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Topic: The Gemstone Price Breakdown
(25 messages)
Rodney
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 16 -
2008-06-20 at 12:34:36
I work for a paper company. The only thing that makes paper costs lower is to buy more of it, which means that sales need to increase. The Disney Company can only help that to happen be allowing increased promotion.
Texcap
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 17 -
2008-06-20 at 14:51:46
Quote from user: Dean RekichTexcap, thanks for bringing up this subject in such a wonderful way! I agree with almost *everything* you wrote, but could not have expressed myself as *half* as well as you did! :)
I think far too much time is spent focused on the $7.99 price instead of focusing on what you *get* for such a price! Texcap, you have done an excellent job showing that you get more pages, on better paper, for a better price than DC and Marvel?s monthly titles. Yes, I wish the two monthly prestige Gemstone titles were cheaper. But then again, I wish *all* comic books were cheaper. But then again, I wish *eveything* I bought was cheaper! There is another way you get more too: you get not only one, but *several* complete stories in each issue! How often anymore does DC or Marvel publish a complete story in one issue? Not very often. In fact, it is not uncommon for one story to take 6 issues! Now, I am not saying that all 100+ pages stories are bad or unwanted. However, isn?t it refreshing to see stories told in 10 or less pages? Imagine if on a regular basis superhero comic writers had to write Superman, Spider-Man, etc., stories of 10 pages or less. I don?t think most could do it! If I am thinking right, about half of *all* the stories that Carl Barks ever wrote were his ten pagers. Isn?t that amazing?!? So kudos to Carl Barks and all current Disney comic writers who can pack *so* much story into such a comparatively small number of pages!
One final thought: I am just very grateful that I am able to buy new Disney comics at *any* price! Now it is not like I am ?made of money" (far from it!), but it is far preferable to the alternative. Now I hope Gemstone continues to publish Disney comics for years if not decades to come. However with the current economic conditions and the current state of the comic book industry in general, while this is something I can *hope* for, it is not something I feel like I can *count* on. If Gemstone were to quit publishing Disney comics I think most of us would be *dreaming* of the times we could spend $7.99 for a new Disney comic...
P.S. For everyone who misses the two monthly newsstand titles, *please* email, snail mail, messenger pigeon, etc., Gemstone to publish a 3rd monthly prestige title! It would be like having DD&F and MM&F back, but only better! OK, I guess I had two ?final" thoughts. :)
Thanks Dean. And I think you hit the nail on the head as to what most people are thinking --
that they'd 'just plain like all comics to be cheaper.' I can't argue with that, so do I. I just
wanted to say here that Gemstone is doing a very admirable job giving us fantastic content in
terms of both the story, and presentation, at an even more competitive price than the competition.
All too often that point is lost in translation.
You also make a good point in regard to the stories inside. We are getting full stories as opposed
to this decompressed stuff that the big-two are putting out so often. Don't get me wrong, I'm all
for a nice, long, story if there is a reason for telling it, if there's an importance in doing so, but the
needless s_t_r_e_t_c_h_i_n_g out of stories with small premises is an unwelcome practice and
one so well countered by something like a Carl Barks tale. And it's not as if these Barksian short
stories aren't well crafted, just the opposite, these are among the most celebrated tales, the ones
that history remembers, the stories that have become a part of pop-culture, and that have inspired
future creators at every turn. Will history better remember "Donald Duck finds Pirate Gold" for its
story merits and historic relevance (or even something as recent as "A Gal for Gladstone") or will it
look with fondness at "Avengers Disassembled"? Yea, they'll likely remember the latter, but will that
necessarily be a good thing? The stories in each issue of US and WDC&S consistently leave one satisfied
when you close the cover and as you say, in the process, we've likely gotten 3-4 stories out of the deal.
And at least one or two that hit the ball out of the park.
And finally, where that 3rd prestige title is concerned, I've written in as well to voice my support
for it. I'd likely to that with any format Gemstone was considering, but if we can get an additional
title in this "prestige" format as well then -- knowing the quality -- I'm all for it! For anyone in the
know, is there anything more we can do to let the powers that be know we're interested in that
third title beyond supporting the books and writing in as we're attempting to do now? I'm attempting
to spread the word where I can at my own blog, but I know I'm willing to do more if I can and I'm
sure that's the case with most of us.
Thanks folks!
