@@nivekleveb8872 i dont like fat omnis. Only reason I got the swamp thing new 52 omni is to have it all in one volume. Still waiting for the 2nd volume of DMZ compendium
Came here to check the gutter loss, looks like the whole book is legible. Thank you for setting my mind at ease. Ordering a copy right now, DC you better put out a 2nd volume of this. Hands down my favorite series from the Big 2.
We are supposed to be getting a second volume that collects everything left to collect, including the 12-issue "The Shade" miniseries. However, we know how DC Comics can be, what with their canceling, rescheduling, etc. lol
Coming from the future and yes they did make a 2nd volume!! Agree with you sir, this and Hellboy are always on my top spots for comics. Both tell such unique and engaging stories!!
Starman is one of my all time favorites, as you can probably tell by my icon. I bought it last weekend and got through it in five days. Every time I opened the book I had a big smile on my face.
I think you touched on something really important here from a product management and marketing perspective. Author and artists intro letters and notes, etc. make a product more personal. They allow customers to more deeply connect with the characters and stories, which has a cascading positive impact on down-the-line sales... Maybe they will include them in the second compendium.
Great review!! I haven't read these comics since the series originally ended. I bought the single issues every month and remember loving it. But now that I have the first Compendium in hand, I'm so ready to get back into this world. Opal City. The Shade. Starman. Just a classic comic. I'm SO glad that D.C. published this so I can enjoy this series all over again!! I definitely hope D.C. collects the rest of the story in a second Compendium, but no matter what, I'm so stoked they have published this one for me to enjoy. Comics at its finest right here!!
Preach Brother Omar!! I can't remember ever feeling such a broad range of emotions as I did with these stories. I also get misty eyed just thinking about one of those, "Visits with David" stories that was just beautiful. I wish they'd print those letter pages I 'think' I remember from the single issues. They were about so much more than the comic itself.
I wish they had released these as more manageable oversized Deluxe HCs and eventually as Absolutes. This series deserves more classy treatment than the dubious compendium treatment.
Yeah, not a fan of huge compendiums. The Walking Dead compendium was a pass for me because it just looks and feels like it will fall apart in a week or two.
Omar, as always, this was a stellar review! I am slightly younger than you but also slightly older than some other fans. (I'm 35) I've been collecting comics on a consistent basis since 1992, with my first comic book purchased being Archie Comics "Sonic the Hedgehog" # 0. That and its spinoffs and specials were the only comics I bought until my grandmother on my mother's side purchased "Spider-Man" (1990-1998) # 60 for me. That was Part 3 of the 4-Part "The Trial of Peter Parker", taking place during the infamous 1990s "The Clone Saga". If that did not scare me away, along with the revelation of Kaine's identity in that issue, nothing would. lol Since then, I have amassed a large collection, but it was not until I began to explore outside of the superhero genre that I understood just how much variety of story there is out there. I purchased the "Starman" Omnibus Volume 1, which for those who do not know was part of a series of standard sized hardcovers with the Omnibus title on it, shortly after it released. ...I was hooked! I had to discover it on my own because my parents did not support my interest in comics really and more like tolerated it. I had no one to guide me like you act as a guide to fans old and new. However, I was hooked, and this title touched me in ways that are hard to describe. It also got me to read "Hellblazer", "Swamp Thing", and more outside of the traditional genre. I can easily say it got me into "The Walking Dead" because that fell outside of the Marvel and DC realm! I do wish DC had stuck to its commitment and released a legitimate Omnibus format for this absolutely heartfelt and amazing series, but I have purchased the Compendium, praying the second volume actually releases as planned, to relive this amazing story and also to show support so that other people who have read the series and want to reread it and new fans can also enjoy it. Different formats for different people. I believe that is important, as no single collector shares everything in common with the collector next to them. Again, it is hard to express how spectacular this series is, but I am grateful DC is supporting it in at least some form. Be well, all! Please enjoy! #smashthelikebutton
Compendiums are the future of the big runs that couldn’t make it to omnibus, they’re cheaper, and good enough to new readers, so cheers for this new format that has arrived to dc
@@NearMintCondition thanks, yeah its a great run, as you said in other videos the firsts edition technically are impossible to find so, I’m glad with my compendium this is my second compendium that i got, the first one was spawn and then starman, for a while I’m satisfied with the format 🤔🤔🤔
After years of waiting for this its finally out!!!!! How many times I bugged you for this uncanny guy! How many eons have we waited for this!!! Its here finally!!! James Robinson your fav writer!!! Starman the thing that made you cry! Oh my god now I am emotional
Surprisingly looks like a great compendium. I hope if they continue to go this route that they make a box set like Fables compendiums. Great vid as always, Omar!
Me and my friend have been talking about comics and our next purchase and this title has been on my eye since i saw the review you and your wife did and it had me interested even more and i find myself relatable with Jack we collect and love the past thank you Omar for this video
Thanks for the overview. This is also one of my all-time favorite series. I have the original comic book series and the hardback editions. I wasn't sure if I was going to triple-dip with the compendium, but after watching this video, I'm definitely adding this to my collection. Thanks, Omar.
Different things for different people. lol I'm buying it in this format after already owning it previously. I'll buy an Omnibus if it ends up released in that format. Some things are worth multiple formats. lol Be well.
Agree. "Oversized artwork" is a conundrum. It was never meant to be omnibus size. It's different with artist's editions where you can see everything in the original art. With the compendium spines and binding improving a lot, I'll prefer them over an omnibus as often as it makes sense from a reading experience.
I'm hoping against hope that this book gets the hardcover treatment it deserves. I absolutely love this series. Also, I'm wanting a HITMAN omnibus as well. That's a book that gets no love at all. By the end of STARMAN and HITMAN, you will feel like the characters are your friends. They're fleshed out so well.
