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Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: hexenrit on 01 Jan 2008, 17:59

Title: QC Book.
Post by: hexenrit on 01 Jan 2008, 17:59
You know, I've been following this silly comic since right around #400, and today I finally registered on the forums for one reason.

I think it would be completely awesome to have some sort of book with all the comics in it.  Maybe not now, but in the future, when there's enough material for a seriously long book, or when Jeph decides to retire the comic (god forbid).   It might be kind of hard to decide where the end of a book is, since the comic flows so great, but thats not the important part right now.

I just wanted to say that I think it'd be a great idea.  I'd buy it. Hell, I'd probably buy a couple as gifts.

I can't believe I registered just so I could say that haha.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: jeph on 01 Jan 2008, 18:51
This is one of my goals for 2008.

Ideally they'd be broken up into chunks of 200-250 strips in full color, if I can afford it. They're gonna be pretty huge books, at least 8.5x11 if not bigger. I'd probably charge somewhere between $15 and $25 per book, depending on final printing costs.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: koalamanchester on 01 Jan 2008, 19:20
Doooooooo it.

I'd buy at least one copy of each installment.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: snoppyjanoppy on 01 Jan 2008, 20:54
I'd probably buy the book sets.

I use to be a huge fan of Mall Monkeys, one of the first web comics I've ever read, and when they started selling a CD with all of the strips on it I thought it was bullcrap. I thought it was absurd to buy something that I read on the internet for free.

Then, they stopped creating new strips and shut down the website entirely.

I will not repeat the same mistake again. Also, don't stop creating QC comics Jeph ur awesome.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Fellyfiasco on 01 Jan 2008, 21:07
oooh <3 I would definitely buy QC books if they were published

do it do it do it!
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Bearer on 01 Jan 2008, 21:14
I must say, having a thick stack of nicely bound glossy QC comics on my coffee table (of doom) would be the most rad thing ever, especially because I find myself re-reading all your old strips constantly.  Please start making these Jeph.  I will give you $200 for said book!
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: die_born on 02 Jan 2008, 06:23
It works for little gamers i just order there 4th book.  It would be cool to add some QC books next to my complete little gamers collection.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: celticgeek on 02 Jan 2008, 07:42
Count me in for buying the books. 
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Fidel Fanst on 05 Jan 2008, 14:55
I can't believe I registered just so I could say that haha.
I know how you feel. I just registered to say this too...

I'd definitely buy a book of the comic, if one were made. But, what would be doene with the first comics, the ones that were (compared to the current art style) crappier?
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: brady on 05 Jan 2008, 20:00
I'll buy it the moment it comes out.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Nodaisho on 05 Jan 2008, 20:22
I would love to buy the books, not sure I could, but I would if I could.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: roint on 06 Jan 2008, 20:20
I haven't bought a single T-shirt yet, but I would totally buy a printed collection.

Hell, I even bought the Men in Hats collection.

I would so love to have some QC to read at work or on the bus.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Apple Pie on 06 Jan 2008, 23:06
...bookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbook...

I'm in.

Oh yeah.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Simon on 07 Jan 2008, 01:58
Another lurker that would 100% buy a QC book
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: SilentJ on 07 Jan 2008, 04:45
Not to say that I wouldn't also love to see this happen, but jesus guys, only so many of you can spontaneously orgasm at the mention of a QC book.

...or can you?
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Mark7 on 07 Jan 2008, 06:32
http://www.10zenmonkeys.com/2008/01/05/records-broken-by-the-perry-bible-fellowship/
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: beej55 on 07 Jan 2008, 17:23
Count me in, comics are the only thing I can read when I'm traveling...especially on the train.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: vgaer on 07 Jan 2008, 21:53
YES!!

Lulu.com, perhaps?
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: hexenrit on 07 Jan 2008, 22:20
This is one of my goals for 2008.

Ideally they'd be broken up into chunks of 200-250 strips in full color, if I can afford it. They're gonna be pretty huge books, at least 8.5x11 if not bigger. I'd probably charge somewhere between $15 and $25 per book, depending on final printing costs.

I'd pay that.  Probably more.  Just print them already :D
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Lunchbox on 07 Jan 2008, 22:37
Count me in for buying books too!
As for the very first strips, I would probably murder someone if they were redone in the newer style. I love watching the way the art has progressed, and there never was anything wrong with the old styles. The only thing I would want fixed for print are the few strips where the typeface was different due to Jeph using another computer.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Fidel Fanst on 08 Jan 2008, 00:08
This is one of my goals for 2008.

