailies per book.
If you are interested in trying to get these lovely books then there is
a Norvegian auction web site were they more or less regularly appear for
a reasonable price.
http://qxl.no/
All the daily strips are there except 6 strips from Feb 2 to 7 1942 but
those can be found in outducks if you look for WDC no 72. It's the six
dailies where Donald and the boys trade with indians. I suppose they
were cut on orders from Disney because the way they portraied indians.
Does anyone know ?
Ola in clearing skys in Stockholm +10
-----Original Message-----
From: dcml-bounces at stp.lingfil.uu.se
[mailto:dcml-bounces at stp.lingfil.uu.se] On Behalf Of
dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se
Sent: den 4 november 2005 12:01
To: dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
Subject: DCML Digest, Vol 33, Issue 3
Send DCML mailing list submissions to
dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://stp.ling.uu.se/mailman/listinfo/dcml
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se
You can reach the person managing the list at
dcml-owner at stp.lingfil.uu.se
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than
"Re: Contents of DCML digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Re: The Magnificent Seven (minus Four) to be split into three
Re: The Magnificent Seven (minus Four) to be split into
three
parts? (Mark Baker-Wright)
2. Gemstone's Donald Duck Halloween Ashcan comic book
(david.skoglund at att.net)
3. Can you help me? (Kristian H?gglund)
4. Re: Gemstone's Donald Duck Halloween Ashcan comic book
(Travis Seitler)
5. The Sign of the Triple Distelfink (Mark Doukakis)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 06:57:35 -0800
From: Mark Baker-Wright <nicodemuslegend at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: The Magnificent Seven (minus Four) to be split into three
Re: The Magnificent Seven (minus Four) to be split into
three parts?
To: dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
Message-ID:
<e998d0610511030657r6098a2aob42ab06a8296739f at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
On 11/3/05, dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se
<dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se>
wrote:
>
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2005 08:50:45 -0700
> From: Gary Leach <bangfish at cableone.net>
> Subject: Re: DCML Digest, Vol 33, Issue 1
> To: dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
> Message-ID: <C59EE996-1E6A-44F8-BD0E-391AC8E0E116 at cableone.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
>
> Mark Baker-Wright:
>
> >>>bring the comics down to regular prices again...<<<
>
> Regular prices? What are those? Please define.
>
> Gary
>
>
I'm going to try to take this question seriously, but I find the
question just a little insulting.
The average comic book these days is about $3.00-$3.50. Uncle Scrooge
and Walt Disney's Comics and Stories are twice that. One might point out
that these comics are twice as large as the average comic book, but my
point is not that I think Gemstone charges too much for what they do,
but rather that they try to do too much. This makes the comic too
expensive to buy on a monthly basis. I don't think there's any other
monthly comic book out there that costs as much (although there may be
one or two).
Mark Baker-Wright
--
1938 to 1955. They are in Norvegian but I suspect that a lot of you
would enjoy them anyhow. They are printed in black and white in TPB
format and all the fine details in Taliaferros drawings appear clearly.
One year of dailies per book.
If you are interested in trying to get these lovely books then there is
a Norvegian auction web site were they more or less regularly appear for
a reasonable price.
http://qxl.no/
All the daily strips are there except 6 strips from Feb 2 to 7 1942 but
those can be found in outducks if you look for WDC no 72. It's the six
dailies where Donald and the boys trade with indians. I suppose they
were cut on orders from Disney because the way they portraied indians.
Does anyone know ?
Ola in clearing skys in Stockholm +10
-----Original Message-----
From: dcml-bounces at stp.lingfil.uu.se
[mailto:dcml-bounces at stp.lingfil.uu.se] On Behalf Of
dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se
Sent: den 4 november 2005 12:01
To: dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
Subject: DCML Digest, Vol 33, Issue 3
Send DCML mailing list submissions to
dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://stp.ling.uu.se/mailman/listinfo/dcml
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se
You can reach the person managing the list at
dcml-owner at stp.lingfil.uu.se
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than
"Re: Contents of DCML digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Re: The Magnificent Seven (minus Four) to be split into three
Re: The Magnificent Seven (minus Four) to be split into
three
parts? (Mark Baker-Wright)
2. Gemstone's Donald Duck Halloween Ashcan comic book
(david.skoglund at att.net)
3. Can you help me? (Kristian H?gglund)
4. Re: Gemstone's Donald Duck Halloween Ashcan comic book
(Travis Seitler)
5. The Sign of the Triple Distelfink (Mark Doukakis)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 06:57:35 -0800
From: Mark Baker-Wright <nicodemuslegend at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: The Magnificent Seven (minus Four) to be split into three
Re: The Magnificent Seven (minus Four) to be split into
three parts?
To: dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
Message-ID:
<e998d0610511030657r6098a2aob42ab06a8296739f at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
On 11/3/05, dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se
<dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se>
wrote:
>
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2005 08:50:45 -0700
> From: Gary Leach <bangfish at cableone.net>
> Subject: Re: DCML Digest, Vol 33, Issue 1
> To: dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
> Message-ID: <C59EE996-1E6A-44F8-BD0E-391AC8E0E116 at cableone.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
>
> Mark Baker-Wright:
>
> >>>bring the comics down to regular prices again...<<<
>
> Regular prices? What are those? Please define.