@@darrellmetcalfe3615 I want a 2 volume omnibus. I would include the short run of THE DEMON by Ennis that served as the platform to build HITMAN on. And vol 2 would have all the 6 pack mini series. It's such an underrated book.
I've heard good word of mouth about this series and saw the video Melanie and Omar did on it, of course I bought it. Looking forward to actually sitting down to read it.
I’ve been looking forward to this one for awhile. My copy is coming today. I would prefer and omnibus but I actually like compendiums. Great review as always
Oh DC ..... I would have upgraded and bought Starman, if they created it as an omnibus. I've got the standard sized hardcovers, so I'm happy with them; just wish it were over sized. Really great series and remember looking forward to it when it came out monthly.
I agree! I think different people can purchase different formats, but I would have appreciated DC releasing this in OHC for an Omnibus due to the fact that they have already released this in a standard size multiple times. Also they fact that they said they would! DC stands for Damned Contradictions sometimes. lol Enjoy! Be Well!
They should have just reprinted the 6 volume hardcovers as a 6 vol. Deluxe Edition series and added whatever content might have accrued since the series ended (like the 2011 shade Maxi series which also deserves a wider release & a hardcover collection).
I`m comfortable with this format after buying the Irredeemable & Xenozoic compendiums . The binding seems pretty sturdy on them & I think it`ll hold up even for books this size. I haven`t read this series yet so it`s going on My to buy list.
I've added it to my cart and purchased it, as well. I think we would all prefer the Omnibus OHC format, but we cannot always get what we want, even if DC has previously promised it to us. lol
Omar thank you bro. I became a fan after being introduced to The Shade in the Blackest Night Omnibus for the Starman issue included. I just finished this Compendium about an hour ago and can't wait for part 2 in December. You are correct Birthdays won't ever feel the same again after that issue it hits everytime!!!!
What a gorgeous looking spine design! Makes me a little teary that it’s not on an omnibus dust jacket though. My Sweet Tooth compendium held up ok so I guess this format build is ok but I will stick with my standard sized ‘omnis’ for the time being. But this is a nicely priced option for anyone wanting to read (or re-read) this fantastic story. Thanks Omar!
def commented this b4 lol but this was oddly the FIRST graphic novel i read the full way through. i used to get detention in middle school but the teacher had starman trades. def wanna re read this!
Bought this, got it yesterday and have read first half. Loving it so far! The storytelling is top-notch. I’m just fully engrossed and looking forward to next story. I like the little side stories from Showcase that expand on Shades background. And it’s been interesting to learn more about the heroes/villains from the 40s/50s era. Thanks for highlighting it!
One of my top 3 favorite series of all time (the other two being Preacher and Transmetropolitan). I have all of the hardcovers but I encourage anyone who is remotely interested to check this series out, you won't be disappointed. James Robinson and Tony Harris created a classic for the ages.
@@jakecarlstad6192 I don't really understand why hardcovers are so much more expensive- very often the interior pages (paper/print quality) is identical, it's just the binding and hardcover- if they dropped the dust jacket, maybe that would help a little. Personally I just prefer having something more durable and hard-wearing that will stand the test of time.
This has been one of my main "to read" series for years but the HC's/TPB's are OOP and really expensive so was glad to see DC release this with the whole series! I hope they release more runs like this (Robin, Legends of the Dark Knight, Kyle Rayner Green Lantern to name a few!)
I’m not the biggest fan of compendiums, but after hearing you talk about it I couldn’t help but get it, I’m only about 10 issues in but I absolutely love it so far. Glad I’m able to read it, even if it’s not in my preferred format
I’ll be getting this for sure. I wanted it in Omnibuses but I’ll take it in this format since I don’t trust DC to make the Omnibuses for years and then there’s no guarantee they’ll finish it.
Wow, the art looks amazing. I had no idea. You're opening the book up too wide for me, Omar, I always hold my books at the spine to make sure they don't fall fully open and get the crease.
I read a good chunk of this as a kid and really enjoyed it...and never read it again smh. Might be time to remedy that. Also, I have read the Spawn, Invincible and Walking Dead Compendiums and made it through them without creasing the spine, but I also handle paperback novels pretty gently and tend to make it through without creasing them either. So it is possible to read these without damaging the spine if you treat them with care.
Amen to that! I have the "Spawn" Compendium Volume 1 and have two of the four "The Walking Dead" Compendiums and have had no problem with Image, as well as the "Incorruptible" and "Irredeemable" Compendiums from Boom! Studios, also with no problems. I think the main problem people are having is the fact that DC Comics had reported that they were releasing an Omnibus edition in OHC this time instead of the standard sized hardcovers, disappointing people when that changed.
@@nivekleveb8872 I think whatever format works for people is worth having. I am just grateful people will be able to relive this amazing story or experience it for the first time. Please be well!
Do you stretch the spine at all to prevent creases? I own all the walking dead compendiums and all of mine have creases. I wish they didn't, but to me it shows that I've actually read them a lot.
This has been one of your better reviews and videos as of late. I was curious about this release. Great information and I can tell you enjoy the story. Looking forward to checking out the series! Awesome vid Omar!
I pre-ordered this, but I would gladly double-dip and buy it again in the omnibus format. This deserves to be preserved in the oversize format. Maybe in 2024 for the 30th anniversary?
That would be absolutely spectacular, and I would definitely purchase this again. Had purchased the "Omnibus" standard sized hardcovers. Purchased this format. What's one more? lol
Omar: my man. I got this based solely on your suggestion. Just like JSA omnis that i got bcos u spoke highly of them. And boy was i in for a treat !! This stuff is amazing. Cant wait for compendium 2. And angry at DC for not giving this the omni treatment. I had the omni on pre order. And will buy it again. Thanks a lot buddy
@@NearMintCondition like it.. are u kidding.. love it.. long time since i had to pick a dictionary for some of the words that jack knight says and i was a spelling bee winner !!!
