Binding the process of taking comic books (floppies, trades or whatever) and having them bound into hardcover or (rarely) softcover books.

Why do people do this? Even though it pretty much destroys the collector value of the comics it has several upsides. The biggest is getting your collections out of the bags, boards and boxes and onto a bookshelf. Not only does this make the comics easier to read, it also makes for a more attractive collection.

Of course, the big question is "Why not just buy the trade?" Well firstly, it's often the case that there is no trade or HC and binding is the only way to get it in that format. This is especially useful for a series like ROM, where licensing issues make collected editions impossible for the foreseeable future. And even if there is a trade it might not appeal to more nostalgic folks, as a bound volume will (of course) be printed on newsprint with all the old ads and have that "old comic" smell. Said trade might not include all of the material you want, or in the order you want. If you bind your own book you can choose the exact contents and in the exact order. Another incentive is if you have the original issues you don't have to buy the material twice just to get it in a hardback or paperback.

There are two major binderies in America that offer this service: Houchen and Herring & Robinson. They offer more or less the same services, just with slightly different pricing schemes and options. A single book costs $18.50 at H&R and $21 at Houche. Houchen has reduced pricing for larger orders but H&R has more affordable frill options. Broadly speaking there are three forms of binding and two cover options. Oversewing is the cheapest option but sucks up most of the gutter. DFAB is a glued binding that is more flexible but can be less feasible with heavily coated paper. Smythe/hand sewing is more expensive but has no gutter loss (think Marvel's omnibuses), although it requires complete comics (no binding from trades and no cutting out ads). The two cover options are cloth and printed. There is a variety of book cloth available, including buckram and imitation leather in several colors, and it can be adorned with foil type and stamped images. These options can become expensive, as each stamp imprint costs money and having a stamp made costs even more money, but both companies have a collection of pre-made logo stamps (H&R's selection is particularly impressive). Printed covers are more affordable than complex stamping, but you have to be able to design your own cover in graphics software. If that is a skill you don't have then this option probably isn't for you unless you're willing to learn.

If this sounds like something you're interested in check it out. And if you've already had books bound post them here. The previous thread never really took off on the old forum. I hope it fares better here.