>
> Gary
>
>
I'm going to try to take this question seriously, but I find the
question just a little insulting.
The average comic book these days is about $3.00-$3.50. Uncle Scrooge
and Walt Disney's Comics and Stories are twice that. One might point out
that these comics are twice as large as the average comic book, but my
point is not that I think Gemstone charges too much for what they do,
but rather that they try to do too much. This makes the comic too
expensive to buy on a monthly basis. I don't think there's any other
monthly comic book out there that costs as much (although there may be
one or two).
Mark Baker-Wright
--
Gary Leach
Prices
Message 19 -
2005-11-04 at 20:45:53
Mark Baker-Wright (and ALL):
> I'm going to try to take this question seriously, but I find the
> question just a little insulting.
Oh? And here I just thought I was being direct and unambiguous. Silly
me. I'll try to be a little more obtuse and opaque next time.
> The average comic book these days is about $3.00-$3.50.
And the average comic book is what? 32 pages in color? 64-page
squarebounds? 80-page "giants"? 144-page graphic novels? 200-page
pocket books? $80-million cinema spectaculars?
Fact is, the "average" in the US comics market disappeared years ago.
And frankly, Mark, I'm not just digging at you - how could I, since
this subject has been raked over the coals here time and time and
time again, and it hasn't gotten anybody anywhere?
I don't think it has to be like that. It is clearly a subject that is
of concern to most everyone, and it certainly won't go away. Still,
can we see if we can gather a consensus of some sort on just what
we're comparing to what? Perhaps Gemstone will still come out looking
pricey, but wouldn't a better understanding of the real situation -
whatever that may be discovered to be - prove a worthy goal for a
forum like this?
Gary
> I'm going to try to take this question seriously, but I find the
> question just a little insulting.
Oh? And here I just thought I was being direct and unambiguous. Silly
me. I'll try to be a little more obtuse and opaque next time.
> The average comic book these days is about $3.00-$3.50.
And the average comic book is what? 32 pages in color? 64-page
squarebounds? 80-page "giants"? 144-page graphic novels? 200-page
pocket books? $80-million cinema spectaculars?
Fact is, the "average" in the US comics market disappeared years ago.
And frankly, Mark, I'm not just digging at you - how could I, since
this subject has been raked over the coals here time and time and
time again, and it hasn't gotten anybody anywhere?
I don't think it has to be like that. It is clearly a subject that is
of concern to most everyone, and it certainly won't go away. Still,
can we see if we can gather a consensus of some sort on just what
we're comparing to what? Perhaps Gemstone will still come out looking
pricey, but wouldn't a better understanding of the real situation -
whatever that may be discovered to be - prove a worthy goal for a
forum like this?
Gary
Mark Doukakis
The Sign of the Triple Distelfink
Message 20 -
2005-11-04 at 21:10:17
Kriton : In the unlikely case that you can read Greek (well, you do have a
Greek name,
so it doesn't hurt to ask), if you are mainly interested in reading the
story,
the Komix edition should be available as a back issue for a lot less. Let me
know, and I'll check for you.
Kriton.
Kriton,
Yes, I do read Greek! I am Greek. I grew up in Chania, Crete in the mid-late
60s reading MIKY MAOYS and MEGALO MIKY--several dozen issues of which I
still have to this day. I left Greece in 1968 at the age of 10. (I'm 47.) I
have several dozen issues of KOMIX, as well, but not that one. I look for
them whenever I visit Greece (and one year I even had a subscription
delivered to my USA address. It's too hard to communicate with the publisher
in Athens, though.)
I would LOVE to get my hands on a KOMIX edition of "The Triple Distelfink!"
Please let me know if you can help.
Thanks,
Mark
Greek name,
so it doesn't hurt to ask), if you are mainly interested in reading the
story,
the Komix edition should be available as a back issue for a lot less. Let me
know, and I'll check for you.
Kriton.
Kriton,
Yes, I do read Greek! I am Greek. I grew up in Chania, Crete in the mid-late
60s reading MIKY MAOYS and MEGALO MIKY--several dozen issues of which I
still have to this day. I left Greece in 1968 at the age of 10. (I'm 47.) I
have several dozen issues of KOMIX, as well, but not that one. I look for
them whenever I visit Greece (and one year I even had a subscription
delivered to my USA address. It's too hard to communicate with the publisher
in Athens, though.)
I would LOVE to get my hands on a KOMIX edition of "The Triple Distelfink!"
Please let me know if you can help.
Thanks,
Mark
Martin Olsen
Quick Gold Key Numbering question (CArchivist@aol.com)
Message 21 -
2005-11-05 at 15:16:22
The information contained in the email below may be of interest to some of
you dcml'ers, so I'm forwarding it here.
Best,
Martin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Martin Olsen" <martino at olsen.tdcadsl.dk>
To: <cdbl at lists.comics.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2005 4:25 AM
Subject: Re: Quick Gold Key Numbering question (CArchivist at aol.com)
>> In a message dated 11/3/05 11:32:00 PM, frankmotler at btinternet.com
>> writes:
>>
>>
>>> Frank Motler <frankmotler at btinternet.com> wrote:
>>> CArchivist at aol.com wrote:
>>>
>>> A quickie
>>>
>>> 10176-605
>>>
>>> means May 1966 right?
