(…or at least just on the first entry!)

Perhaps I was unclear. I meant that the series itself is simutaneously releasing volumes in both SC and HC, but not the same volume at the same time. Like the first SC version came out before the 4th HC version. It just creates confusion amongst customers to have a prestige-format HC release that all of the sudden starts releasing in SC half way through. Particularly because these collections have a lot more in common with the annoyingly high-priced DC classic library editions, which are HC only. So far.

I dunno, I think it just evidences a lack of vision on the part of their collections department, a lack of consistent format and no clear path for the customer to follow. I really pay attention to these solicits, and I had no idea these were going to be HC then SC.

Man, I’m just glad Marvel’s doing this right. The collection is going to sell (check out the sales on Shanower’s $40 Oz trade).

Does everything need to be collected? Well, the production costs are half-paid by the periodical issues. The collection has a longer shelf-life and is easier to market and sell. DC knows how the issues sold, and can calculate demand. With non-returnability with the Direct Market, it’s even easier to calculate profit, since those sales can subsidize any returns from the trade market.

The Absolute editions are a problem. In a perfect world, the Absolute would come out first, then a regular hardcover, then the trade paperback. When it’s an ongoing series like Justice or All-Star Superman, then DC has a choice… Do they issue regular hardcovers and capitalize on the buzz generated from the title, or wait and lose some money? Myself, I figure some titles will be collected into Absolute editions, and wait. If it doesn’t come out within five years of the series ending, I can always pick up the HC, sometimes cheap, or read it at the library.

Yup… that’s his name… Hippety-Hopper. Don’t think he’s ever been referred to as such in the cartoons. The singing dancing frog is Michigan J. Frog, the big red hairy monster is Gossamer, and the weasel who bedevils Foghorn Leghorn is named Bill. (And Space Jam features a cameo from every Warner Brothers classic cartoon character.)

Of course, if we’re applying logic to this, then a smarter thing would’ve been to have the Terror Titans mini-series be part of the Teen Titans comic as well, but let’s not get crazy now or anything. Bet it would’ve had higher sales though.

Unless there are hardcore fans who NEED HC editions of these books.

Also, I think choosy Moms choose to spell it without the “e.” Or, at least Jif does, and they probably account for more than half of all use of the word “choosy,” so I feel like they can realistically define the terms.