Ideally they'd be broken up into chunks of 200-250 strips in full color, if I can afford it. They're gonna be pretty huge books, at least 8.5x11 if not bigger. I'd probably charge somewhere between $15 and $25 per book, depending on final printing costs.

To quote Dora: I'll give you $200 for those comic books!
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Bearer on 08 Jan 2008, 18:00
This is one of my goals for 2008.

Ideally they'd be broken up into chunks of 200-250 strips in full color, if I can afford it. They're gonna be pretty huge books, at least 8.5x11 if not bigger. I'd probably charge somewhere between $15 and $25 per book, depending on final printing costs.

To quote Dora: I'll give you $200 for those comic books!
You're a little late man, I already busted out that joke, lol.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Fidel Fanst on 08 Jan 2008, 23:54
Heh, I'll eat my hat then... Can't blame me for not reading the entire thread... Well, you could, but I'm lazy :-P
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: philharmonic on 14 Jan 2008, 21:22
8 1/2 x 11, 380 pages for $45 to $50 and I'd totally buy it. Or perhaps same size but only around 130 pages I'd pay $30 for.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: soatari on 20 Jan 2008, 00:17
I registered an account just now after finally catching up to the current page in order to see if there was already a thread on this, and if not to make one.

I would very much enjoy owning hard copies of this comic as it is of a quality not seen much these days. I'm totally hooked, finding myself getting emotional right along with the characters, which I must say is a first for me as far as any kind of comic goes.

Here's to hoping you can get this idea off the ground this year, and here's to many great pages to come.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: bbqrocks on 20 Jan 2008, 07:18
Would they be available in the UK?
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: NeoNorm on 22 Jan 2008, 00:47
Count me in for buying books too!
As for the very first strips, I would probably murder someone if they were redone in the newer style. I love watching the way the art has progressed, and there never was anything wrong with the old styles. The only thing I would want fixed for print are the few strips where the typeface was different due to Jeph using another computer.

I'm with Lunchbox on this. Do not redo the older strips!  I have the full collection of The Far Side and you can see the progression. It's not as pronounced as the QC strips are, but that's Far Side. (BTW: The Far Side collection is awesome, and it weighs in at about 40lbs!).  I would be another buyer of the QC collection for sure. Hopefully its available on Amazon.com, Barnes And Noble, etc! (Amazon ftw)
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: ferrix on 24 Jan 2008, 11:04
Just to reiterate what Apple Pie said:

...bookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbookbook...

GIMME!
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: trinalin on 25 Jan 2008, 19:20
Put me down as another person joining the forum to add a "Me too!" to the QC Book notion.  The Math t-shirt that I ordered is all well & good, but a QC book would be even more fab. :-)

(Of course, it finally dawned on me this week that I'm a webcomics merchandise addict.  Most of the webcomics which I read I now have a fair amount of merch from. Guess it's better than spending the money on drugs!)
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Shadies on 28 Jan 2008, 05:56
Jumping on the bandwagon I'd love to buy a book or two of the comics. It'd be my default gift for everyone I know for the next year or so.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: aichambaye on 28 Feb 2008, 09:19
I want this! Any movement, Jeph? Really, REALLY want this. Am sad it doesn't already exist.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: britMonster on 28 Feb 2008, 09:35
I can't believe I registered just so I could say that haha.
I know how you feel. I just registered to say this too...

I'd definitely buy a book of the comic, if one were made. But, what would be doene with the first comics, the ones that were (compared to the current art style) crappier?

I think that the original style compared to the current style is nice to see progress. Jeph has improved his drawing a lot, but that doesn't mean he should erase what it started out as.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: kizzie on 28 Feb 2008, 09:46
Jeph,

Ultimately, the choice in how you compose the books is up to you, but from a dedicated reader, please don't change the old strips.  Though some may disparage the artwork's quality, I think that the original style should remain untouched. 

Also, should you put this in action, count me as a "two copies of every book" groupie.  I think my office needs some QC-love, and my mother would likely fall out of her chair several times in the course of reading them.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Blackcat Moebius on 28 Feb 2008, 13:55
Jeph -

I want to give you my money.
I currently don't need more T-shirts, however.