>>>
>>>
>>> my best
>>> -Ray
>>>
>>>
>>> Dear Ray,
>>> Correct, as regards highest on-sale date.
> [snip]
>> Tanx!
>>
>> -Ray
>
> A slight modification to the earlier replies seems appropriate:
> Since Goldkey/Whitman published comics for over two decades (1962-1984), a
> code like 10176-605 is ambiguous when it comes to deciphering the date.
> However, the publisher was aware of this, because beginning with the March
> 1972 issues of monthly and bi-monthly titles and the April 1972 issues of
> quarterly and irregular titles (i.e. issues hitting the newsstands from
> January 1972) the title code numbers were moved from the 10000-range to
> the 90000-range. Thus, full code numbers contain (almost) exact
> information about the cover date, and the code of the example above does
> indeed mean that the cover date (latest return date) is May 1966. The full
> information of the month and year of issue is also carried by the full
> code inside, hand written in one of the bottom panels of page one.
>
> To elaborate: Mickey Mouse #114 has cover code 10027-708, i.e. August
> 1967, while Mickey Mouse # 174 has cover code 90027-708, i.e. August 1977.
>
> Towards the end of the run the date code was skipped, so for the very last
> Whitman issues (1982-1984) it can be difficult to know the exact date of
> issue, especially if an issue contains only reprints, so the copyright
> years are old. In addition, Goldkey introduced a non-existing "13th month
> of 1981" as can be seen for example in the cover codes of these
> consecutive issues of Walt Disney's Comics and Stories:
> #493: 90011-112 (on sale October 1981?)
> #494: 90011-201 (on sale November 1981?)
> #495: 90011-202 (on sale December 1981?)
> #496: 90011-113 (on sale December 1981?)
> #497: 90011-203 (on sale January 1982?)
> #498: 90011-204 (on sale February 1982?)
> #499: 90011-205 (on sale March 1982?
> #500: 90011 (on sale 1982, no month given)
> At this point the inside code was shortened so that the exact month and
> year of issue is no longer visible - in the case of WDC&S, the first issue
> with no month inside is - naturally - #496. Effective with WDC&S #500, the
> information of the month of latest return was also removed from the cover
> code, leaving only the title code. I believe this is because the comics
> were by then distributed (in the USA) only in packages of three issues (of
> the same or different titles), so the information about the month of issue
> became unnecessary.
>
> For this title there are in fact three ambiguous cover codes:
> 90011-203, -204, and -205 are the cover codes of WDC&S # 497-499,
> March-May 1982 as mentioned above, but they are also the cover codes of
> WDC&S #378-380, March-May 1972. Similar cases exist with other
> long-lasting titles.
> For the reason mentioned above and maybe other reasons, I think the
> publisher had by 1982 lost interest in keeping track of issue dates.
>
> Martin Olsen
> Frederiksberg, Denmark
you dcml'ers, so I'm forwarding it here.
Best,
Martin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Martin Olsen" <martino at olsen.tdcadsl.dk>
To: <cdbl at lists.comics.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2005 4:25 AM
Subject: Re: Quick Gold Key Numbering question (CArchivist at aol.com)
>> In a message dated 11/3/05 11:32:00 PM, frankmotler at btinternet.com
>> writes:
>>
>>
>>> Frank Motler <frankmotler at btinternet.com> wrote:
>>> CArchivist at aol.com wrote:
>>>
>>> A quickie
>>>
>>> 10176-605
>>>
>>> means May 1966 right?
>>>
>>>
>>> my best
>>> -Ray
>>>
>>>
>>> Dear Ray,
>>> Correct, as regards highest on-sale date.
> [snip]
>> Tanx!
>>
>> -Ray
>
> A slight modification to the earlier replies seems appropriate:
> Since Goldkey/Whitman published comics for over two decades (1962-1984), a
> code like 10176-605 is ambiguous when it comes to deciphering the date.
> However, the publisher was aware of this, because beginning with the March
> 1972 issues of monthly and bi-monthly titles and the April 1972 issues of
> quarterly and irregular titles (i.e. issues hitting the newsstands from
> January 1972) the title code numbers were moved from the 10000-range to
> the 90000-range. Thus, full code numbers contain (almost) exact
> information about the cover date, and the code of the example above does
> indeed mean that the cover date (latest return date) is May 1966. The full
> information of the month and year of issue is also carried by the full
> code inside, hand written in one of the bottom panels of page one.
>
> To elaborate: Mickey Mouse #114 has cover code 10027-708, i.e. August
> 1967, while Mickey Mouse # 174 has cover code 90027-708, i.e. August 1977.
>
> Towards the end of the run the date code was skipped, so for the very last
> Whitman issues (1982-1984) it can be difficult to know the exact date of
> issue, especially if an issue contains only reprints, so the copyright
> years are old. In addition, Goldkey introduced a non-existing "13th month
> of 1981" as can be seen for example in the cover codes of these
> consecutive issues of Walt Disney's Comics and Stories:
> #493: 90011-112 (on sale October 1981?)
> #494: 90011-201 (on sale November 1981?)
> #495: 90011-202 (on sale December 1981?)
> #496: 90011-113 (on sale December 1981?)