Just started reading the STARMAN OMNIBUS (never read the comic): 1) The art IS fantastic! (although, there've been a couple pages (issue, around pg.16 or so) when the "loose" panels seem to be only half on the page (if that's part of a technique -- bummer); also, the binding is so tight, a lot of the art, and sometimes the writing, gets lost in the gutter 2) the guy doing the majority of the lettering here in the beginning Bill Oakley (who gets the LEAD credit, and therefore must've done the lion's share of the work) is one of the worst: his "D's" look lik "O's", so half the time I'm rereading to make sure I got the gist -- furthermore, I've already noticed him dropping a word or two in the "bubbles" (or, forgetting a letter here and there, or using the WRONG letter), which is distracting as hell, 3) the writing by Robinson is good, journeyman work -- but NOT transcendent, and certainly not a whole lot better than above average (the father-son thing has been done ad nauseum; I get it: guys, in general, tend to be weepy about their fathers; not me); and a lot of the character motivations and such are kinda sketchy; still, got an interesting enough story and solid enough characterization to keep me interested (not on the edge of my seat, or emotions, however). What the hell: VERY few comic writers reach the level of Gaiman, or a Moore, or Vaughn, or Morrison (at his "Doom Patrol" best, not the JLA dreck). :)
I can't wait to get my copy, I'm gonna turn it into a harcover, build it like a tank, lol. I've DIYed all my compendiums (Invincible, Attack Of the Titans, walking Dead, Witchblade, The Darkness, Mornig Glories, etc. into hardcovers. Really very satisfying result and feeling of accomplishment, A nice corollary hobby to collecting graphic novels.
@@marcelo-ramos Sorry, I don't have them right now, I boxed them up and sent them to my native country as I'm planning to move there when covid allows it. All I have are the books I have recently bought and will be boxing them up too. basically I just remove the softcover and replace them with a hard case, strengthen the spine by putting mull/super/crash cloth on it and top it with paper and headbands, cut up the cover and paste them to the front/back/spine of the hardcase and voila!, I have a hardbound book. Most of the times I would make a custom cover, only a halfbound custom cover though because I don't have a printer that can print big pages.
The great thing about Jack Knight is that he feels human. He is a flawed character. He realizes he made a mistake in trying to shut out his family as a sacrifice for his own goals. This is truly a hero's journey, with Jack wanting to both forge his own path still but also make amends for abandoning his family
Bought this book a couple of weeks ago and I am impressed with the improved quality of build with both this compendium and that of Sweet Tooth. Some manga companies are starting to do this, as well, with older stories like the Deathnote All-In-One compendium, which is also over a thousand pages. It collects all 13 volumes.
@@NearMintCondition My favorite manga of all-time! I had it all in Japanese when I lived there, but had to lighten my load when I returned. Had no idea how in-demand manga, and comics in general would become...
Yes it's 4:18AM yes I'm an adult who needs to save money for up coming bills and date night tonight and YES i did order this book as i type this comment I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM YOU DO! 😂
Thanks for the video! I want to pick it up but was concerned about if it was going to be sturdy enough since it's so long! Good to know! Shame about the CW advert on the cover...
This is my equally favorite character and series, right next to Spider-man. This is a well worth it series to read. It has a beginning, middle and end. A very satisfying end also. Words cannot describe how much Jack Knight went thru to have this series be so good. To say I miss it, is an understatement. They just don't make comics like this anymore... Edit to add: Damn it!! No letter pages? Why not @DC? It's very important to the series! F- grade.
Great video as always. I own the 6 x Omnibus hardcovers but strangely considering double dipping, theres two questions I had that can't seem to determine: 1. I heard comments this "collects more than the first three Omnis", so between the two eventual Compendiums will they have the exact same content as the 6 x Omnibus, issues wise I mean (not extras)? If not what is collected in the 2 x Compendiums that isn't in the 6 x Hardcover Omnibus? 2. What is the paper quality like in these Compendiums? Is a "glossy" finish and better/worse than the paper quality in the 6 x Hardcover Omnibus? Any input is appreciated
Eagerly waiting for my copy to arrive! I read the series in the old omnis from the library and adored the series. Really hoping vol. 2 includes some extras and, at the very least, the prose content. If it ever comes out in a modern omnibus, deluxe or (dare I say) absolutes, I'm sure I'll be double dipping.
Fantastic story, but definitely would fear for this volumes stability. So glad I spent the money on the Starman omni HCs once they were still affordable... 🙏
I have mixed feelings about the format. The price is very attractive, but that's the only selling point for myself. I'm thinking about buying next year the Fables 20th Anniversary Box Set, but would allways prefer an Omnibus collection. My thicker softcover books mostly crease on the spine and that's the reason I try to avoid this format, if any other hardcover release is available. The Compendium will be the better format for travelling readers. But since I'm allways reading my books at home this is no selling point for me. I skip this release and hope DC will release it in OHC format. I prefer it as Absolute or Omnibus collection.
I might get this. I personally love these big compendiums much more than omnibuses. I don't really enjoy reading comics in hardcover. Plus it's a bunch cheaper!
I know it will never happen, and I'm in the minority, but I'd gladly pay more than twice this amount to get this entire run in an absolute format. And when I say the entire run, I mean including not just the forwards, but the original letter pages too. I remember really enjoying reading those and the community that evolved in the letter columns in those original single issues.
So this disappeared of Amazon UK today bar a copy from Amazon US. Nice work Amazon. I have been waiting for this to be collected for years. Ya hear me. Years.
Hey Omar, the compendium 2 arrived and its a horrible construction. Has more pages but the spine is thinner. Returning it even though 8 love the run and hate an incomplete collection. Much rather read digital than this version. Now my request is for you to push DC for 2 omnis. They listed 1 omni that i had previously pre-ordered but they printed compendiums instead.
