Bloodshot Volume 1 hardcover review

[greg]

I haven't seen this one posted yet...
http://www.firstcomicsnews.com/?p=51794" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nice job, Matesamo... not bad for a guy who has only been around here a few weeks.

[StarBrand]

Great report, and I dig FirstComicsNews.

[DK2]

I just read on a Marvel Masterworks message boards for this book and 2-3 posts their pretty miffed about this book, my thoughts too. I'm posting it here as well. I know its been said here the people at Valiant wanted to emulate the original look and feel of the original comics themselves right down to the paper for the Bloodshot HC. That same type of paper was very difficult to find as its not used anymore they said. I can understand the intentions somewhat with the nostalgic approach and all but it certainly doesn't bode well for loyal readers or new readers about the quality of the book itself. I ordered this book from my regular comic store but saw it at another comic store first. Its very light to hold compared to the previous three Valiant HC reprints. No different than the DC HC's that on newsprint and for the price could've costed less. Its just that since we're paying $25 bucks for this at least the paper should be good. To me in the end the Bloodshot book doesn't look any better than the original issues. In fact I even think the original issues paper looks better than this. Their still white today but this book its more towards greyish pages. We can never see the art and colors on brighter, clearer paper. A HC like this should at least look better than the original comics. You couldn't even notice the "remastering" at all. So Valiant still can't get the HC's right? We hated the previous releases with the recoloring/remastering. We hated the content, they could've reprinted more issues which made the cover prices questionable. The dust jackets were a problem. Now we get the wrong paper on the latest offering. New story/extras is barely OK. I'm 50/50 with this Bloodshot book even though I don't have it yet and basing off on a brief observation. Anyone elses thoughts? I just hope Valiant does more reprints and gets it right this time and especially continue where these 4 initial HC releases left off. Its time the other three books got their follow up volumes.
link: http://marvelmasterworksfansite.yuku.co ... /1/?page=6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[riftt]

This book is a complete travesty and the new valiant should be ASHAMED of themselves for putting out such a shoddy product with absolutely no intelligent thought put into it.

Unfortunately I knew this book was doomed from when it was announced. I mean, did they learn NOTHING from the previous three hardcovers that you can find in every bargain bin across the country (was *that* for nostalgic effect too? lol!)? Hey I know, let's copy exactly everything that was wrong with the previous three releases! That will work out great! A hardcover but at a regular trim size! Let's only collect a few issues! Let's add a worthless new story! Oh yeah, and the thing we didn't know about from the solits...LET'S PRINT THE THING ON FREAKIN NEWSPRINT!!!!

Seriously, should Marvel use the same paper from 1938 in their golden age marvel masterworks? Note to the valiant leadership: There's a way to *gasp* give the paper in the hardcover many of the same elements as the original paper without resorting to giving us freakin newsprint!

Guys, this isn't a new account. Look at my join date. I love valiant. I would love nothing more than to see VH1 collected in its entirety. Maybe that's why I'm mad at this joke of a book, because this product is what will ensure that NEVER happens. There was so many ways to do this smartly and successfully for all, and instead they pick the ONE way that will destine it to fail, the one way that *had already* been tried and failed before.

Rubbish.

[kjjohanson]

I mean, did they learn NOTHING from the previous three hardcovers that you can find in every bargain bin across the country (was *that* for nostalgic effect too?)

Harsh

[DK2]

Finally got this book and also surprised its actually like half an inch all around bigger than the other 3 hardcover releases. So it won't even match the other books in size on a bookshelf.

[BugsySig]

Got mine today from DCBS. 50% off and came with a Valiant Masters Plate signed by Perlin and Van Hook.

The slight size difference irks me a bit, but VEI did say this was a different series from the original 3 so I can't complain too much.

I posted in the other thread about the HC that even though I could track down all these issues in the quarter bin (or n my case, already have them), I like having them all compiled in one neat package with some extras.

I am not a collector, so the other stuff about the paper doesn't bother me. I probably would never have even noticed if I hadn't read about it here.