> #497: 90011-203 (on sale January 1982?)
> #498: 90011-204 (on sale February 1982?)
> #499: 90011-205 (on sale March 1982?
> #500: 90011 (on sale 1982, no month given)
> At this point the inside code was shortened so that the exact month and
> year of issue is no longer visible - in the case of WDC&S, the first issue
> with no month inside is - naturally - #496. Effective with WDC&S #500, the
> information of the month of latest return was also removed from the cover
> code, leaving only the title code. I believe this is because the comics
> were by then distributed (in the USA) only in packages of three issues (of
> the same or different titles), so the information about the month of issue
> became unnecessary.
>
> For this title there are in fact three ambiguous cover codes:
> 90011-203, -204, and -205 are the cover codes of WDC&S # 497-499,
> March-May 1982 as mentioned above, but they are also the cover codes of
> WDC&S #378-380, March-May 1972. Similar cases exist with other
> long-lasting titles.
> For the reason mentioned above and maybe other reasons, I think the
> publisher had by 1982 lost interest in keeping track of issue dates.
>
> Martin Olsen
> Frederiksberg, Denmark
UNDBKB
Ashcans
Message 22 -
2005-11-05 at 16:42:40
>
> Why is it called Ashcan issue ?
>
> Ola in cloudy Stockholm +10
>
Comic companies at one time made sample comics of the same size
to "try out" titles or characters. These sample comics were not intended for
sale
and were intended to be thrown away in the "ashcan" after be shown. Some of
these comics were kept and became collectible. A fews years ago they made
comics this size and called them ashcans. The Disney Halloween comic by Gemstone
was of this size, so it was also called an ashcan. It was not intended for
sale, only to be given away. I also gave 200 away. I still have a few left if
anyone wants one, for the cost of mailing.
S. McDuck
> Why is it called Ashcan issue ?
>
> Ola in cloudy Stockholm +10
>
Comic companies at one time made sample comics of the same size
to "try out" titles or characters. These sample comics were not intended for
sale
and were intended to be thrown away in the "ashcan" after be shown. Some of
these comics were kept and became collectible. A fews years ago they made
comics this size and called them ashcans. The Disney Halloween comic by Gemstone
was of this size, so it was also called an ashcan. It was not intended for
sale, only to be given away. I also gave 200 away. I still have a few left if
anyone wants one, for the cost of mailing.
S. McDuck
The Fenske's
Prices
Message 23 -
2005-11-05 at 20:00:06
My $0.02 worth on the price issue.
First cent: when I visit my local comic specialty shop, and browse a
bit, it is clear that most comics are still the 32 page standard size
that sell (in Canada, where I happen to reside) for $3.50 - $4.50,
depending on title and other factors. If you're talking the Japanese
manga comics, then you've got those thick little books that are quite
pricey. But I can't think of many monthly prestige titles like the
Gemstone Disney's. However, the regular Gemstones are still a little
higher priced than most regular comics. The dealer who works at the
shop has commented on that. He has trouble selling them for that reason.
2nd cent: Perhaps the problem for some of isn't *totally* the high cost
of Gladstone's US and WDCS formats, which for me is close to $9 CDN.
It's the fact that I just don't think most of the material published is
worth it. I'll be honest, I'm a bit of an elitist, and I find that, in
general, the only comic stories I enjoy are those by Carl Barks, Don
Rosa, and to a slightly lesser extend, William Van Horn. If an issue
doesn't have a Don Rosa story, or a classic Barks I don't already have,
then I just don't usually feel it's worth buying. Most of the other
stories published are just not that interesting. Even a new Van Horn
story, while usually enjoyable, isn't as strong a drawing card as Bill
is usually a pretty quick read. His stories go by pretty fast. Whereas
a new Rosa takes a while to go through, is written at an adult level of
entertainment, can be savoured and reread, is great great fun to look
at, and has the best developed sense of character for the ducks (aside
from Barks himself). So there you have it. If an issue has a new Rosa
and a Barks or Van Horn to boot, I'm in heaven. If it has none of
these, I'd rather leave it on the shelf.
Now, that might change if the monthly comics were more in the $4-5
range. But $18 a month for the two titles is just a bit much when you
have other expenses in life. What I'd really like are Rosa-only issues
published periodically when enough stories are out to fill one - I'd buy
those every time. But I can see there aren't enough new stories there
to make that economically viable.
For the record, up to lately I have bought most issues, to support the
industry and keep the Rosa stories coming, but financial circumstances
over the past year have made me rethink this long and hard. Such is
life....
Dave Fenske
Gary Leach wrote:
> Mark Baker-Wright (and ALL):
>
>> I'm going to try to take this question seriously, but I find the
>> question just a little insulting.
>
>
> Oh? And here I just thought I was being direct and unambiguous. Silly
> me. I'll try to be a little more obtuse and opaque next time.
>
>> The average comic book these days is about $3.00-$3.50.
>
>
> And the average comic book is what? 32 pages in color? 64-page
> squarebounds? 80-page "giants"? 144-page graphic novels? 200-page
> pocket books? $80-million cinema spectaculars?
>
> Fact is, the "average" in the US comics market disappeared years ago.