I am happy this is a softcover. If this was a omnibus I wouldn't have picked it up. With this being at this price point i don't mind taking a risk and am considering picking it up. Can you read this without reading anything else?
The sturdiness of this thing gives me hope for the Milestone Compendium. I'd rather have deluxe editions or omnis but I want to be supportive so they continue to print more from that line.
That's kind of my dilemma. I would much rather have absolute or deluxe editions/omnis. But I should probably buy this so that they know there is support for the creative team/character/title.
@@carlrosenzweig1867 I figure if I can pick it up at one of the discount sites then read it carefully I can always throw it on Ebay if they eventually do hardcover collections.
I'd love to read this series because it looks so interesting to me but I'm a digital reader normally and reading a fat compendium doesn't sound very appealing to me anymore. I wish they would release this digitally as well because as I said the series looks really interesting
How do I write DC and tell them I wish they would make these as Omnis? I mean I get the compendium. The Omni market is niche and they want this to get in more hands but they could have s just continued the thick tpbs.
Great job on the overview. This is a huge disappointment. The artwork in this story deserves the oversized Omnibus edition. The lack of features is really bad as well.
People keep buying these crappy formats with no extras, DC will keep printing them. There is no way the binding of this book will stand up over time either. I guess it just comes down to price, most people just want the cheapest collection they can buy.
@@bclayj I've never read this before but have always been curious. This is the best most cost effective way to read a huge chunk of it. Of course it's not going to hold up well over time because I intend to read it. Not just put it on the shelf. For the price and page count I'd say it's a really good deal especially for a reader copy.
@@geraldferguson734 Right, so you proved my point. Of course you should read the book, I have the original hardcovers and have read them multiple times and they still look great with no binding issues. There are already way too many cheap, disposable things in the world - I believe books should not be one of those things.
I feel like most trades are too thin and could use to be increased. This is too much though. I avoid soft cover this big since I have problems with Vizbig editions.
Is it an “old-school” book like e.g. Sandman or Alan Moore Swamp Thing? When it‘s beautiful and poetic and not like “omg what an exciting twist/ cliffhanger“ like in Invincible or Saga?
@@stephanberger3476 I think most of us would agree that Marvel has a much better run collected edition group than DC and there is a reason Marvel doesn't do compendiums. Yes, there are some people too cheap to spring for an omni, but there are a lot more people that think compendiums suck and aren't even worth half the cost of an omni.
@@maximusmagni1 Dude, that can all be true, but I don't buy Marvel books. Why even bring it up? I was just pointing out that there are also people who do like this change. Personally, I love hardcover omnibuses, but yeah.
I wish more “old” stories were publish as compendiums. More affordable and they use less space than omnis.
I would love some Superman and Green Lantern Compendiums- but they'll probably just do a Batman one next. 😛
especially since most older comic art doesn't use much splash pages/use all the real estate of each page
And they're not some damn heavy. Moving with an omnibus collection can be a nightmare
@@nivekleveb8872 i dont like fat omnis. Only reason I got the swamp thing new 52 omni is to have it all in one volume. Still waiting for the 2nd volume of DMZ compendium
I'd like to see a Green Lantern Kyle Rayner Compendium, They were releasing some tpb collections but only got to vol. 2.
Can't wait to read.
A friend of mine always recomend this material for me "DUDE YOU GOT TO READ THIS" finally!
Came here to check the gutter loss, looks like the whole book is legible. Thank you for setting my mind at ease. Ordering a copy right now, DC you better put out a 2nd volume of this. Hands down my favorite series from the Big 2.
We are supposed to be getting a second volume that collects everything left to collect, including the 12-issue "The Shade" miniseries. However, we know how DC Comics can be, what with their canceling, rescheduling, etc. lol
Coming from the future and yes they did make a 2nd volume!! Agree with you sir, this and Hellboy are always on my top spots for comics. Both tell such unique and engaging stories!!
Starman is one of my all time favorites, as you can probably tell by my icon. I bought it last weekend and got through it in five days. Every time I opened the book I had a big smile on my face.
I think you touched on something really important here from a product management and marketing perspective. Author and artists intro letters and notes, etc. make a product more personal. They allow customers to more deeply connect with the characters and stories, which has a cascading positive impact on down-the-line sales... Maybe they will include them in the second compendium.
Would you ever do a reading of the forwards in the hardcovers, for those of us who have this edition but really want to know the authors thoughts?
just got my copy and i love it,would rather an omnibus but at the same time getting huge trades for cheap really works for me!
Great review!! I haven't read these comics since the series originally ended. I bought the single issues every month and remember loving it. But now that I have the first Compendium in hand, I'm so ready to get back into this world. Opal City. The Shade. Starman. Just a classic comic. I'm SO glad that D.C. published this so I can enjoy this series all over again!! I definitely hope D.C. collects the rest of the story in a second Compendium, but no matter what, I'm so stoked they have published this one for me to enjoy. Comics at its finest right here!!
Preach Brother Omar!! I can't remember ever feeling such a broad range of emotions as I did with these stories. I also get misty eyed just thinking about one of those, "Visits with David" stories that was just beautiful. I wish they'd print those letter pages I 'think' I remember from the single issues. They were about so much more than the comic itself.
The letter pages were something else, and I was hoping a true Omnibus would include those. Let's keep our fingers crossed?
The letter pages were amazing. I have the hardcovers but I'd double dip for omnis if they included those.
I wish they had released these as more manageable oversized Deluxe HCs and eventually as Absolutes. This series deserves more classy treatment than the dubious compendium treatment.
Yeah, not a fan of huge compendiums. The Walking Dead compendium was a pass for me because it just looks and feels like it will fall apart in a week or two.
Agreed this is so half a$$ed
Omar, as always, this was a stellar review!
