Hey guys, Chuck here, wanting to give you an insight on how to continue to read comics while on a limited budget. This is an article that I wrote for a magazine I was doing entitled Comic Book Sleuth. Hope you enjoy it!
With the recent economic downfall, most people can no longer afford their subscriptions to comics. Many have been forced to adjust their budget, doing away with any indulgences. In the midst of this, some companies are increasing their prices to $3.99, leaving fans to cut back even more. Even with all these issues, there are still ways to help keep you reading on a tight budget.
During these hardships, many people are forced to sell entire or parts of their collection. This can be a great opportunity for someone that is interested in picking up something new. Most comic shops usually have a cheap bin/box or what its referred to here as, “The Quarter Bin”. These are comics that may not have sold for a while, or possibly just a large overstock. This is a great way to pick up on issues you may have missed, or even a new series. A local comic shop isn’t the only place where you can find good comics for a cheap rate. You can also find other comics that are priced to move at auctions, pawnshops, classified ads, craigslist, garage/yard sales, and flea markets. During conventions, many people will bring their collection to sell before the event ends. As a reader, you can purchase a magnitude of reading material for bargain prices.
Another cheap way to keep up on comics is by going online. Online, companies are offering monthly discounts, charging minimal monthly fee for subscriptions, or some let you read their collection for free. Many places are starting digital subscriptions that can save you some cash. Usually you have to wait in order to get newer comic subscriptions online, but that seems to be changing. Publishers are starting to release newer comics to online subscriptions faster, and even launching some exclusively online. Some entire series are posted online at no charge, such as Elfquest @ Elfquest.com. This is a great way to read comics on the go while still saving money.
One thing that I’ve started to do is swap collections with my good friends. This is a great way to read up on what your buddies are interested in, as well as opening up discussion of the series. Many people have different comic tastes, and this allows you to read a title or genre you may have not been introduced to. I do suggest that you verify the condition that your friend keeps their comics in before you swap. You do not want your limited variant cover coming back with a coffee ring stain on it.
The last option, and in my opinion the best, is the library. Whether it be school or public, many libraries are carrying trade and hard paperbacks of various titles. With many sources of media now coming out based off comic books, libraries will often purchase comics as a form of reference. Companies also offer libraries a larger discount to purchase their products. Some libraries will allow you to reserve a book from any of their fellow county libraries and will ship it to your nearest location. Other have started to scan their collection and can be found online anytime. This is a free and local way to pick up some great sagas you want to reread, or ones you've never read before.
As you can see, finances aren’t a reason to give up on reading comics just yet. Even though you may be struggling, there are ways to reduce your monthly rates and even pick up some great new reads. If you’re just wanting to keep up with the changes that are going on in the comic world, pick up a monthly Diamond Previews to get an overview. Then use what money you save to possibly pick up a new subscription, or take advantage of one of the previously mentioned opportunities.
On those sphincter loosening episode we start off with Will apologizing for falling asleep the week before. Then Chuck begins our segment by going over Avengers: X-Sanction. Jennifer goes over Teen Titans. Jesus discusses his thoughts on Punishermax and laments it's upcoming conclusion. And Will finishes off the first half by going over the latest Transformers run. We then take a break to hear a word from our latest sponsor, Tony Starks Liquor Mart, and to hear my six year old sister review Zenescope's Alice in Wonderland.
