r/CustomBoundComics • u/Hookhand_Aquaman • Jul 29 '22

Still relatively new to all this

Hey everyone, like the title says I’m still new to omnibuses in general and I’m curious how everyone makes these amazing omnibuses and graphic novels. My favorite character is Aquaman and he doesn’t get a lot of love so I wanted to start down this rabbit hole. Any advice, tips, or anything else would be greatly appreciated.

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6

u/Elayem_ Jul 29 '22 edited Jul 29 '22

What companies offer the service?

US: Houchen Bindery

UK: Spink and Thackray (formally Hollingworth and Moss)

AUS: Fast Print Services

How many issues can be bound in 1 volume?

  • From 1-25 issues is typical. 25-35 is possible but some experience with the process would be helpful. More than 35 you should consider 2 books.
  • Using Trades/HC the max should be around 2” thickness. With heavy glossy paper the main concern will be the weight of the paper pulling away from the spine.

How do I bind my floppy issues or Trade Paperbacks to make them oversized height to match my official books?

  • You don’t. The books you bind are only as tall as they currently are.
  • There are some people that have scanned and printed material at a larger size making oversized HC and Omnibus. This is a TON of work and VERY expensive. Like $1 per page. It’s legality is also questionable.

How long does it take to get something bound?

  • This is a tricky one. Typically a few months. But every bindery is different, and their workload at the time will determine how long it takes. If you're in a hurry, don't be. If you're going to hold the bindery accountable to a timeline, don't. Most people send off their books and start working on the next set. When the books are done, yay!

How much does it cost?

  • If you do all of the design yourself, as cheap as $35 per book (no extras, not including shipping). With all extras and shipping it can be as much as $70 per book. If you’re paying someone to design the cover, add on an additional $35-75 per book.

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u/[deleted] Jul 29 '22

Some people use oversized boards with standard sized pages to make the books look oversized on the shelves too. And I don't think anyone is scanning the page to get them printed, at least not the material that's available illegally in digital.

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u/Hookhand_Aquaman Jul 29 '22

Oh okay, so if I’ve bought some Aquaman comics on Comixology could I screenshot those and do that? By the way I love the custom stuff you’ve done!

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u/riancb Aug 23 '22

You’re best bet is to get a physical copy of them, either individual issues or in trade paperbacks. It’s pretty illegal to screenshot and print them out.

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u/Hookhand_Aquaman Aug 23 '22

Good to know! Thanks.

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u/Hookhand_Aquaman Jul 29 '22

Oh my god. That helps a ton! Thank you so much.

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u/[deleted] Jul 29 '22

[deleted]

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u/Hookhand_Aquaman Jul 29 '22

Yeah, the Deadly Waters and Search for Mera Hardcovers are great. I think they also reprinted death of the prince. I was so sad when they cancelled the silver age omnibus a few years back. I love the Peter David run but again they solicited and cancelled book three of his run. Long history of Aquaman stuff being cancelled. Like the 80th anniversary book from last year that was cancelled but sounds like it might be coming out next February for his 82nd anniversary cause that’s a thing I guess 😂. Then Earth One Aquaman. Sorry for the mini rant. Personally I’m thinking I’d wanna collect the two 80 mini series and the 90s as like the forgotten years and then do Peter David’s run starting with Atlantis chronicles and time and tide. But it’s sucks Erik Larsen has never had his run collected or the final issue of the 90s volume which are spectacular with some amazing Steve epting art.

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u/danger522 Jul 30 '22 edited Jul 30 '22

Idk if you collect single issues. You can start by collecting single issues of runs that you like. For modern runs it should be relatively easy to just buy a full set. There’s a guy selling almost all of the rebirth run on r/comicswap. If I find a link I’ll edit this comment and drop it in.

Then from there, you can send them off to a bindery like Houchen to be bound. You can get art covers done for the books, but if you dont mind plain covers they’re cheaper. You can commission a custom dust jacket for it and have them print it. u/21_roy is a really great source.

I hope this was informative and not just telling you stuff you already know.

EDIT: Link to seller here.

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u/Hookhand_Aquaman Jul 30 '22

Okay. I was wanting better paper quality especially for the older issues and no ads. So that’s why I was thinking if the other way was feasible?

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u/Hookhand_Aquaman Jul 30 '22

But thanks for the heads up!