I am slightly younger than you but also slightly older than some other fans. (I'm 35) I've been collecting comics on a consistent basis since 1992, with my first comic book purchased being Archie Comics "Sonic the Hedgehog" # 0. That and its spinoffs and specials were the only comics I bought until my grandmother on my mother's side purchased "Spider-Man" (1990-1998) # 60 for me. That was Part 3 of the 4-Part "The Trial of Peter Parker", taking place during the infamous 1990s "The Clone Saga". If that did not scare me away, along with the revelation of Kaine's identity in that issue, nothing would. lol
Since then, I have amassed a large collection, but it was not until I began to explore outside of the superhero genre that I understood just how much variety of story there is out there. I purchased the "Starman" Omnibus Volume 1, which for those who do not know was part of a series of standard sized hardcovers with the Omnibus title on it, shortly after it released.
...I was hooked! I had to discover it on my own because my parents did not support my interest in comics really and more like tolerated it. I had no one to guide me like you act as a guide to fans old and new. However, I was hooked, and this title touched me in ways that are hard to describe. It also got me to read "Hellblazer", "Swamp Thing", and more outside of the traditional genre. I can easily say it got me into "The Walking Dead" because that fell outside of the Marvel and DC realm!
I do wish DC had stuck to its commitment and released a legitimate Omnibus format for this absolutely heartfelt and amazing series, but I have purchased the Compendium, praying the second volume actually releases as planned, to relive this amazing story and also to show support so that other people who have read the series and want to reread it and new fans can also enjoy it. Different formats for different people. I believe that is important, as no single collector shares everything in common with the collector next to them.
Again, it is hard to express how spectacular this series is, but I am grateful DC is supporting it in at least some form.
Be well, all! Please enjoy!
#smashthelikebutton
Compendiums are the future of the big runs that couldn’t make it to omnibus, they’re cheaper, and good enough to new readers, so cheers for this new format that has arrived to dc
Glad you enjoy them and people are getting a chance to read these classics for the first time
@@NearMintCondition thanks, yeah its a great run, as you said in other videos the firsts edition technically are impossible to find so, I’m glad with my compendium this is my second compendium that i got, the first one was spawn and then starman, for a while I’m satisfied with the format 🤔🤔🤔
After years of waiting for this its finally out!!!!! How many times I bugged you for this uncanny guy! How many eons have we waited for this!!! Its here finally!!! James Robinson your fav writer!!! Starman the thing that made you cry! Oh my god now I am emotional
Surprisingly looks like a great compendium. I hope if they continue to go this route that they make a box set like Fables compendiums. Great vid as always, Omar!
Me and my friend have been talking about comics and our next purchase and this title has been on my eye since i saw the review you and your wife did and it had me interested even more and i find myself relatable with Jack we collect and love the past thank you Omar for this video
Thanks for the overview. This is also one of my all-time favorite series. I have the original comic book series and the hardback editions. I wasn't sure if I was going to triple-dip with the compendium, but after watching this video, I'm definitely adding this to my collection. Thanks, Omar.
I have the hardcovers - and i am buying the compendiums. Honestly, this series deserves an Absolute edition!
Man, having it in Absolute would be awesome; I totally agree!!!
Gonna disagree and think the compendium will actually sell better. Look at what formats sold well for Invincible and recently Fables. (It’s cheaper)
I will definitely buy more compendiums. Tired of wallet-obliterating omnis and hardcovers.
Different things for different people. lol I'm buying it in this format after already owning it previously. I'll buy an Omnibus if it ends up released in that format. Some things are worth multiple formats. lol Be well.
Totally, I really didn't have interest in Fables...but then I saw the compendiums. Affordable way to get a ton of content.
@@xposhboyx Agreed! I love the Omnibus format, but the Compendiums allow my fiancé to read without the weight of a hardcover. Lol
Agree. "Oversized artwork" is a conundrum. It was never meant to be omnibus size. It's different with artist's editions where you can see everything in the original art. With the compendium spines and binding improving a lot, I'll prefer them over an omnibus as often as it makes sense from a reading experience.
Yesssss…thank you Omar 🙂
I'm not gonna watch this video because I already ordered this a while back. Just came to say FUCK YEAH STARMAN LETS GOOOOO
I'm hoping against hope that this book gets the hardcover treatment it deserves. I absolutely love this series. Also, I'm wanting a HITMAN omnibus as well. That's a book that gets no love at all. By the end of STARMAN and HITMAN, you will feel like the characters are your friends. They're fleshed out so well.
even a few hitman compendiems would be amazing that book was so good , gotta love sixpack and section 8 !!
@@darrellmetcalfe3615 I want a 2 volume omnibus. I would include the short run of THE DEMON by Ennis that served as the platform to build HITMAN on. And vol 2 would have all the 6 pack mini series. It's such an underrated book.
I've heard good word of mouth about this series and saw the video Melanie and Omar did on it, of course I bought it. Looking forward to actually sitting down to read it.
Even though I know all the spoilers, I think it’s very thoughtful of you to put timestamps in your review. Thanks!
Thank you!
I’ve been looking forward to this one for awhile. My copy is coming today. I would prefer and omnibus but I actually like compendiums. Great review as always
Oh DC ..... I would have upgraded and bought Starman, if they created it as an omnibus. I've got the standard sized hardcovers, so I'm happy with them; just wish it were over sized. Really great series and remember looking forward to it when it came out monthly.
I agree! I think different people can purchase different formats, but I would have appreciated DC releasing this in OHC for an Omnibus due to the fact that they have already released this in a standard size multiple times. Also they fact that they said they would! DC stands for Damned Contradictions sometimes. lol Enjoy! Be Well!
They should have just reprinted the 6 volume hardcovers as a 6 vol. Deluxe Edition series and added whatever content might have accrued since the series ended (like the 2011 shade Maxi series which also deserves a wider release & a hardcover collection).
@@RobbyRSmith I would love to have that maxiseries in a Deluxe format!