Therefore, BOOK!  Please.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: iDiannasaur on 05 Mar 2008, 09:20
I would buy it primarily because it would be easier to force close friends to read it. If they refused, I could beat them with it! 
But really, it would be awesome to own, in essence. A very good idea on which I would enjoy spending money.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Amaroq on 05 Mar 2008, 09:30
Can I pre-order?  :wink:

Would love love love this: I actually swung through the Merchandise section hoping to buy exactly that within a day of finding the site.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Muskrat121 on 05 Mar 2008, 13:24
I'm going to add my "I would totally buy this" to the list lest people wonder whether or not anyone would actually buy this. :-P
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: geniaofelysion on 05 Mar 2008, 22:51
I agree with leaving the earlier comics as it is; I always loved seeing the progression of Jeph's art. Man, I'd totally get a copy of QC books, if they are available for shipping to the Philippines. Are they?

And you know what else would be awesome? a new poster. Peace.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: mickey on 06 Mar 2008, 08:41
I am all for this idea and I am setting aside a portion of money for when they're available as we speak.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Econoline on 06 Mar 2008, 09:44
I would buy at least 3 copies as soon as they became available--1 for me and 2 for gifts.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Hokes on 06 Mar 2008, 13:08
I would love to see the books printed.  I'd contact the time traveling iPod leprechauns so I could pre-order them before you put them up.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Barmymoo on 06 Mar 2008, 13:26
I'd buy if I could afford, it'd be something to save towards.

And definitely the old art should stay... for one thing, it'd take forever to redraw all of them and for another it's nice to see the progression.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: jaymzh on 11 Mar 2008, 20:40
I would definitely buy the books.

Jeph - UserFriendly has been publishing their comics as books for a while now - you may want to ask Iliad how he goes about doing it.

- Phil
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: lostinfont on 11 Mar 2008, 21:09
 :-D Pleeease make the books.  I'll buy one of each for me and some for friends.  I'm very excited about this prospect.  I've been going around bemoaning the non-existence of them before now. 
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: aichambaye on 11 Mar 2008, 21:40
Jeph, consider using one of those services. Easier for you - but you won't have to worry about getting orders our in time, etc. I preordered a $30 comic book (Sandusky) and it came about two months later - the preorders helped offset the cost. But Get Medieval is on Cafe Press, so that or Lulu may be an option.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: fladeni on 14 Mar 2008, 18:52
I started talking about this in the daily comic thread because I am such a newbie and have no idea how forums work. I would love a book...It's also the reason I joined to see it there was talk of one...I hate having to constantly go clicking through and waiting for each page to load when I want to re-read QC and what if the power goes out or the internet's down....how will I get my fix....I def. need books. Then after I had the books I would buy them for my friends who also love QC. I also agree keep the old artwork I love to see the progression. Also a new poster would be nice as well. There I think I have commented on everything in this thread so far.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: LeeZion on 21 Mar 2008, 11:45
I strongly agree. I would buy the entire book series because it would be easier to share it with my friends, and it would be easier to find a strip I was looking for in case I get to wondering, "Hey, where's the strip where Marten called himself an Uncertainty Moth that caused all his female friends to start doubting themselves?" (And just so you guys don't have to go look, the answer is #608. Maybe this explains why GothRaven transformed into CluelessRaven, SassHanners has transformed into NaiveHanners, and ConfidentDora has transformed into ClingyDora. It's all his fault!)

Not to mention that the books would be a fun way to support Jeph financially. I already own four QC T-shirts and two QC posters, AND have purchased three QC gifts for others, but somehow I feel I'm not doing enough.

Also, Jeph? I agree with all the above posters in advising you NOT to redraw earlier strips. That way, people can more easily trace the progression of your artwork. However, I DO advise you to add color to strip #147. The strip of which you said at the time:

Quote from: The great Jeph Jacques
Today's comic brought to you in stunning Black-and-White-o-Vision because I am moving to a new apartment tomorrow and need time to pack. If I have time this weekend I may put up a colored version, we'll see.

Somehow it just doesn't look right when compared to the strip before it and the strip after it.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: bicostp on 22 Mar 2008, 18:26
"Too long, didn't read" version: I like the idea of $25 books the size of Dilbert / Calvin & Hobbes / Far Side books.
---------------

I think between 7 and 10 dollars per 100 comics in a volume is reasonable, since a book with 250 could work out to about $25.