>
> And frankly, Mark, I'm not just digging at you - how could I, since
> this subject has been raked over the coals here time and time and
> time again, and it hasn't gotten anybody anywhere?
>
> I don't think it has to be like that. It is clearly a subject that is
> of concern to most everyone, and it certainly won't go away. Still,
> can we see if we can gather a consensus of some sort on just what
> we're comparing to what? Perhaps Gemstone will still come out looking
> pricey, but wouldn't a better understanding of the real situation -
> whatever that may be discovered to be - prove a worthy goal for a
> forum like this?
>
> Gary
> _______________________________________________
> http://stp.ling.uu.se/mailman/listinfo/dcml
>
>
First cent: when I visit my local comic specialty shop, and browse a
bit, it is clear that most comics are still the 32 page standard size
that sell (in Canada, where I happen to reside) for $3.50 - $4.50,
depending on title and other factors. If you're talking the Japanese
manga comics, then you've got those thick little books that are quite
pricey. But I can't think of many monthly prestige titles like the
Gemstone Disney's. However, the regular Gemstones are still a little
higher priced than most regular comics. The dealer who works at the
shop has commented on that. He has trouble selling them for that reason.
2nd cent: Perhaps the problem for some of isn't *totally* the high cost
of Gladstone's US and WDCS formats, which for me is close to $9 CDN.
It's the fact that I just don't think most of the material published is
worth it. I'll be honest, I'm a bit of an elitist, and I find that, in
general, the only comic stories I enjoy are those by Carl Barks, Don
Rosa, and to a slightly lesser extend, William Van Horn. If an issue
doesn't have a Don Rosa story, or a classic Barks I don't already have,
then I just don't usually feel it's worth buying. Most of the other
stories published are just not that interesting. Even a new Van Horn
story, while usually enjoyable, isn't as strong a drawing card as Bill
is usually a pretty quick read. His stories go by pretty fast. Whereas
a new Rosa takes a while to go through, is written at an adult level of
entertainment, can be savoured and reread, is great great fun to look
at, and has the best developed sense of character for the ducks (aside
from Barks himself). So there you have it. If an issue has a new Rosa
and a Barks or Van Horn to boot, I'm in heaven. If it has none of
these, I'd rather leave it on the shelf.
Now, that might change if the monthly comics were more in the $4-5
range. But $18 a month for the two titles is just a bit much when you
have other expenses in life. What I'd really like are Rosa-only issues
published periodically when enough stories are out to fill one - I'd buy
those every time. But I can see there aren't enough new stories there
to make that economically viable.
For the record, up to lately I have bought most issues, to support the
industry and keep the Rosa stories coming, but financial circumstances
over the past year have made me rethink this long and hard. Such is
life....
Dave Fenske
Gary Leach wrote:
> Mark Baker-Wright (and ALL):
>
>> I'm going to try to take this question seriously, but I find the
>> question just a little insulting.
>
>
> Oh? And here I just thought I was being direct and unambiguous. Silly
> me. I'll try to be a little more obtuse and opaque next time.
>
>> The average comic book these days is about $3.00-$3.50.
>
>
> And the average comic book is what? 32 pages in color? 64-page
> squarebounds? 80-page "giants"? 144-page graphic novels? 200-page
> pocket books? $80-million cinema spectaculars?
>
> Fact is, the "average" in the US comics market disappeared years ago.
>
> And frankly, Mark, I'm not just digging at you - how could I, since
> this subject has been raked over the coals here time and time and
> time again, and it hasn't gotten anybody anywhere?
>
> I don't think it has to be like that. It is clearly a subject that is
> of concern to most everyone, and it certainly won't go away. Still,
> can we see if we can gather a consensus of some sort on just what
> we're comparing to what? Perhaps Gemstone will still come out looking
> pricey, but wouldn't a better understanding of the real situation -
> whatever that may be discovered to be - prove a worthy goal for a
> forum like this?
>
> Gary
> _______________________________________________
> http://stp.ling.uu.se/mailman/listinfo/dcml
>
>
Mark Baker-Wright
Prices
Message 24 -
2005-11-06 at 00:59:36
On 11/5/05, dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se <dcml-request at stp.lingfil.uu.se>
wrote:
>
> From: Gary Leach <bangfish at cableone.net>
> Subject: Prices
> To: dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
> Message-ID: <31DD15CB-5EE5-4735-9688-0A111705C21D at cableone.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> > The average comic book these days is about $3.00-$3.50.
>
> And the average comic book is what? 32 pages in color? 64-page
> squarebounds? 80-page "giants"? 144-page graphic novels? 200-page
> pocket books? $80-million cinema spectaculars?
>
> Fact is, the "average" in the US comics market disappeared years ago.
I disagree, and I don't think anybody thinks most of the categories you
mention are "an average comic book." The mainstream comic book market is
still 32 pages. Most of the other formats you mention are different
categories entirely. 64-page squarebounds that come out every month are
relatively uncommon (trade paperbacks sometimes use this format, but are
hardly monthlies). "Giants" are not regular, but are just what they claim:
"giants," and also tend not to be every month. Graphic novels and "cinema
spectaulars"? Again, totally different categories that aren't monthly (or,
even if it can be said that a publisher puts books under these descriptions
out every month, they do not expect the same buyers to follow from
month-to-month). Pocket books actually are often monthly or near-monthly,
but again, are generally understood as a different classification. When most
people say "comic book," they mean the 32-page variety that comes out once a
month with recurring themes and/or characters. These are almost all
$3.00-$3.50.