I think far too much time is spent focused on the $7.99 price instead of focusing on what you *get* for such a price! Texcap, you have done an excellent job showing that you get more pages, on better paper, for a better price than DC and Marvel?s monthly titles. Yes, I wish the two monthly prestige Gemstone titles were cheaper. But then again, I wish *all* comic books were cheaper. But then again, I wish *eveything* I bought was cheaper! There is another way you get more too: you get not only one, but *several* complete stories in each issue! How often anymore does DC or Marvel publish a complete story in one issue? Not very often. In fact, it is not uncommon for one story to take 6 issues! Now, I am not saying that all 100+ pages stories are bad or unwanted. However, isn?t it refreshing to see stories told in 10 or less pages? Imagine if on a regular basis superhero comic writers had to write Superman, Spider-Man, etc., stories of 10 pages or less. I don?t think most could do it! If I am thinking right, about half of *all* the stories that Carl Barks ever wrote were his ten pagers. Isn?t that amazing?!? So kudos to Carl Barks and all current Disney comic writers who can pack *so* much story into such a comparatively small number of pages!
One final thought: I am just very grateful that I am able to buy new Disney comics at *any* price! Now it is not like I am ?made of money" (far from it!), but it is far preferable to the alternative. Now I hope Gemstone continues to publish Disney comics for years if not decades to come. However with the current economic conditions and the current state of the comic book industry in general, while this is something I can *hope* for, it is not something I feel like I can *count* on. If Gemstone were to quit publishing Disney comics I think most of us would be *dreaming* of the times we could spend $7.99 for a new Disney comic...
P.S. For everyone who misses the two monthly newsstand titles, *please* email, snail mail, messenger pigeon, etc., Gemstone to publish a 3rd monthly prestige title! It would be like having DD&F and MM&F back, but only better! OK, I guess I had two ?final" thoughts. :)
Thanks Dean. And I think you hit the nail on the head as to what most people are thinking --
that they'd 'just plain like all comics to be cheaper.' I can't argue with that, so do I. I just
wanted to say here that Gemstone is doing a very admirable job giving us fantastic content in
terms of both the story, and presentation, at an even more competitive price than the competition.
All too often that point is lost in translation.
You also make a good point in regard to the stories inside. We are getting full stories as opposed
to this decompressed stuff that the big-two are putting out so often. Don't get me wrong, I'm all
for a nice, long, story if there is a reason for telling it, if there's an importance in doing so, but the
needless s_t_r_e_t_c_h_i_n_g out of stories with small premises is an unwelcome practice and
one so well countered by something like a Carl Barks tale. And it's not as if these Barksian short
stories aren't well crafted, just the opposite, these are among the most celebrated tales, the ones
that history remembers, the stories that have become a part of pop-culture, and that have inspired
future creators at every turn. Will history better remember "Donald Duck finds Pirate Gold" for its
story merits and historic relevance (or even something as recent as "A Gal for Gladstone") or will it
look with fondness at "Avengers Disassembled"? Yea, they'll likely remember the latter, but will that
necessarily be a good thing? The stories in each issue of US and WDC&S consistently leave one satisfied
when you close the cover and as you say, in the process, we've likely gotten 3-4 stories out of the deal.
And at least one or two that hit the ball out of the park.
And finally, where that 3rd prestige title is concerned, I've written in as well to voice my support
for it. I'd likely to that with any format Gemstone was considering, but if we can get an additional
title in this "prestige" format as well then -- knowing the quality -- I'm all for it! For anyone in the
know, is there anything more we can do to let the powers that be know we're interested in that
third title beyond supporting the books and writing in as we're attempting to do now? I'm attempting
to spread the word where I can at my own blog, but I know I'm willing to do more if I can and I'm
sure that's the case with most of us.
Thanks folks!
Mvblair
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 18 -
2008-06-20 at 17:57:38
Quote from user: JeffTmvblair, to me they ALL have fun looking stories! :) Plus, I share them with two other people (my sons), so we end up getting our money's worth in the end I suppose.
Yeah, I also think most of them are fun stories, but there are just certain authors I like better, you know? I'd say that if you're getting 3 people to read your books, you're doing a good job with your dollar....much better than you would do at the movie theater!Quote:Still, I've said it before on this board, if I could get the books for 3 dollars cheaper on lower grade paper or without the cardstock covers, I'd be more than content.
Agreed.
Quote from user: TexcapIt should definitely be about the stories, first, absolutely. But I have to admit that I think Gemstone is juggling pure entertainment and the "collectibility" aspect pretty darn well.
I think you're right that they do a good job juggling the two. But truthfully (and I'm probably in the minority here), I'm not interested in collecting the comics. (I keep them, of course, in good condition, just not like most collectors). And it's not like other non-prestige comics that I got in the '80s are falling apart either. My old magazine-format comics are in nice shape, even though they're just in boxes.
Quote:Also, with the 32-pager I don't think we'd have to have the highest quality
paper, et al, and that Gemstone could manage a competitive price with the rest of the industry, or an
even lower price-point. This would be ideal for comic fans on a budget in need of some Disney stories.
Yes, you're right.
Quote:I'd also think that there would be a market for the "digest" books akin to what Archie puts out month after month to so much success. Those are in full color and, while small, provide a lot of bang for the buck at $2-3. I know I'd be snatching them up for me and my nieces.
