First things first.

Normally I shy away from comics in the general single-issue pamphlet format, except in rare circumstances. I know it's the classic format that has been used for decades but I have this overwhelming fear (involving flash floods and fires) of ruining such delicate comics. Also, since I enjoy reading in long sessions I find such issues to be too scanty. I also worry about the price.

But yesterday after work I decided to give one of the comic book stores in the city a visit, since it had been a couple of months or so since my last visit and I had heard about some fabulous news concerning Rictor and Shatterstar in the recent X-Factor #45 issue.

So I thought to myself, "Okay, I'll just look at that particular issue and since it will be awhile before it comes in a more durable compiled-issue format that I would buy; looking (and maybe buying) this issue won't be such a big deal. It's just a quick look at some titles before I head home for the day."

What ends up happening? I buy not one, but THIRTEEN pamphlet comics!

Well, this does mean that I am most likely to post a quick review of each one and I am now over my fear of buying pamphlet comics. (I also bought a packet of plastic pockets for the comics for safekeeping when I'm not reading them). Pricewise they're not too bad (I mean come on, the work involved in each issue is completely worth it) and are worth a quick thrill or to sample a series. I will still be buying more durable forms when it comes to comics (firm softcover, graphic novels, compilation versions, hardbacks, etc.) but the occasional pamphlet will be okay.

The List (That should eventually be updated here):

Runaways Vol. 3 Issue #5
Runaways Vol. 3 Issue #11
Uncanny X-Men Issue #509
X-Factor Issue #40
X-Factor Issue #43
X-Factor Issue #44
X-Factor Issue #45
DEAD@17: Afterbirth Issue #1
MOUSE GUARD: WINTER 1152 Issue #5
MOUSE GUARD: WINTER 1152 Issue #6
Dead By Thirty Issue #1
KAGEMONO Issue #2
Robots are People Too Issue #2

Today after work I'm planning on having a look at the other smaller comic book store in the city. It has a far smaller range (although they have far more pamphlet comics) but their prices are often a little bit better. I'm hoping that they will have a slightly lower price and a few titles (like John Layman's Chew) that I was looking for.

*The next day*

I couldn't find Chew unfortunately but I did end up finding a Marvel mini-series comic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (Issues 1-4 out of 5, I'll just have to wait for the final installment) and Captain America Issue #600, so I'll write up something quick about them too when I have finished reading the lot.

Considering the previous entry on the Epilogue Scans of DOOOOOOOOOM, I remembered a fairly recent yet similar incident concerning me and some spoilers.

I've now realised that my thirst for knowledge (especially if there's an air of mystery surrounding it) is also my worst enemy when I'm involved with reading a series that relies on mystery and suspense.

*headdesk*

My only comfort is that the spoilers for Runaways were actually good, and pretty clever in some aspects too. Unlike some spoilers for a series which Shall Not Be Named *grumble grumble*

( (Small) Spoilers (and Anecdotes) Ahoy! - This time about 'Runaways' the comic book series )