And frankly, Mark, I'm not just digging at you - how could I, since
> this subject has been raked over the coals here time and time and
> time again, and it hasn't gotten anybody anywhere?
That's because Gemstone is STILL putting out more-expensive-than-average
books, and hasn't responded to the concerns except to insult folks like me
for having assumptions about what a "regular" comic book should look like.
I don't think it has to be like that. It is clearly a subject that is
> of concern to most everyone, and it certainly won't go away. Still,
> can we see if we can gather a consensus of some sort on just what
> we're comparing to what? Perhaps Gemstone will still come out looking
> pricey, but wouldn't a better understanding of the real situation -
> whatever that may be discovered to be - prove a worthy goal for a
> forum like this?
>
> Gary
>
I think I've been pretty clear on this in my last letter (which seems NOT to
have been quoted here). Gemstone is not charging more per page than the
average 32-page comic. It's simply that, by doing double-sized books every
month, a greater investment is required to keep up, especially with
multiple-issue stories. I actually used to subscribe to "Uncle Scrooge" back
in the day of 32-page issues, because I felt that was a fair price to pay
compared to what I could afford in a given month. (Of course, those issues
were only about $2 each at the time, and I do think Gemstone deserves SOME
credit for maintaining the current $6.95 price for the same size for so long
now. About 6 years running by my reckoning. Of course, I'm not considering
the fact that there WERE no Disney comics for a lot of that time...) The
current price forces me to be more choosy, and I've generally chosen only to
follow Rosa stories (with occasional exceptions). However, it angers me to
have to pick up 3 issues in a row, totalling $21, just to get ONE Rosa
story. That's when I start to complain again. I'm being forced to pick up
stuff I don't want just to read the stuff I do. I'm willing to do that once
in a blue moon for $7, but $21 is too much.
I do apologize for the hostile tone my letters of late have taken, but I
really do feel that the responses so far have been intentionally missing my
point, which I do not feel is as obscure as you want to make it seem.
wrote:
>
> From: Gary Leach <bangfish at cableone.net>
> Subject: Prices
> To: dcml at stp.lingfil.uu.se
> Message-ID: <31DD15CB-5EE5-4735-9688-0A111705C21D at cableone.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> > The average comic book these days is about $3.00-$3.50.
>
> And the average comic book is what? 32 pages in color? 64-page
> squarebounds? 80-page "giants"? 144-page graphic novels? 200-page
> pocket books? $80-million cinema spectaculars?
>
> Fact is, the "average" in the US comics market disappeared years ago.
I disagree, and I don't think anybody thinks most of the categories you
mention are "an average comic book." The mainstream comic book market is
still 32 pages. Most of the other formats you mention are different
categories entirely. 64-page squarebounds that come out every month are
relatively uncommon (trade paperbacks sometimes use this format, but are
hardly monthlies). "Giants" are not regular, but are just what they claim:
"giants," and also tend not to be every month. Graphic novels and "cinema
spectaulars"? Again, totally different categories that aren't monthly (or,
even if it can be said that a publisher puts books under these descriptions
out every month, they do not expect the same buyers to follow from
month-to-month). Pocket books actually are often monthly or near-monthly,
but again, are generally understood as a different classification. When most
people say "comic book," they mean the 32-page variety that comes out once a
month with recurring themes and/or characters. These are almost all
$3.00-$3.50.
And frankly, Mark, I'm not just digging at you - how could I, since
> this subject has been raked over the coals here time and time and
> time again, and it hasn't gotten anybody anywhere?
That's because Gemstone is STILL putting out more-expensive-than-average
books, and hasn't responded to the concerns except to insult folks like me
for having assumptions about what a "regular" comic book should look like.
I don't think it has to be like that. It is clearly a subject that is
> of concern to most everyone, and it certainly won't go away. Still,
> can we see if we can gather a consensus of some sort on just what
> we're comparing to what? Perhaps Gemstone will still come out looking
> pricey, but wouldn't a better understanding of the real situation -
> whatever that may be discovered to be - prove a worthy goal for a
> forum like this?
>
> Gary
>
I think I've been pretty clear on this in my last letter (which seems NOT to
have been quoted here). Gemstone is not charging more per page than the
average 32-page comic. It's simply that, by doing double-sized books every
month, a greater investment is required to keep up, especially with
multiple-issue stories. I actually used to subscribe to "Uncle Scrooge" back
in the day of 32-page issues, because I felt that was a fair price to pay
compared to what I could afford in a given month. (Of course, those issues
were only about $2 each at the time, and I do think Gemstone deserves SOME
credit for maintaining the current $6.95 price for the same size for so long
now. About 6 years running by my reckoning. Of course, I'm not considering
the fact that there WERE no Disney comics for a lot of that time...) The
current price forces me to be more choosy, and I've generally chosen only to
follow Rosa stories (with occasional exceptions). However, it angers me to
have to pick up 3 issues in a row, totalling $21, just to get ONE Rosa
story. That's when I start to complain again. I'm being forced to pick up
stuff I don't want just to read the stuff I do. I'm willing to do that once
in a blue moon for $7, but $21 is too much.