I`m comfortable with this format after buying the Irredeemable & Xenozoic compendiums . The binding seems pretty sturdy on them & I think it`ll hold up even for books this size. I haven`t read this series yet so it`s going on My to buy list.
I've added it to my cart and purchased it, as well. I think we would all prefer the Omnibus OHC format, but we cannot always get what we want, even if DC has previously promised it to us. lol
Omar thank you bro. I became a fan after being introduced to The Shade in the Blackest Night Omnibus for the Starman issue included. I just finished this Compendium about an hour ago and can't wait for part 2 in December. You are correct Birthdays won't ever feel the same again after that issue it hits everytime!!!!
What a gorgeous looking spine design! Makes me a little teary that it’s not on an omnibus dust jacket though. My Sweet Tooth compendium held up ok so I guess this format build is ok but I will stick with my standard sized ‘omnis’ for the time being. But this is a nicely priced option for anyone wanting to read (or re-read) this fantastic story. Thanks Omar!
def commented this b4 lol but this was oddly the FIRST graphic novel i read the full way through. i used to get detention in middle school but the teacher had starman trades. def wanna re read this!
Loving the music 🎶
Yes, was looking forward to this. Can't wait to read it.
Bought this, got it yesterday and have read first half. Loving it so far! The storytelling is top-notch. I’m just fully engrossed and looking forward to next story. I like the little side stories from Showcase that expand on Shades background. And it’s been interesting to learn more about the heroes/villains from the 40s/50s era. Thanks for highlighting it!
Oh wow I can't wait for my copy to arrive, this looks very good
One of my top 3 favorite series of all time (the other two being Preacher and Transmetropolitan). I have all of the hardcovers but I encourage anyone who is remotely interested to check this series out, you won't be disappointed. James Robinson and Tony Harris created a classic for the ages.
We need another (hardback) Omni. Don't understand the point of these softcover compendiums.
cheaper. Plus people like me prefer reading comics in softcover
@@jakecarlstad6192 I don't really understand why hardcovers are so much more expensive- very often the interior pages (paper/print quality) is identical, it's just the binding and hardcover- if they dropped the dust jacket, maybe that would help a little. Personally I just prefer having something more durable and hard-wearing that will stand the test of time.
@@iansmith6166 I mean it comes down to how you handle a book there are floppys in mint condition that survived for over half a century
This has been one of my main "to read" series for years but the HC's/TPB's are OOP and really expensive so was glad to see DC release this with the whole series! I hope they release more runs like this (Robin, Legends of the Dark Knight, Kyle Rayner Green Lantern to name a few!)
You are in for a rare treat
I’m not the biggest fan of compendiums, but after hearing you talk about it I couldn’t help but get it, I’m only about 10 issues in but I absolutely love it so far. Glad I’m able to read it, even if it’s not in my preferred format
Starman was the first book I started reading when I started collecting again in the 90s
I’ll be getting this for sure. I wanted it in Omnibuses but I’ll take it in this format since I don’t trust DC to make the Omnibuses for years and then there’s no guarantee they’ll finish it.
Wow, the art looks amazing. I had no idea.
You're opening the book up too wide for me, Omar, I always hold my books at the spine to make sure they don't fall fully open and get the crease.
I read a good chunk of this as a kid and really enjoyed it...and never read it again smh. Might be time to remedy that. Also, I have read the Spawn, Invincible and Walking Dead Compendiums and made it through them without creasing the spine, but I also handle paperback novels pretty gently and tend to make it through without creasing them either. So it is possible to read these without damaging the spine if you treat them with care.
Amen to that! I have the "Spawn" Compendium Volume 1 and have two of the four "The Walking Dead" Compendiums and have had no problem with Image, as well as the "Incorruptible" and "Irredeemable" Compendiums from Boom! Studios, also with no problems.
I think the main problem people are having is the fact that DC Comics had reported that they were releasing an Omnibus edition in OHC this time instead of the standard sized hardcovers, disappointing people when that changed.
@@DBZALLSTAR Yeah I would rather have it as an Omnibus for sure, but this format is a great value.
@@nivekleveb8872 I think whatever format works for people is worth having. I am just grateful people will be able to relive this amazing story or experience it for the first time. Please be well!
@@DBZALLSTAR Agreed and take care!
Do you stretch the spine at all to prevent creases? I own all the walking dead compendiums and all of mine have creases. I wish they didn't, but to me it shows that I've actually read them a lot.
This has been one of your better reviews and videos as of late. I was curious about this release. Great information and I can tell you enjoy the story. Looking forward to checking out the series! Awesome vid Omar!
Thank you so much Colin.
You just sold me a copy! Thanks again Omar!
I pre-ordered this, but I would gladly double-dip and buy it again in the omnibus format. This deserves to be preserved in the oversize format. Maybe in 2024 for the 30th anniversary?
That would be absolutely spectacular, and I would definitely purchase this again. Had purchased the "Omnibus" standard sized hardcovers. Purchased this format. What's one more? lol
Bad package for such a masterpiece but hopefully an omnibus is in the future.
Omar: my man. I got this based solely on your suggestion. Just like JSA omnis that i got bcos u spoke highly of them. And boy was i in for a treat !! This stuff is amazing. Cant wait for compendium 2. And angry at DC for not giving this the omni treatment. I had the omni on pre order. And will buy it again.
Thanks a lot buddy
I’m so glad you are enjoying it.
@@NearMintCondition like it.. are u kidding.. love it.. long time since i had to pick a dictionary for some of the words that jack knight says and i was a spelling bee winner !!!
Hahaha
Thanks for the review! I'm gonna go see if I can get this now because I've never read it and it looks really interesting
I prefer the compendium because it’s cheaper
Love the compendium format. Only issue with certain books is the gutter loss in how some titles are printed.