Those Archie titles are something else, aren't they? I don't like the comics at all, but they probably give the most "bang for the buck" in the industry for people who like them. The pages are a little better than newspapers and the color is always pretty good.
Quote:I can't disagree with you about the fantastic super-volumes of B&W material that Marvel, DC, Harvey, Dark Horse and the like are reprinting. My shelf is packed with them and I'd love to see Gemstone do something like this if they could pull it off. How great would that be? But as you mention, they have given us some great values over the years and it's nice to see them credited for that. The "Life and Times" collections are huge bargains, as was Mickey and the Gang: Classic Stories in Verse, and Mickey Mouse in Color (which Gemstone bargain priced at $20 recently at their site). Other collections have also been very affordable so all in all, I have to give them credit for managing to get fantastic comics in the hands of those that would like to read & collect them.
"Life and Times" was wonderful. Here's my thing: if Gemstone can print "Life and Times" with 250+ pages and Harvey can print "Casper" with 500+ pages at $20, couldn't they put out a 64 page Disney comic for about $3.25? That's just something I don't understand. I guess it has to do with royalties and profits and residuals and all that stuff I don't know anything about. :D
Quote:As for why I'm a little more vocal on this, I simply regret seeing the company criticized unfairly when their price-points are so often better than the current industry standard, all the while containing material that so many other comics can't even approach in terms of its quality.
Yes, I see your point. I'm putting the industry standard at the price $20 volume price, though. So I guess that's where we might disagree a little. But, you're 100% right that as far as story-telling and art go, nothing in the industry compares.
Quote:I think you hit the nail on the head as to what most people are thinking --
that they'd 'just plain like all comics to be cheaper.'
Definitely.
Yeah, I also think most of them are fun stories, but there are just certain authors I like better, you know? I'd say that if you're getting 3 people to read your books, you're doing a good job with your dollar....much better than you would do at the movie theater!Quote:Still, I've said it before on this board, if I could get the books for 3 dollars cheaper on lower grade paper or without the cardstock covers, I'd be more than content.
Agreed.
Quote from user: TexcapIt should definitely be about the stories, first, absolutely. But I have to admit that I think Gemstone is juggling pure entertainment and the "collectibility" aspect pretty darn well.
I think you're right that they do a good job juggling the two. But truthfully (and I'm probably in the minority here), I'm not interested in collecting the comics. (I keep them, of course, in good condition, just not like most collectors). And it's not like other non-prestige comics that I got in the '80s are falling apart either. My old magazine-format comics are in nice shape, even though they're just in boxes.
Quote:Also, with the 32-pager I don't think we'd have to have the highest quality
paper, et al, and that Gemstone could manage a competitive price with the rest of the industry, or an
even lower price-point. This would be ideal for comic fans on a budget in need of some Disney stories.
Yes, you're right.
Quote:I'd also think that there would be a market for the "digest" books akin to what Archie puts out month after month to so much success. Those are in full color and, while small, provide a lot of bang for the buck at $2-3. I know I'd be snatching them up for me and my nieces.
Those Archie titles are something else, aren't they? I don't like the comics at all, but they probably give the most "bang for the buck" in the industry for people who like them. The pages are a little better than newspapers and the color is always pretty good.
Quote:I can't disagree with you about the fantastic super-volumes of B&W material that Marvel, DC, Harvey, Dark Horse and the like are reprinting. My shelf is packed with them and I'd love to see Gemstone do something like this if they could pull it off. How great would that be? But as you mention, they have given us some great values over the years and it's nice to see them credited for that. The "Life and Times" collections are huge bargains, as was Mickey and the Gang: Classic Stories in Verse, and Mickey Mouse in Color (which Gemstone bargain priced at $20 recently at their site). Other collections have also been very affordable so all in all, I have to give them credit for managing to get fantastic comics in the hands of those that would like to read & collect them.
"Life and Times" was wonderful. Here's my thing: if Gemstone can print "Life and Times" with 250+ pages and Harvey can print "Casper" with 500+ pages at $20, couldn't they put out a 64 page Disney comic for about $3.25? That's just something I don't understand. I guess it has to do with royalties and profits and residuals and all that stuff I don't know anything about. :D
Quote:As for why I'm a little more vocal on this, I simply regret seeing the company criticized unfairly when their price-points are so often better than the current industry standard, all the while containing material that so many other comics can't even approach in terms of its quality.
Yes, I see your point. I'm putting the industry standard at the price $20 volume price, though. So I guess that's where we might disagree a little. But, you're 100% right that as far as story-telling and art go, nothing in the industry compares.
Quote:I think you hit the nail on the head as to what most people are thinking --
that they'd 'just plain like all comics to be cheaper.'