The only problem is the layout. Just about every comic is tall and skinny. Personally, I don't like tall, skinny books because they don't fit on shelves easily (either they lie spine down so you can't read what they are or they get pushed to the back). Rearranging them into a more square configuration, or putting 2 strips side by side on a page, would solve that problem.

8.5 x 11 is a little tight. The side that gets bound needs more of a margin, because of the gutter that gets created when you open a book. (The dark ravine, for lack of a better term.) The comics could run on into each other if they're too close to the edge, and it won't look as nice.
(http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/5038/qcmockuplb3.th.jpg) (http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=qcmockuplb3.jpg)
http://bicostp.googlepages.com/qcmockup.pdf

In my opinion, 8.5 by 9 would be best. That's a comfortable size, most "daily strip" compilation books use it so it will sit on shelves nicely with the others, and the comics will still be large enough to read.
(http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4350/qcmockup2de7.th.jpg) (http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=qcmockup2de7.jpg)
http://bicostp.googlepages.com/qcmockup2.pdf

Print the mock-ups at 100% size. They're all 150 DPI for file size reasons, and were made from the web versions of the comics, so they're not representative of what the real thing could be. For the second one (8.5 by 9), print it out and cut along the black lines on the sides. These were just quickly thrown together and I have no knowledge of printing standards, so they might have to be smaller.


I think 250 is a good number, since that would make a book about 125 pages long (again, similar size to other comparable comic compilations), and call for a new book about every year (just like the big boys).

Good-size QC volumes for $25 - $30? Yes please. 8-)
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: muteKi on 23 Mar 2008, 19:02
ALSO, why not just throw in a couple of redone strips as bonuses, just for comparison as an addendum?


That said, don't remove the old strips from the compilation in the process.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: penguinpenguin on 27 Mar 2008, 13:37
I would love a QC book.  You could arrange the strips in a box pattern, then they would fit nicely on a page.  However, because of the dimensions of each panel the page would need to be wider than it is tall.  Please do not include any guest strips in the books.  They really take away from the effect.  However, leave the early strips alone.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: QCnerdGrl on 27 Mar 2008, 19:31

If the books actually get printed I think I would die of happiness. I started reading it a while ago, and then stopped-got very busy and only made it to about strip 230ish.
When I decided to catch up on things, the famous strip #1079 occurred I had to know the whole story, it was not an easy task. Not to say I didn't enjoy it though! ^_^

I would get multiple copies of 'em. I would be willing to raise my children on it as soon as they could understand the culture references...
That and it would be easier to share with my Dad, he's getting old, and what not.

Please let us know soon!   
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: thatryanguy on 27 Mar 2008, 20:32
Based on that, 8.5 x 11 could actually be good if Jeph felt ambitious enough to add some notes or comments below the strips. I know that's one thing that I've really liked about the webcomic collections I've bought - or at least the ones that did that. Omake for win.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Beaten by Nuns on 18 Apr 2009, 23:25
I know this thread has been long since lost and possibly forgotten underneath all these topics-o-doom but I was just wondering, are there still any plans at all to release this AWESOME comic as a series of books?

I LONG for the day that there exists an elite hardcover super edition jam packed with QC goodness.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Bissrok on 24 Apr 2009, 15:35
Yeah, I'd really love to have them all in a big collection, as I'm always going back to re-read the series.

If you did do it 200 comics at a time, though, that'd be a lot of books, even if you took out all the guest strips and birds.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: scarred on 24 Apr 2009, 22:56
^-- I agree with this.

Also, I don't think you should exclude the guest strips entirely, but since they do sort of get in the way of certain plot points, maybe include them at the back of the book for fun reference?
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Zingoleb on 26 Apr 2009, 15:33
If I need to, I'll print up all the QC comics I've downloaded and put them in a binder.

 :lol:
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Beaten by Nuns on 26 Apr 2009, 23:46
^ I'd do that myself as I have one of those expensive ass printers that can print out glossy documets, but to refill it is also expensive...

What I SHOULD do, is go to the local library and pay the 12 dollar fee for unlimited print outs, and save me some monies.

Man... I really LONG for the day I can have a professional book of QC strips on my shelf next to my Penny Arcade and Robert Kirkman collections.