I do apologize for the hostile tone my letters of late have taken, but I
really do feel that the responses so far have been intentionally missing my
point, which I do not feel is as obscure as you want to make it seem.
Chuck Munson
Donald Duck Ashcan Issue
Message 25 -
2005-11-06 at 09:20:51
Hi everyone,
My wife Becky and I also gave out this issue along
with the usual treats to our Trick-or-Treaters on
Halloween. I was able to secure two packs from my
local comic shop, the friendly folks at Phoenix Comics
in Herndon (well deserved plug for them).
The reception was positive, but of course we may never
know the result. One nice anecdote from Becky from
before I got home from work: one mother and her young
son almost passed us by as she explained to Becky that
her son had enough treats at this point. Becky told
her that we were also giving out a Donald Duck comic
and would her son like one. Evidently the Mom was
both surprised and pleased that we had something
besides candy! Will any of this generate sales at the
comic shop or subscriptions for Gemstone? Can't tell,
but it struck me as simply a phenomenal way for
readers to let other parents and their kids know that
Disney comics are out there, beyond the stated object
of this issue for the comic shops to give out at
Halloween. And we got NO negative responses, not one;
which kind of surprised the cynicism in me about the
state of current youth.
I suspect that, given the costs I hear are present in
putting an issue out that this may be a loss leader
for Gemstone. But I would urge Gemstone to look at
making this an annual promotional effort. I can only
imagine that there are a good number of people like
Becky and I, readers and subscribers who are willing
to become shameless Gemstone promoters in the one
event during the year where we not only have access to
a large number of potential readers, but also in a
venue where this type of distribution is entirely
appropriate. I feel very energized about the
experience we had. Reading this, Gemstone?
Thanks for letting me gush,
Chuck Munson
Herndon, Virginia, USA
__________________________________
Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page!
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
My wife Becky and I also gave out this issue along
with the usual treats to our Trick-or-Treaters on
Halloween. I was able to secure two packs from my
local comic shop, the friendly folks at Phoenix Comics
in Herndon (well deserved plug for them).
The reception was positive, but of course we may never
know the result. One nice anecdote from Becky from
before I got home from work: one mother and her young
son almost passed us by as she explained to Becky that
her son had enough treats at this point. Becky told
her that we were also giving out a Donald Duck comic
and would her son like one. Evidently the Mom was
both surprised and pleased that we had something
besides candy! Will any of this generate sales at the
comic shop or subscriptions for Gemstone? Can't tell,
but it struck me as simply a phenomenal way for
readers to let other parents and their kids know that
Disney comics are out there, beyond the stated object
of this issue for the comic shops to give out at
Halloween. And we got NO negative responses, not one;
which kind of surprised the cynicism in me about the
state of current youth.
I suspect that, given the costs I hear are present in
putting an issue out that this may be a loss leader
for Gemstone. But I would urge Gemstone to look at
making this an annual promotional effort. I can only
imagine that there are a good number of people like
Becky and I, readers and subscribers who are willing
to become shameless Gemstone promoters in the one
event during the year where we not only have access to
a large number of potential readers, but also in a
venue where this type of distribution is entirely
appropriate. I feel very energized about the
experience we had. Reading this, Gemstone?
Thanks for letting me gush,
Chuck Munson
Herndon, Virginia, USA
__________________________________
Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page!
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Mads Jensen
Can you help me?
Message 26 -
2005-11-06 at 10:28:45
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
Kristian H?gglund wrote:
> Do you give answers about drawing comics? How do you color your comics?
> How do you use the computer? Which tools and methods are best and most
> professional.
I guess I'm not the most qualified to answer these questions, but I can
give it a try. Regarding your question of coloring the comics, I doubt
nobody does that task manually nowadays, but use a computer for it. I do
not know which computer programs they use for it. You may want to try to
contact either Gemstone or Egmont Creation for more detail.
I am not sure how to understand the first question, though. But I guess
you are asking how the comics are drawn. I am not familiar with anybody
who draws Disney comics using a computer.
- --
Mads Jensen
Dansk Donaldist-Forening - http://ddfr.dk
INDUCKS - http://inducks.org
Hash: SHA1
Kristian H?gglund wrote:
> Do you give answers about drawing comics? How do you color your comics?
> How do you use the computer? Which tools and methods are best and most
> professional.
I guess I'm not the most qualified to answer these questions, but I can
give it a try. Regarding your question of coloring the comics, I doubt
nobody does that task manually nowadays, but use a computer for it. I do
not know which computer programs they use for it. You may want to try to
contact either Gemstone or Egmont Creation for more detail.
I am not sure how to understand the first question, though. But I guess
you are asking how the comics are drawn. I am not familiar with anybody
who draws Disney comics using a computer.
- --
Mads Jensen
Dansk Donaldist-Forening - http://ddfr.dk
INDUCKS - http://inducks.org
SRoweCanoe
Prices
Message 27 -
2005-11-06 at 14:06:41
In a message dated 11/6/2005 5:46:17 AM Eastern Standard Time,
nicodemuslegend at gmail.com writes:
>and I don't think anybody thinks most of the categories you mention are "an
>average comic book." The mainstream comic book market is still 32 pages.
actually, i would disagree with that -- the 32 page comic is a tiny part of
the mainstream market - and seems to primiarly go to the small market of comic
book shops. In my town, there is no place to buy those old format comic.
the current mainstream format appears to be 200 page black and white digest
size.comics.