Definitely.
Dean Rekich
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 19 -
2008-06-20 at 23:41:03
Quote from user: TexcapAnd finally, where that 3rd prestige title is concerned, I've written in as well to voice my support
for it. I'd likely to that with any format Gemstone was considering, but if we can get an additional
title in this "prestige" format as well then -- knowing the quality -- I'm all for it! For anyone in the
know, is there anything more we can do to let the powers that be know we're interested in that
third title beyond supporting the books and writing in as we're attempting to do now? I'm attempting
to spread the word where I can at my own blog, but I know I'm willing to do more if I can and I'm
sure that's the case with most of us.
I second Texcap's question! :) Other than emailing Gemstone, is there *anything* else specific that we fans that want a 3rd monthly prestige title can do? Plus, is there any point in re-emailing Gemstone again and again about this same issue? I would gladly email Gemstone on a regular basis, but don't want to end up hurting the cause by annoying anyone at Gemstone.
for it. I'd likely to that with any format Gemstone was considering, but if we can get an additional
title in this "prestige" format as well then -- knowing the quality -- I'm all for it! For anyone in the
know, is there anything more we can do to let the powers that be know we're interested in that
third title beyond supporting the books and writing in as we're attempting to do now? I'm attempting
to spread the word where I can at my own blog, but I know I'm willing to do more if I can and I'm
sure that's the case with most of us.
I second Texcap's question! :) Other than emailing Gemstone, is there *anything* else specific that we fans that want a 3rd monthly prestige title can do? Plus, is there any point in re-emailing Gemstone again and again about this same issue? I would gladly email Gemstone on a regular basis, but don't want to end up hurting the cause by annoying anyone at Gemstone.
LadyQuackly
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 20 -
2008-06-28 at 01:46:15
My biggest gripe right now is having the cash for them in the first place. (And I do not need another credit card in my life right now... *sweatdrop* ) But I'd really love to have their books. I wonder if one can get any back issues (on Amazon or elsewhere)?
JeffT
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 21 -
2008-06-28 at 04:42:52
Gemstone's website has most (all?) of their back issues for sale, Lady Quackly. If you're looking for older stuff from Gladstone or Disney, ebay has a number of options last I checked (I don't buy from ebay myself), or if you just google "disney comics" other sites do have them for sale.
Gerd Syllwasschy
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 22 -
2008-06-28 at 11:38:16
Many of the Gladstone/Disney issues are still available from brucehamilton.com.
Morequack
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 23 -
2008-06-28 at 14:04:23
Quote from user: JeffTGemstone's website has most (all?) of their back issues for sale, Lady Quackly. If you're looking for older stuff from Gladstone or Disney, ebay has a number of options last I checked (I don't buy from ebay myself), or if you just google "disney comics" other sites do have them for sale.
Gemstone is sold out of #319, 323, 347, 354, 355 and 356.
Ebay is my to-go place for back issues!
And brucehamilton.com can be rather pricey.
Gemstone is sold out of #319, 323, 347, 354, 355 and 356.
Ebay is my to-go place for back issues!
And brucehamilton.com can be rather pricey.
LadyQuackly
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 24 -
2008-06-28 at 14:41:57
Quote from user: MorequackQuote from user: JeffTGemstone's website has most (all?) of their back issues for sale, Lady Quackly. If you're looking for older stuff from Gladstone or Disney, ebay has a number of options last I checked (I don't buy from ebay myself), or if you just google "disney comics" other sites do have them for sale.
Gemstone is sold out of #319, 323, 347, 354, 355 and 356.
Ebay is my to-go place for back issues!
And brucehamilton.com can be rather pricey.
Thanks, Morequack and JeffT. :) I visited the brucehamilton.com site just now; it's a pretty cool site, but those issues are indeed pricey! :( And I've been an eBay member for some years anyway, so I have no prob buying from them. It seems Amazon.com has some of the best prices on back issues.
But there's oodles of comics shops out there. :)
Gemstone is sold out of #319, 323, 347, 354, 355 and 356.
Ebay is my to-go place for back issues!
And brucehamilton.com can be rather pricey.
Thanks, Morequack and JeffT. :) I visited the brucehamilton.com site just now; it's a pretty cool site, but those issues are indeed pricey! :( And I've been an eBay member for some years anyway, so I have no prob buying from them. It seems Amazon.com has some of the best prices on back issues.
But there's oodles of comics shops out there. :)
LadyQuackly
The Gemstone Price Breakdown
Message 25 -
2008-06-28 at 14:44:00
Quote from user: Gerd SyllwasschyMany of the Gladstone/Disney issues are still available from brucehamilton.com.
Thank you, Gerd. :) I just checked out the site and it looks interesting.
Thank you, Gerd. :) I just checked out the site and it looks interesting.
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