Yep. Wondering myself if there's value to these editions even without the first or any later volumes. Is the collection of scripts enough? Are those collected anywhere else? I could imagine picking these up even if they're the only volumes I have, but personally not yet making that decision for this particular series. But it wouldn't bother me too much to only have a couple of them if it was one of my favorite titles.
These are great oversized library editions books, printing on thick quality paper (production quality is of a high standard). To give you an idea, the inner book of the box described in details here http://myabsolutecollection.blogspot...w-limited.html is pretty identical to the "regular" version (signed page + colour of the IDW logo).
I had the first one, but didn't really prefer it. I didn't think the art benefited from being that size, and I wasn't interested in the script. Plus, an edition that size for six issues of story really didn't appeal to me. I thought the binding was the best I've seen, though, and the pages were thick. The cover was also nice and thick, too. I like the overall look of them, since the same editor who invented Absolutes is responsible for it.
I'm waiting for the Master Editions, personally. I think they're the best compromise, since I don't think they'd collect it all in one omnibus as it is against Joe Hill's wishes.
It sucks being in California since buying from CGN is not worth it at all. Shipping plus tax makes things way more expensive than IST.
I was tax free with IST when their warehouse/operation was in Indiana. In Dec '14 they opened up in TN(Memphis), we have no income tax, so it's a smart business move for them. However, I now pay sales tax. I just consider that a trade off on the Free Shipping. I still prefer them 95% of the time or greater.
"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" - Optimus Prime
For UK folks: Rakuten has a 15% coupon code again "Get 15% OFF when you spend £10 or more* with coupon: FEB15%OFF". Also you can "Get £5 back in Super Points to use against your next purchase if you use the coupon".
I would recommend everybody to subscribe their newsletter for these kind of promotions because speedyhen is on the rakuten marketplace and their prices are usually the best ones in the UK (the selection is a bit weaker compared to their website but you can find a lot of good stuff. I just bought the first 2 Chew omnivores using coupons and superpoints, also, last time when I bought the JSA omnibus, I got a tons of superpoints with that offer and got the JLA v5 tpb basically for free using those).
There is also some sale on Forbidden Planet for comics from 2000AD. Only today, seen some tweet today.
Nice tip on the discount...
However, there's a reason Speedyhen are one of the least expensive in the UK...because their packaging for anything heavier than a deluxe is an absolute disgrace (much like Book Depository and Amazon).
All they do is wrap a thin cardboard shell around books, so anything like an Omnibus or Absolute edition has minimal protection...heavier the book, more likely to be damaged.
I'm so used to this kind of packaging I don't even care about it (back at Hungary bookdepository was usually my only option, or sometimes speedyhen through amazon). My paperbacks usually come with some sort of dent or bump, but I really couldn't care anymore. It's easier for my wallet and I don't get a tumor either.