We get Marvel omnis because of the timing of the movies, sure, but I don’t recall a slough of them saying “Come see the movie now in theaters!!”
If anything the movies should advertise the comics. I think billion dollar movies could share the love.
Bought it already... Was hoping it would be oversized... Really would have preferred an Omnibus!
Just started reading the STARMAN OMNIBUS (never read the comic): 1) The art IS fantastic! (although, there've been a couple pages (issue, around pg.16 or so) when the "loose" panels seem to be only half on the page (if that's part of a technique -- bummer); also, the binding is so tight, a lot of the art, and sometimes the writing, gets lost in the gutter 2) the guy doing the majority of the lettering here in the beginning Bill Oakley (who gets the LEAD credit, and therefore must've done the lion's share of the work) is one of the worst: his "D's" look lik "O's", so half the time I'm rereading to make sure I got the gist -- furthermore, I've already noticed him dropping a word or two in the "bubbles" (or, forgetting a letter here and there, or using the WRONG letter), which is distracting as hell, 3) the writing by Robinson is good, journeyman work -- but NOT transcendent, and certainly not a whole lot better than above average (the father-son thing has been done ad nauseum; I get it: guys, in general, tend to be weepy about their fathers; not me); and a lot of the character motivations and such are kinda sketchy; still, got an interesting enough story and solid enough characterization to keep me interested (not on the edge of my seat, or emotions, however). What the hell: VERY few comic writers reach the level of Gaiman, or a Moore, or Vaughn, or Morrison (at his "Doom Patrol" best, not the JLA dreck). :)
Oh man, here it is! Excited to get a look at this big boy
Never read Starman but after this video I’m really interested. And I do like the compendium format a lot (like Fables, Spawn and Invincible).
I can't wait to get my copy, I'm gonna turn it into a harcover, build it like a tank, lol. I've DIYed all my compendiums (Invincible, Attack Of the Titans, walking Dead, Witchblade, The Darkness, Mornig Glories, etc. into hardcovers. Really very satisfying result and feeling of accomplishment, A nice corollary hobby to collecting graphic novels.
I would like to take a look if you could share some pictures 😊
@@marcelo-ramos Sorry, I don't have them right now, I boxed them up and sent them to my native country as I'm planning to move there when covid allows it. All I have are the books I have recently bought and will be boxing them up too.
basically I just remove the softcover and replace them with a hard case, strengthen the spine by putting mull/super/crash cloth on it and top it with paper and headbands, cut up the cover and paste them to the front/back/spine of the hardcase and voila!, I have a hardbound book.
Most of the times I would make a custom cover, only a halfbound custom cover though because I don't have a printer that can print big pages.
another extremely helpful review because of this video I have just bought this book thanks Omar and team 👍
I haven’t read Jack Knight before so I’m really looking forward to reading this.
The great thing about Jack Knight is that he feels human. He is a flawed character. He realizes he made a mistake in trying to shut out his family as a sacrifice for his own goals. This is truly a hero's journey, with Jack wanting to both forge his own path still but also make amends for abandoning his family
Thanks for the review Omar. Was afraid what the spine would be and gutter loss but this looks good. :)
Fables,Sweet tooth and starman deserved absolute treatment at least or an omni,but alas
Bought this book a couple of weeks ago and I am impressed with the improved quality of build with both this compendium and that of Sweet Tooth. Some manga companies are starting to do this, as well, with older stories like the Deathnote All-In-One compendium, which is also over a thousand pages. It collects all 13 volumes.
That deathnote book was nuts. My brothers have it
@@NearMintCondition My favorite manga of all-time! I had it all in Japanese when I lived there, but had to lighten my load when I returned. Had no idea how in-demand manga, and comics in general would become...
Never read this series but just bought this book. I can't wait to dive in!!
Yes it's 4:18AM yes I'm an adult who needs to save money for up coming bills and date night tonight and YES i did order this book as i type this comment I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM YOU DO! 😂
Damn right!
Thanks for the video! I want to pick it up but was concerned about if it was going to be sturdy enough since it's so long! Good to know! Shame about the CW advert on the cover...
This is my equally favorite character and series, right next to Spider-man. This is a well worth it series to read. It has a beginning, middle and end. A very satisfying end also. Words cannot describe how much Jack Knight went thru to have this series be so good.
To say I miss it, is an understatement. They just don't make comics like this anymore...
Edit to add:
Damn it!! No letter pages? Why not @DC? It's very important to the series! F- grade.
Hopefully dc will tend towards omnibus in the future I did buy this and the spine is already starting to crease
Great video as always. I own the 6 x Omnibus hardcovers but strangely considering double dipping, theres two questions I had that can't seem to determine:
1. I heard comments this "collects more than the first three Omnis", so between the two eventual Compendiums will they have the exact same content as the 6 x Omnibus, issues wise I mean (not extras)? If not what is collected in the 2 x Compendiums that isn't in the 6 x Hardcover Omnibus?
2. What is the paper quality like in these Compendiums? Is a "glossy" finish and better/worse than the paper quality in the 6 x Hardcover Omnibus?
Any input is appreciated
In places, the art almost looks like the heyday of Jae Lee. Awesome!
So... they softcovered the omnibus now! 😆
Now that is one helluva phone book.
Eagerly waiting for my copy to arrive! I read the series in the old omnis from the library and adored the series. Really hoping vol. 2 includes some extras and, at the very least, the prose content. If it ever comes out in a modern omnibus, deluxe or (dare I say) absolutes, I'm sure I'll be double dipping.
Happy to say I picked this up for 12 dollars thanks to Amazon Germany pricing error! Arrived this morning! Huzzah!!
Good choice!
Fantastic story, but definitely would fear for this volumes stability. So glad I spent the money on the Starman omni HCs once they were still affordable... 🙏
Any information on volume two already? I hope they won't let this be incomplete.
A must buy for me.
