related_results_labels_thumbs({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10945794"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-28T10:40:03.057-06:00"},"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Collected Editions"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"the chronicles of a \"wait-for-trade-er\" -- the new breed of comic book fans who forgo monthly \"floppies\" for trade paperbacks, graphic novels, and collected editions -- featuring trade paperback reviews, commentaries, discount comic book alerts, comic book news, and the occasional scoop."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/10945794/posts/default/-/spider-man?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026max-results\u003d10"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/search/label/spider-man"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"collectededitions"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14698269790653953645"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"10"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10945794.post-5938771104278936175"},"published":{"$t":"2009-07-13T08:05:00.008-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-07-13T08:05:00.822-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"spider-man"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Beginner's Guide to Marvel Masterworks, Essential, and Omnibus Spider-Man"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785136924?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026tag\u003dcollectededitions-20\u0026linkCode\u003das2\u0026camp\u003d1789\u0026creative\u003d9325\u0026creativeASIN\u003d0785136924\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1bhS26_vGU8/SlobS9bZQ-I/AAAAAAAAA7E/e7wWu70Wwfs/s320/marvel-masterworks-amazing-spider-man-lee-ditko.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\"id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357624719251686370\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cb\u003e[The following article comes from Collected Editions reader Davie Chin]\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn recent years Marvel has released many reprint collections in trade paperback form containing their classic comics from the 1960s and 1970s.  It can be a bit confusing which ones to buy as Marvel has three different lines of books which aim to reprint the same material but in different formats.  Those lines are \u003cb\u003eEssential\u003c/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eOmnibus\u003c/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eMarvel Masterworks\u003c/b\u003e.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eEssential\u003c/b\u003e line is the most economical as the softcover volumes are printed in black and white on newsprint quality paper.  The book dimensions are virtually the same as the standard sized comic.  The artwork comes out quite clearly in black and white and is perfectly readable.  These trades are very convenient and lightweight, offering over 500 pages of content per volume.  On the flipside, they are a bit flimsy and there have been reports of the occasional book falling apart due to their less-than-sturdy construction.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn 2007, Marvel began releasing \u003cb\u003eOmnibus\u003c/b\u003e editions.  These are massive hardcovers ranged from 700 to over 1,000 pages long.  The dimensions of the reprinted issues are slightly larger than the standard comic book, and they feature artwork that’s been restored with remastered coloring to match the original comics as closely as possible.  This makes the Omnibus books the most expensive, but you certainly get what you pay for.  The main issue you may have is that these books are so big and heavy that you will need to put them on a table to read them.  They aren’t books you can hold in your hands comfortably.  As far as quality of the reprints themselves, you won’t find anything that looks better or more authentic than those contained in the Omnibus.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarvel Masterworks\u003c/b\u003e were a series of hardcover reprints originally released in 1987.  The original Masterworks are  relatively hard to find and expensive, but luckily Marvel began re-releasing them in early 2009 in softcover trade paperback form.  They have standard comic book sized dimensions and are printed in color.  They offer the least content per volume, offering around 250 pages or more, but are a good compromise between the Essential and Omnibus editions.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhich you should purchase depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget will allow.  In the Omnibus editions, all the issues appear inside with full page covers, but with few extras.  For first time readers that are curious I think the new Marvel Masterworks TPBs are the best option, but if you don’t mind black and white you can get almost twice the content per volume at a lower price with the Essential books.  It should be noted that the Essential line covers the largest amount of classic comics.  For later issues published in the 1970s, the Essential books are your only option at least until the other books catch up.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHere’s a rundown of these volumes as relates to my favorite hero, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCreated by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, Spider-Man made his first appearance in \u003ci\u003eAmazing Fantasy\u003c/i\u003e #15 in 1962.  Months later that same year he would appear in his own monthly title called the \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e.  Up to now there are eight volumes of \u003ci\u003eEssential Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e which reprint \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhether you choose to buy either the Essential, Omnibus or Marvel Masterworks reprint collections, you’ll be getting \u003ci\u003eAmazing Fantasy\u003c/i\u003e #15 and at least \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #1-10.  The stories in these issues encompass a lot of what fans love about Spider-Man.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ci\u003eAmazing Fantasy\u003c/i\u003e #15 details his origin story.  It’s a simple story that gets straight to the point and in my opinion is an almost perfect origin story.  It introduced the social (or lack thereof) life of Peter Parker as well as his Aunt May.  It also showed how he got his powers and costume, and the event that motivated him to become a superhero.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e shows his exploits as he encounters many villains who would become mainstays of his rogues’ gallery like Doctor Octopus, Lizard, Sandman, Vulture, Electro and Chameleon.  Early on Spidey tackles other popular Marvel characters such as the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom.  J. Jonah Jameson also makes his first appearance in \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #1 as the Daily Bugle’s ranting editor.  Later issues would introduce his secretary Betty Brant whom would be Peter’s first girlfriend.  This is what you can expect from \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785136924?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026tag\u003dcollectededitions-20\u0026linkCode\u003das2\u0026camp\u003d1789\u0026creative\u003d9325\u0026creativeASIN\u003d0785136924\"\u003eMarvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man\u003c/a\u003e Vol. 1.