So, just for a moment I'm going to soapbox about the fact that it bothers me when Overstreet doesn't price some books. I get it, if you look in their mission statement and information about their publication history Mr. Overstreet himself says he won't price the 'naughty' books. That being said, I hate to break it to him - but all those Phantom Lady books back in their day were scandal if there was a thing. There are all sorts of examples to pull from which throw any reason for this being the norm into doubt. Look, I get it that the Tarot Witch of the Black Rose books have a lot of nudity - however my wife reads them and if there was a gal whom would be quick to point out pornography for its own sake I'm certain she would. Not to mention, I dunno how many readers there are out there - but if you can find a more feminine supportive book which teaches values like it does I challenge you to do so.

But the real rub is with the Grimm line. All of them. Check an Overstreet and you'll find nary a book being mentioned in its hallowed pages. I've even written them and inquired as to the reason. My response was stony silence. Guess there are still some folks around, even within such a barrier breaking industry like comics whom are still a little uncomfortable about their views on sexuality and sensuality. Having a price for the books doesn't endorse any lifestyle choice nor does it incriminate the publisher for having affiliations with those respective creative companies. Both Zenescope and Broadsword are companies run by respectable and people driven organizations whom have stood the test of time in the comics industry. And in case anyone is wondering - ask Simm how easy that was. It's a dis-service to those companies and to the fans whom have created a wonderful collecting community (just sent off the 4th Grimm book to be slabbed for the wife) that is of the most discerning readers out there. If you have any feelings on this, I encourage you to respond to this or to contact me personally if you feel that strongly but don't wish to have it be so publicized. Thanks !

I didn't know that Overstreet elected to omit some titles that they deemed too adult. That just seems... silly. It's not as if kids read the OPG :p

You know I didn't either until my wife started getting into the hobby. We started back issue hunting for a lot of the other indie titles for her and I was scratching my head as to why there was nothing listed in the Overstreet about them. Well, come to find out (if you read the fine print) there is a direct citation about them in their mission statement. To my understanding though, Mr. Overstreet has never come out and said publicly as to why. As I indicated above though, when I've written and inquired - not a sound to be heard. And although I was picking up an Overstreet at the ripe age of 12 - I certainly wasn't doing so in order to access more adult titles. There wasn't even internet back then and I knew better places to oogle attractive ladies. Again, I'm not calling out his ethics - just the premise.

Yeah, I agree with what you mean about his ethic. It's just odd, and seems contrary to the business that he's aiming towards... but hey, it's his baby ;)

@xerox_kitty: By the by, thanks for taking the time to respond and share your thoughts. Good to know I'm not out there on my own on this one !

@Grey56 said:

Both Zenescope and Broadsword are companies run by respectable and people driven organizations whom have stood the test of time in the comics industry.

This is my only problem with this blog. Broadsword is run by a nutjob. When we started selling Tarot at my shop, he wrote us a letter using phrases like "it is our destiny... the planets have aligned... praise the stars above." He scares me. I can't respect something I fear.

@xerox_kitty said:

Yeah, I agree with what you mean about his ethic. It's just odd, and seems contrary to the business that he's aiming towards... but hey, it's his baby ;)

I agree with this 100% nicely phrased.

@inferiorego said:

@Grey56 said:

Both Zenescope and Broadsword are companies run by respectable and people driven organizations whom have stood the test of time in the comics industry.

This is my only problem with this blog. Broadsword is run by a nutjob. When we started selling Tarot at my shop, he wrote us a letter using phrases like "it is our destiny... the planets have aligned... praise the stars above." He scares me. I can't respect something I fear.

So he's a nut job. Why should stop his comics from being priced?

@inferiorego: Certainly can see where some things could leave a bad taste in one's mouth. I know that being around the industry and dusty old shops my whole life - you run into some characters. I can only imagine that being amplified by being an owner. And although I can't speak for your personal interactions with Mr. Balent - I can say that when I've dealt with him and more-over his wife Holly, they have been a delight to deal with. When I had questions about making sure the title was accessible for the wife at a local venue, Holly herself answered their business phone and carried on with me in a professional manner unto that I've ever been exposed to.

That being said, its an odd hobby. Always has been - and I for one hope that it continues its eclectic appeal to the more interested demographics. What gives me pause is when some of my professional peers begin to discuss the militaristic escalation we currently are undergoing with nations like and . Having Mr. Balent be a little kooky from time to time just seems, well...par for the course. Something else though, for guys like he and Linsner and Simm to carry on like they have has to say something about their acumen. I'm not accusing them of any Newtonian innovation - but at least they've survived the dog eat dog world of publication.....and distribution from the likes of Diamond. Not easy stuff.

Keep the dream alive though sir - were it a different time and place I would've loved to have had my own shop. Alas for that. And thanks for taking the time to respond sir ! PS - Sorry to take so long to post back, apparently I am limited to the posts I can make but nonetheless thanks for taking the time to respond !

@inferiorego said:

@Grey56 said:

This is my only problem with this blog. Broadsword is run by a nutjob. When we started selling Tarot at my shop, he wrote us a letter using phrases like "it is our destiny... the planets have aligned... praise the stars above." He scares me. I can't respect something I fear.

I dont know about the destiny part, but the planets & stars bits sound like wicca-y stuff so maybe that nutjob fear you have is ignorance to that religion.

Maybe Overstreet cant get all of the pricing info in time to print. Nowadays it make sense to not waste space & time saying "we dont know what this price is". It also makes them look incomplete & maybe even ametourish.

But if it does have to do with the content, do they show the pictures of the covers? If the content is "questionable" & really, Zeno isnt much different than any other comic cover, why dont they just print the logos & prices?

@COBRAMORPH: Interestingly - I had meant to post this earlier yet had neglected it but the prices were just printed in the new edition. The 42nd Printing in fact has both books, Grimm and Tarot which I've noted were absent several times now. Food for thought.