Marvel Essentials - Buyer FYI

[Flash77]

I was shopping at Borders with a 40% coupon and came across the recently released Essential Spider-man volume 9. I couldn't resist and took it to the front for purchase. Imagine my pleasant surprise to flip the book and see that the Borders tag read $16.99 instead of $19.99 (which is list on the book). I purchased it and it did indeed ring for $16.99.

I though this might have been an isolated error in Border's database, but I checked other Marvel Essentials and all are stickered at $16.99. So, I think that Border's database hasn't been updated to recognize the increased cost of $19.99 for these books.

With a 40% coupon you can score an essential for $11.90 plus local tax. For me...less than $13. Not to bad as it's less than Amazon and I don't need to reach a $25 minimum for any free shipping.

Worth it for those that like the Essentials and want to buy at a store. Just thought I'd pass this along to everyone on the forum.

[BobBretall]

That's a pretty good find!

I wonder why Borders would be building in a lower price than the one printed on the book??

[HassanT]

I thought the $16.99 was the old price for Essentials. Perhaps they haven't updated their database yet. Probably why Borders isn't do as well as Barnes and Noble

BTW, that is a great volume.

[HipHopHead]

Is there a post that explains some of the comic lingo with regards to collected editions?

Such as 'Essential', 'Masterwork', 'Absolute', 'Omnibus', 'Archive', 'Definitive', 'Deluxe'

[BobBretall]

Is there a post that explains some of the comic lingo with regards to collected editions?

Such as 'Essential', 'Masterwork', 'Absolute', 'Omnibus', 'Archive', 'Definitive', 'Deluxe'

Here you go!

Essential - Marvel version of large softcover volume reprinting ~500 pages of vintage comics in glorious B&W for a reasonably cheap price (currently about $20) though you can often find them cheaper on-line and at cons.

Showcase - DC version of the Marvel Essential (big B&W reprint volume)

Masterwork - Hardcover volume reprinting classic Marvel comics, typically 10 issues per volume. Downside is these retail at about $55 (sometime more for ones that have more content), though you can get them cheaper. These come in 3 basic flavors Silver/Bronze, Atlas Era, Golden Age. The Atlas & Gold usually have a $60 price.

Archive - DC Version of the Marvel masterwork. These come in Silver & Golden age "flavors".

Absolute - The sweetest of all reprint volumes. These are from DC and reprint classic (well, usually) stories. These are oversized 8.5" wide x 12.5" tall and are in a slipcase. Downside is they are expensive, usually $99. You can get them discounted from places like DCBS, In-Stock Trades, and Amazon.

Omnibus - Really big-(bleep) versions of a Marvel Masterwork. Hardcover and typically containing 30+ comics. There are classics like the first 35 issues of Spider-Man, and more recent stuff, like Brubaker's Captain America. These also tend to be high priced, $75 - $99, they can be found discounted in the same places as above.
BEWARE! Dark Horse & Oni put out their own version of an "Omnibus" that is smaller than a regular comic & softcover, though they usually have 12-20 comics worth of material.