*sigh*  :lol:
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Zingoleb on 27 Apr 2009, 01:12
GASP

SHOCK

IDEA

I just need to download the other ~900 or so.

Stupid dial up.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Seenoevl on 05 Jun 2009, 22:45
I work at a publishing company and I know that Jeph is planning on releasing a book.  Maybe I could check with the head of the department and see if their interested?
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Evil_Lathander on 05 Jun 2009, 23:52
If anybody is going to collect all the comics and put them into one folders, I'm seriously gonna laugh at them, caus Jeph allready has that. Ask him to zip if up for 10 bucks or something like that.

He should run the entire folder through www.smush.it (http://www.smush.it) before zipping it up though.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Jimor on 06 Jun 2009, 00:38
If anybody is going to collect all the comics and put them into one folders, I'm seriously gonna laugh at them, caus Jeph allready has that. Ask him to zip if up for 10 bucks or something like that.

He should run the entire folder through www.smush.it (http://www.smush.it) before zipping it up though.

Can I laugh at you for thinking he meant a computer folder rather than an actual real life paper folder?  :roll:
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Evil_Lathander on 06 Jun 2009, 07:10
If anybody is going to collect all the comics and put them into one folders, I'm seriously gonna laugh at them, caus Jeph allready has that. Ask him to zip if up for 10 bucks or something like that.

He should run the entire folder through www.smush.it (http://www.smush.it) before zipping it up though.

And I'm laughing at you for assuming you'd get it in print for a mere 10$

Can I laugh at you for thinking he meant a computer folder rather than an actual real life paper folder?  :roll:
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Llewellian on 07 Jun 2009, 01:37
I really would like if that comic would go into print.

I follow several online comics, and whenever they go into print i am so going to buy them. Megatokyo, Wapsi Square and else. I mean, i collect comics anyway (european art print ones only, no Superhero comics like DC and such) and i get my kicks out of printed comics. Best webcomic went to print form until today is Gunnerkrigg Court. Man. Hardcover Book, sturdy with extra binding design. Jeez, that makes a bibliophile happy ;o).

So, pleease...pretty please with extra cherry on top ^^. Do it.



Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Steve the Pocket on 07 Jun 2009, 19:28
Jeph is too cool for print-on-demand.  The fact that his t-shirts are printed professionally should have told you that. ;)  Seriously, though, the only real player in that market is Lulu (Plan Nine has been kaput for years now, and the only clients of theirs that I knew said they were horrible at keeping their stuff available), and from what I've seen, their quality is only marginally better than running off the pages on a home inkjet printer.  Plus, have you seen their prices on full-color books?  They're just pretendous.

As far as formatting, it looks like virtually every strip in the archive is in four mostly-wide panels, so rearranging them into two rows of two would probably be the best move.  The end product would be taller than it is wide, appropriate for most bookshelves.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: Jimor on 08 Jun 2009, 00:14
Given the overall readership Jeph has, standard offset printing is going to be way more cost effective than print on demand, it really only takes 1000 or fewer copies for the cost curves to cross, especially since we're talking about full color. A smaller press with experience in the comic/webcomic field would probably be best.

Distribution right now would be the main problem. It's not likely to hit the chain bookstores, and in reality, dealing with them as a small press is very dangerous because of the potential of massive returns where you end up with thousands of copies of shelf-worn books that you just gave a full refund to the store because they didn't feel like carrying it any more. Online sales and special orders through brick-n-mortar stores would be the main route.

But since Jeph wouldn't be relying on shelf presence or outside promotion in order to generate sales, this really isn't an issue blocking success of the venture. It's more about finding the sweet spot on print run size that provides a nice price point for buyers and profit margin for Jeph.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: xiansantos on 08 Jun 2009, 09:45
Go for it Jeph! I'll buy a couple, keep one for collection and give the others away as gifts.
Title: Re: QC Book.
Post by: philharmonic on 14 Nov 2010, 10:53
Got mine on Friday.
I must say I'm very pleased with the size and format. I'm also really really pleased that cost wise (including shipping) it came in around what i expected in my original post here.

Now if only Jeph would get going on the next volume.
My only complaint is the exclusion of the guest strips. I can understand why they where left out (copyright issues, artist compensation issues etc.), I just thought i would be nice to see them as well.