[MoonChild]

The first 3 were great because they were Remasterd and had alot of Pre-Unity books in them. I also loved the bonus materials in all of these but 24.99 does seem pretty steep. I really do Love having the first 3, I must say. I really wish BloodShot got the same treatment as far as size & remaster but having the bonus materials will be worth my money for sure, for me at least.

[iwantvaliant]

Dark Horse published their Solar, Magnus and other Gold Key character hardcovers. Cover price $50.

Turok Volume One was printed on newsprint, the other three volumes on glossy paper. I think the colors look better on newsprint.

I think it's unrealistic to get a hard cover with glossy paper for the price point Valiant's offering.

And they commissioned a new story too.

I understand a serious debate about paper quality, and how the colors look. But to say that the people should be ashamed of themselves is a bit overboard. If you think you're being taken advantage of, don't buy it, or wait until you see it on sale.

[MoonChild]

Dark Horse published their Solar, Magnus and other Gold Key character hardcovers. Cover price $50.

Turok Volume One was printed on newsprint, the other three volumes on glossy paper. I think the colors look better on newsprint.

I think it's unrealistic to get a hard cover with glossy paper for the price point Valiant's offering.

And they commissioned a new story too.

I understand a serious debate about paper quality, and how the colors look. But to say that the people should be ashamed of themselves is a bit overboard. If you think you're being taken advantage of, don't buy it, or wait until you see it on sale.

I agree, If I wasnt such a die hard, I'd wait to buy it used for much less but new original valiant just seems to good to pass up for me.

[ncameron]

I bought mine yesterday from KVH himself at the Detroit Fanfare, totally worth it if for no other reason the Bloodshot sketch he added as a thank you.

As to the book itself, the binding feels tight, which is good as that is always a major concern, couldnt tell if it was glue or stitched.

I was not thrilled with the paper, as I really liked the glossy paper used in the previous hardcovers, but its still very readable. If you look at the cost of obtaining the first 8 issues of bloodshot in $.50 bins throughout the country it doesnt appear to be a great value, but I really reading comics in trade format.

-Neil

[drmirage]

Cool that you got the book from KVH... with a sketch! Can you post some photos?

I agree that you can get these issues separately, Issues #1 through #5 are mabye .50 cents - $1.00 each (if you can find them), but issues #6 and #7 are now atleast $2-$3 each.

I pre-ordered this with DCBS and its supposed to be arriving sometime this week for $12.49 plus shipping. It included a free book plate signed by VanHook and Perlin (This image was from caxiotis on eBay)





For full retail @ $24.99 is a bit steep, but for $12.49 @ 50% off, I think its a steal for a hardcover. For those who were interested, the cheapest I have seen them for is for $12.49 plus shipping @ instocktrades.com (not sure if they have the signed book plates with these)

$16.49 Shipped (Indiana + additional 7% Sales Tax)
http://www.instocktrades.com/TP/Valiant ... /AUG121341" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BugsySig]

Cool that you got the book from KVH... with a sketch! Can you post some photos?

I agree that you can get these issues separately, Issues #1 through #5 are mabye .50 cents - $1.00 each (if you can find them), but issues #6 and #7 are now atleast $2-$3 each.

I pre-ordered this with DCBS and its supposed to be arriving sometime this week for $12.49 plus shipping. It included a free book plate signed by VanHook and Perlin (This image was from caxiotis on eBay)





For full retail @ $24.99 is a bit steep, but for $12.49 @ 50% off, I think its a steal for a hardcover. For those who were interested, the cheapest I have seen them for is for $12.49 plus shipping @ instocktrades.com (not sure if they have the signed book plates with these)

$16.49 Shipped (Indiana + additional 7% Sales Tax)
http://www.instocktrades.com/TP/Valiant ... /AUG121341" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gt mine and that is what it looks like. Mine was #18 of 50 I believe.

[caxiotis]

I thought those images looked familiar

[Carson]

Just got mine from Ed today. Worth every penny. Some people just like to complain I think.

As I first flipped through, I immediately said, "oh wow, it FEELS like the old books" to my co-workers... Now reading these posts the pulp paper explanation explains why I felt that way.

I'm glad they went that route.

I'd love to see an oversized print, but not if I have to pay another $15-$25 bucks.

