Thursday, December 22, 2005

Best and Worst of 2005 #10- Rucka Writes and Prices Hike


Private Wars
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
As the year draws to a close, I thought I would highlight the best and the worst of what 2005 had to offer. I tried to only talk about comics and not pop culture in general to keep things simple. In my humble opinion, the best and worst that I am planning to highlight throughout this week and next week encompass the highlights and low blows of a year filled with anticipation.

Without further ado, here is number 10 on my list, both best and worst.

BEST #10: Greg Rucka's new Queen & Country Novel Private Wars.
God knows how Rucka did it, but he not only helmed several comic book titles, but wrote a heart wrenching and compelling novel in Private Wars. Tara Chace is a favorite character of mine, and it feels as if Rucka inhabits her as he writes. Rucka is a diverse, talented writer who can cross genres but chooses to stay in comic book territory. Kudos to him.

WORST #10: Price Increases on Most Books.
The hike to $2.99 on most comic books is killing me. My comic bill is so high anymore, that it almost makes me physically ill. Infinite Crisis is $3.50. The Image Christmas Special was $9.99. What the hell is going on here? If publishers aren't careful, readers won't be able to afford the enjoyment of their labors anymore.

Yes, I know the price of living is going up, but there has got to be some middle ground. My non-comic book friends cringe at the price of a comic and wonder why I don't just buy a paperback novel instead. Those days may be here sooner then I want if there is another price increase like this next year.

That is it for the number 10 best and worst of 2005. Stay tuned in as I head towards the number one slot.

2 comments:

Planet Heidi said...

Rucka is my hero. He was one of my inspirations from making the move from writer to comic writer.

Heidi Meeley said...

Rucka is incredible. I had him sign my copy of "A Gentleman's Game" at the Emerald City Con, and it is a treasured piece in my book collection. I am very impressed that he can jump between genres with relative ease. That is a gift not many writers can boast of.

I am glad to see another Rucka fan around here- I have found people either love him or hate him, which is puzzling to me.