(with some in color).. Those I can buy local - . the 32 page jobs, i can
only buy mailorder - or drive 50 miles.
Steven R
nicodemuslegend at gmail.com writes:
>and I don't think anybody thinks most of the categories you mention are "an
>average comic book." The mainstream comic book market is still 32 pages.
actually, i would disagree with that -- the 32 page comic is a tiny part of
the mainstream market - and seems to primiarly go to the small market of comic
book shops. In my town, there is no place to buy those old format comic.
the current mainstream format appears to be 200 page black and white digest
size.comics.
(with some in color).. Those I can buy local - . the 32 page jobs, i can
only buy mailorder - or drive 50 miles.
Steven R
Tor Kinlok
Donald Duck Ashcan Issue
Message 28 -
2005-11-06 at 16:14:48
Giving out a halloween ashcan was a brilliant idea, I would have
loved to have done the same thing. Hopefully next year I'll remember
- perhaps those on the list who plan to do this next year can send
out a reminder to the rest of us to order some?
Thanks!
- Tor
loved to have done the same thing. Hopefully next year I'll remember
- perhaps those on the list who plan to do this next year can send
out a reminder to the rest of us to order some?
Thanks!
- Tor
Tor Kinlok
Prices
Message 29 -
2005-11-06 at 16:40:12
I have to agree with Mark. I find his responses to be honest
attempts to answer your questions Gary, but your response was
dripping sarcasm that I, too, find incredibly insulting - especially
since I think we all know just what he is talking about.
I'm in a similar situation. I can not afford to purchase all the
monthly Gemstones, and find (perhaps as I get older) that I have
virtually no interest in most of the stories. I still love the Don
Rosa stories though, and although I also enjoy reading Pat Block,
David Gertstein, and both the Van Horns, the total price in getting
all the stories by these creators is outside of my budget as they
seem to all be spread among the separate titles.
And has Mark has already explained, even limiting my purchases to the
Don Rosa tales is a fiscally daunting task that I am no longer able
to justify. At this point, I'm holding off on them and hoping that
there will be a future one-volume edition of them that I'll be able
to buy.
- Tor
attempts to answer your questions Gary, but your response was
dripping sarcasm that I, too, find incredibly insulting - especially
since I think we all know just what he is talking about.
I'm in a similar situation. I can not afford to purchase all the
monthly Gemstones, and find (perhaps as I get older) that I have
virtually no interest in most of the stories. I still love the Don
Rosa stories though, and although I also enjoy reading Pat Block,
David Gertstein, and both the Van Horns, the total price in getting
all the stories by these creators is outside of my budget as they
seem to all be spread among the separate titles.
And has Mark has already explained, even limiting my purchases to the
Don Rosa tales is a fiscally daunting task that I am no longer able
to justify. At this point, I'm holding off on them and hoping that
there will be a future one-volume edition of them that I'll be able
to buy.
- Tor
Tor Kinlok
Prices
Message 30 -
2005-11-06 at 18:37:56
On Nov 6, 2005, at 7:06 AM, SRoweCanoe at aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 11/6/2005 5:46:17 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> nicodemuslegend at gmail.com writes:
> >and I don't think anybody thinks most of the categories you
> mention are "an >average comic book." The mainstream comic book
> market is still 32 pages.
> actually, i would disagree with that -- the 32 page comic is a tiny
> part of the mainstream market - and seems to primiarly go to the
> small market of comic book shops. In my town, there is no place to
> buy those old format comic.
>
I see the 32 page comics in my local pharmacies, at least 3 that
immediately come to mind. Usually DC and Marvel, an occasional Archie.
The supermarkets have the Archie digests.
Barnes and Noble has the comic-book dimension graphic novels.
Comic shop of course have pretty much everything but focus on the 32
pagers. I see the Gemstones and Archies glommed together in the
"kids" section. I have seen parents bring their kids into the shop
and get something for them. I assume that a price concerned parent
would pick up an Archie, but that a Disney-fan parent would pick up a
Gemstone.
- Tor
> In a message dated 11/6/2005 5:46:17 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> nicodemuslegend at gmail.com writes:
> >and I don't think anybody thinks most of the categories you
> mention are "an >average comic book." The mainstream comic book
> market is still 32 pages.
> actually, i would disagree with that -- the 32 page comic is a tiny
> part of the mainstream market - and seems to primiarly go to the
> small market of comic book shops. In my town, there is no place to
> buy those old format comic.
>
I see the 32 page comics in my local pharmacies, at least 3 that
immediately come to mind. Usually DC and Marvel, an occasional Archie.
The supermarkets have the Archie digests.
Barnes and Noble has the comic-book dimension graphic novels.
Comic shop of course have pretty much everything but focus on the 32
pagers. I see the Gemstones and Archies glommed together in the
"kids" section. I have seen parents bring their kids into the shop
and get something for them. I assume that a price concerned parent
would pick up an Archie, but that a Disney-fan parent would pick up a
Gemstone.
- Tor