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785121927?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026tag\u003dcollectededitions-20\u0026linkCode\u003das2\u0026camp\u003d1789\u0026creative\u003d9325\u0026creativeASIN\u003d0785121927\"\u003eEssential Spider-Man\u003c/a\u003e Vol. 1 you’ll get ten more issues of \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e and an annual.  Other Marvel heroes such as Daredevil and Hulk make appearances, as well as new villains Mysterio, Green Goblin, Kraven and Scorpion.  The annual features the formation of the Sinister Six which is a great action-packed story.  Throughout all this Peter has to deal with his fair share of personal issues at school and at work but I’ll leave that for the new reader to discover.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016LUVJM?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026tag\u003dcollectededitions-20\u0026linkCode\u003das2\u0026camp\u003d1789\u0026creative\u003d9325\u0026creativeASIN\u003dB0016LUVJM\"\u003eAmazing Spider-Man Omnibus\u003c/A\u003e Vol. 1 collects Steve Ditko’s entire run up to \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #38 before his departure from the title.  Compared to the first twenty issues of \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e, the next ten or so feature some rather forgettable villains although some of the A-list villains do return.  The first “appearance” of Peter’s future wife, Mary Jane Watson, also occurs but with her face obscured.  You never actually see her face in this volume.  Peter graduates from high school and goes to university where he meets Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy.  Harry’s dad Norman is also introduced.  These characters would become very significant in the overall Spider-Man mythos.  A real highlight are issues #31-33 comprising the Master Planner story arc which is considered by many fans to be one of the best Spider-Man stories ever.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTo summarize:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eVol. 1\u003c/b\u003e contains \u003ci\u003eAmazing Fantasy\u003c/i\u003e #15 and \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #1-10 plus an introduction by Stan Lee from the original 1987 release.  Volume 2 will be released in 2009.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eEssential Spider-Man\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eVol. 1\u003c/b\u003e contains \u003ci\u003eAmazing Fantasy\u003c/i\u003e #15, \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #1-20 and \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e Annual #1.  There are eight volumes in total with volume 9 being released in late 2009.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c/b\u003e If you intend to buy volumes 3 and 4 read the next paragraph as there are some discrepancies between different printings.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe more recent printings of volumes 3 and 4 are actually called second editions if you read the fine print inside the books.  Older printings of volume 3 and 4 collect \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #44-68 and \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #69-89 and Annuals #4-5 respectively.  The second edition printings of volume 3 and 4 collect \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #44-65 and Annual #4 and \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #66-89 and Annual #5 respectively.  When you buy volumes 3 and 4 make sure to check that they’re both edition 1 or both edition 2 so that you don’t miss out on any issues.  Edition 2 volumes have the title \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e on their front covers (along with different artwork) while Edition 1 volumes do not.  Issues reprinted are also indicated on the front cover.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eAmazing Spider-Man Omnibus\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eVol. 1\u003c/b\u003e contains \u003ci\u003eAmazing Fantasy \u003c/i\u003e#15, \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e #1-38, Annual #1-2 and the Spider-Man stories from \u003ci\u003eStrange Tales\u003c/i\u003e Annual #2 and \u003ci\u003eFantastic Four\u003c/i\u003e Annual #1.  All the issues are sequenced in the order they were originally published.  Introductions from the original 1987 Marvel Masterworks volume appear at the beginning and every ten issues of \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e.  Extras include a full page copy of Steve Ditko’s original cover for \u003ci\u003eAmazing Fantasy\u003c/i\u003e #15 as well as a few other unused \u003ci\u003eAmazing Spider-Man\u003c/i\u003e covers.  There is no release date as of now for volume 2.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eStan Lee knew how to create memorable characters and Steve Ditko knew how to draw them.  Most of these tales were self contained and covered both Peter Parker’s personal life and his exploits as Spider-Man with the latter, often interfering with the former in humorous yet believable ways.  Peter’s social outcast status at school made him relatable and his adventures as Spidey entertained us with acrobatic fights and funny quips.  The more contorted, flexible body positions that Spidey artists draw today may make Ditko’s Spidey look stiff by comparison, but the art still holds up pretty well.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEven though the stories are dated and some dialogue super cheesy by today’s standards, they’re still a joy to read.  Spider-Man had cool powers but often used his intellect to defeat his foes.  There were certainly some lame villains whom would never be seen again, but the majority of them would be used by future writers for decades.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI highly recommend these early stories, no matter the format, to new and old readers alike.\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e---\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis post was syndicated from \u003ca href\u003d\"http://collectededitions.blogspot.com\"\u003eCollected Editions\u003c/a\u003e, the chronicles of a \"wait-for-trade-er\" -- the new breed of comic book fans who forgo monthly \"floppies\" for trade paperbacks and collected editions -- reviews, commentaries, low price alerts, news, and the occasional scoop.  Visit \u003ca href\u003d\"http://collectededitions.blogspot.com\"\u003ecollectededitions.blogspot.com\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10945794-5938771104278936175?l\u003dcollectededitions.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/feeds/5938771104278936175/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/2009/07/beginners-guide-to-marvel-masterworks.html#comment-form","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/10945794/posts/default/5938771104278936175"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/10945794/posts/default/5938771104278936175"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/2009/07/beginners-guide-to-marvel-masterworks.html","title":"Beginner's Guide to Marvel Masterworks, Essential, and Omnibus Spider-Man"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"collectededitions"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14698269790653953645"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"02311963573867484833"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1bhS26_vGU8/SlobS9bZQ-I/AAAAAAAAA7E/e7wWu70Wwfs/s72-c/marvel-masterworks-amazing-spider-man-lee-ditko.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"3"}}]}});