Monday, January 12, 2004
The NYT has an article they call "New Contender for the Anime Throne," looking at director Satoshi Kon.
I know him from his feature film "Perfect Blue," not a bad thriller. Still conforms to that damn anime style, but I think he's more thoughtful in his stories and that appeals to me. The article looks at "Millennium Actress", which was released in September, and "Tokyo Godfathers," due out soon.
I know him from his feature film "Perfect Blue," not a bad thriller. Still conforms to that damn anime style, but I think he's more thoughtful in his stories and that appeals to me. The article looks at "Millennium Actress", which was released in September, and "Tokyo Godfathers," due out soon.
Sunday, January 11, 2004
I'm not saying I will not go to a comics shop to purchase these. But here's what my list of future purchases looks like on Amazon:
(I guess you could call it my "Mighty alternative-means-of-delivery-resulting-in-significant-savings intimidation list.)
The Bloody Streets of Paris : 120 Rue De La Gare
Usually ships in 24 hours
$12.57 - You Save: $5.38 (30%)
Used & new from $9.98
The Golem's Mighty Swing
Usually ships in 24 hours
$11.87 - You Save: $5.08 (30%)
Used & new from $11.78
Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995
Usually ships in 24 hours
$13.97 - You Save: $5.98 (30%)
Used & new from $13.66
Barefoot Gen: A Cartoon Story of Hiroshima
Usually ships in 24 hours
$14.95
Barefoot Gen, Volume 2 : The Day After
Not yet released.
$10.47 - You Save: $4.48 (30%)
In case you're wondering, that's a savings of about $21. Is it worth $21 to me to keep a good, quality comics shop in business? Sure, but not every comics shop is like Quimbys or Chicago Comics. Hell, this is something mainstream bookstores are working on: that's why they create the atmosphere in their stores, with wood shelves, reading nooks and coffee shops. It's an experience to go to their stores. Is that true for your shop?
And btw, did you notice there are no comics pamphlets in that list? None. My reading preferences coupled with my shopping-experience preferences does not equal good things for the direct market - if they reflect a growing trend that is.
Tell me what you think: Will graphic novels kill the direct market?
(I guess you could call it my "Mighty alternative-means-of-delivery-resulting-in-significant-savings intimidation list.)
The Bloody Streets of Paris : 120 Rue De La Gare
Usually ships in 24 hours
$12.57 - You Save: $5.38 (30%)
Used & new from $9.98
The Golem's Mighty Swing
Usually ships in 24 hours
$11.87 - You Save: $5.08 (30%)
Used & new from $11.78
Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995
Usually ships in 24 hours
$13.97 - You Save: $5.98 (30%)
Used & new from $13.66
Barefoot Gen: A Cartoon Story of Hiroshima
Usually ships in 24 hours
$14.95
Barefoot Gen, Volume 2 : The Day After
Not yet released.
$10.47 - You Save: $4.48 (30%)
In case you're wondering, that's a savings of about $21. Is it worth $21 to me to keep a good, quality comics shop in business? Sure, but not every comics shop is like Quimbys or Chicago Comics. Hell, this is something mainstream bookstores are working on: that's why they create the atmosphere in their stores, with wood shelves, reading nooks and coffee shops. It's an experience to go to their stores. Is that true for your shop?
And btw, did you notice there are no comics pamphlets in that list? None. My reading preferences coupled with my shopping-experience preferences does not equal good things for the direct market - if they reflect a growing trend that is.
Tell me what you think: Will graphic novels kill the direct market?