I have mixed feelings about the format. The price is very attractive, but that's the only selling point for myself. I'm thinking about buying next year the Fables 20th Anniversary Box Set, but would allways prefer an Omnibus collection. My thicker softcover books mostly crease on the spine and that's the reason I try to avoid this format, if any other hardcover release is available.
The Compendium will be the better format for travelling readers. But since I'm allways reading my books at home this is no selling point for me.
I skip this release and hope DC will release it in OHC format. I prefer it as Absolute or Omnibus collection.
Give it to me in Omnibus please! In order to keep my collection under control I have a "No PaperBacks" rule
That looks like it would fall into a million pages in your lap if you tried reading it on a hot day.
happy for you guys but it being the size of a standard TPB is a big no for me il hopefully wait for a absolute or heres hoping reprint/new omnibus
I might get this. I personally love these big compendiums much more than omnibuses. I don't really enjoy reading comics in hardcover. Plus it's a bunch cheaper!
I know it will never happen, and I'm in the minority, but I'd gladly pay more than twice this amount to get this entire run in an absolute format. And when I say the entire run, I mean including not just the forwards, but the original letter pages too. I remember really enjoying reading those and the community that evolved in the letter columns in those original single issues.
So this disappeared of Amazon UK today bar a copy from Amazon US. Nice work Amazon. I have been waiting for this to be collected for years. Ya hear me. Years.
Hey Omar, the compendium 2 arrived and its a horrible construction. Has more pages but the spine is thinner. Returning it even though 8 love the run and hate an incomplete collection. Much rather read digital than this version.
Now my request is for you to push DC for 2 omnis. They listed 1 omni that i had previously pre-ordered but they printed compendiums instead.
I am happy this is a softcover. If this was a omnibus I wouldn't have picked it up. With this being at this price point i don't mind taking a risk and am considering picking it up. Can you read this without reading anything else?
You definitely can, and you should feel comfortable buying it in whatever format works for you. Be well.
Seems like a cool package, but im’ma stick to the HCs. Waiting on that Omnibus! 😭
The sturdiness of this thing gives me hope for the Milestone Compendium. I'd rather have deluxe editions or omnis but I want to be supportive so they continue to print more from that line.
That's kind of my dilemma. I would much rather have absolute or deluxe editions/omnis. But I should probably buy this so that they know there is support for the creative team/character/title.
@@carlrosenzweig1867 I figure if I can pick it up at one of the discount sites then read it carefully I can always throw it on Ebay if they eventually do hardcover collections.
I'd love to read this series because it looks so interesting to me but I'm a digital reader normally and reading a fat compendium doesn't sound very appealing to me anymore. I wish they would release this digitally as well because as I said the series looks really interesting
How do I write DC and tell them I wish they would make these as Omnis? I mean I get the compendium. The Omni market is niche and they want this to get in more hands but they could have s just continued the thick tpbs.
I wonder if we're going to start getting runs like Snyder's Batman (When the Omnis run out of print)
It seems weird to do only old runs of stories.
I pre ordered this so it should be on my hand on two weeks
I actually rather enjoy DC compendiums I just lament the lack of extras, which would have been particularly nice for this series.
Oh, shit, I NEED this.
Can't wait for this but I seem to be having a bit of trouble getting this and fables vol 3 in the uk
Omar, did you ever read the Roger Stern 80's run before this? Can you go into this series COMPLETELY blind? Thanks man, and great overview!
100 percent you can go into this blind. Stern’s character does show up. But it’s for just a bit.
@@NearMintCondition You rock, thanks bro! Starting it now :)
It doesn't look like that there are the excerpts from The Shade's Journal, which help form part of the narrative arc in the series.
There aren’t. Maybe in book 2, which I don’t know how that will be handy in book 2 and not this one.
Great job on the overview. This is a huge disappointment. The artwork in this story deserves the oversized Omnibus edition. The lack of features is really bad as well.
I’m still hopeful that we are getting a absolute treatment
People keep buying these crappy formats with no extras, DC will keep printing them. There is no way the binding of this book will stand up over time either. I guess it just comes down to price, most people just want the cheapest collection they can buy.
@@bclayj I've never read this before but have always been curious. This is the best most cost effective way to read a huge chunk of it. Of course it's not going to hold up well over time because I intend to read it. Not just put it on the shelf. For the price and page count I'd say it's a really good deal especially for a reader copy.
@@geraldferguson734 Right, so you proved my point. Of course you should read the book, I have the original hardcovers and have read them multiple times and they still look great with no binding issues. There are already way too many cheap, disposable things in the world - I believe books should not be one of those things.
I feel like most trades are too thin and could use to be increased. This is too much though. I avoid soft cover this big since I have problems with Vizbig editions.
Hello there! One doubt: The compendium includes the issue of the mist from girlfrenzy?
Omar, what about Deadman Omnibus?
Is it an “old-school” book like e.g. Sandman or Alan Moore Swamp Thing? When it‘s beautiful and poetic and not like “omg what an exciting twist/ cliffhanger“ like in Invincible or Saga?
Simply put, yes.
Any chance the Shade limited from 2013 (?) gets a hardcover? Maybe they can combine both limited series into one fattie?
I really hope so too.
DC, if you are reading this, you lost a sale by making a compendium instead of an omnibus.
Well, they also won a sale because of that, look at Stephan the shy warrior's comment 👍🏻
@@stephanberger3476 I think most of us would agree that Marvel has a much better run collected edition group than DC and there is a reason Marvel doesn't do compendiums. Yes, there are some people too cheap to spring for an omni, but there are a lot more people that think compendiums suck and aren't even worth half the cost of an omni.
@@maximusmagni1 Dude, that can all be true, but I don't buy Marvel books. Why even bring it up?
I was just pointing out that there are also people who do like this change. Personally, I love hardcover omnibuses, but yeah.