Can't wait to read the new story. I'd love to read it where it fits though. Has anyone said where it fits into chronology yet?

[Aram]

Oh geez, these reviews have me worried...

I got mine from Ed but I havent cracked it open yet. I was expecting glossy pages. In fact that is my only justification to buy these. I hate yellowing pages.. So the prospect of having glossy pages that will withstand the test of time is my sole motivating factor. Cracking open my old valiants is often disappointing. Things like Archer and Armstrong 0 were and are perfect...
Others are not so much.

If the hcs are printed on acid free paper and good inks, that could be acceptable but still disappointing. I will post again with my impressions once I am able to get home and crack it open.

[Aram]

Oh and anyone saying they cant be glossy at a $25 price point is crazy. Go crack open a buffy season 8 library edition that costs 29.99 and tell me it cant be done. Those are oversized super glossy super thick paged perfection and only $5 more.

[iwantvaliant]

Just got mine from Ed today. Worth every penny. Some people just like to complain I think.

As I first flipped through, I immediately said, "oh wow, it FEELS like the old books" to my co-workers... Now reading these posts the pulp paper explanation explains why I felt that way.

I'm glad they went that route.

I'd love to see an oversized print, but not if I have to pay another $15-$25 bucks.

Can't wait to read the new story. I'd love to read it where it fits though. Has anyone said where it fits into chronology yet?

As soon as I get my copy (delayed by hurricane) I'm going to read the story and make an addendum to the timeline. Check that thread.

[dhudson1]

I prefer the non-glossy, I wish all comics were non-glossy (not pulp, just Nonglossy) I find the glossy paper a bit harder to read, you have to have the lighting just right to prevent glare.

[Elveen]

Not specifically related to this topic, but the TPB I enjoy reading the most is Fables. I love the newsprint paper in those books.

[Carson]

Just got mine from Ed today. Worth every penny. Some people just like to complain I think.

As I first flipped through, I immediately said, "oh wow, it FEELS like the old books" to my co-workers... Now reading these posts the pulp paper explanation explains why I felt that way.

I'm glad they went that route.

I'd love to see an oversized print, but not if I have to pay another $15-$25 bucks.

Can't wait to read the new story. I'd love to read it where it fits though. Has anyone said where it fits into chronology yet?

As soon as I get my copy (delayed by hurricane) I'm going to read the story and make an addendum to the timeline. Check that thread.

Cool, will do!

[Carson]

I prefer the non-glossy, I wish all comics were non-glossy (not pulp, just Nonglossy) I find the glossy paper a bit harder to read, you have to have the lighting just right to prevent glare.

Agree 100%

[iwantvaliant]

Oh and anyone saying they cant be glossy at a $25 price point is crazy. Go crack open a buffy season 8 library edition that costs 29.99 and tell me it cant be done. Those are oversized super glossy super thick paged perfection and only $5 more.

I'd be interested in comparing the print run of each book. A basic tennant of retail is the more you make, the less each individual unit costs.

[SJS4]

I prefer the non-glossy, I wish all comics were non-glossy (not pulp, just Nonglossy) I find the glossy paper a bit harder to read, you have to have the lighting just right to prevent glare.

I am not sure I would say I prefer non-glossy, but glare is definitely a downside. I have been catching up on a lot of comic book reading in the last year or so and while I love the way glossy paper comics tend to stay in better conditions they are definitely more difficult to read sometimes because of the glare.

[SJS4]

Oh and anyone saying they cant be glossy at a $25 price point is crazy. Go crack open a buffy season 8 library edition that costs 29.99 and tell me it cant be done. Those are oversized super glossy super thick paged perfection and only $5 more.

I'd be interested in comparing the print run of each book. A basic tennant of retail is the more you make, the less each individual unit costs.

This is usually true, but its not as linear as most people think. I know where I work going from a production run of 25,000 to 100,000 is a big deal, but going from 100,000 to 2-300,000 doesn't really help that much (since the small quantity means its probably being made on a machine designed to job change frequently), but going over 1,000,000 or more can be another big leap (order is now big enough to go on to a machine designed for high volume and few job changes). Just an FYI.