Comic Book Bound Volumes
Bitten By The Binding Bug
I was bitten by the comic book binding bug almost two years ago. I don’t recall where I first found a link to David Banks’ web site, but I was amazed when I saw all the photos of various bound volumes done by David in collaboration with Capitol Bindery. Given that most of my comics are trapped in long boxes in a closet – therefore very hard to dig out to read – I really liked the idea of turning key runs from my collection into bound volumes for easy access and placement on my bookshelves.
I recall being very nervous when I sent my first batch of comics – a full run of John Byrne’s X-Men Hidden Years – off to David’s P.O. Box in Omaha, NE, but everything worked out very well. I’m now approaching 100 bound volumes, including a number of comic books runs that are particularly precious to me for reasons of both sentimental and monetary value, including a full run of the orignal X-Men 1-25. Among the many things that appeal to me about comic book binding are the following:
I love being able to read 25 consecutive issues without having to root around in the comic closet to find what I’m looking for and then dealing with bags, boards, tape, etc. while making my way through the comics. I’m a reader first and a collector second so it’s great to be able to read comics easily.
It’s nice having bound volumes that are presentable enough to have on the bookshelf and not elicit (too much) scorn from my better half or looks of concern or confusion from house guests and relatives. Ok, people are still curious, but you have to admit that it certainly adds an air of legitimacy to the hobby.
Getting the best of both worlds is great: Bound volumes offer the convenience of collected editions without sacrificing some of the things that really elicit great nostalgia such as letters columns, monthly checklists, and the classic (and not so classic) advertisements. Spider-Man web shooters circa 1976 anyone?
Customizing volumes with logo dies, sketches, autographs, etc. is a great addition to the stories in each volume. David Banks has some nice examples on his website with sketches of the Fantastic Four by Joe Sinnott. I just sent of one of my books to Bob McLeod for some sketches of the New Mutants.
The completist in me loves being able to have full-runs of comics bound as compared to trade paperbacks and other collected editions that tend to focus on specific periods of time, famous creators or notable sagas. I’m pleased to say that I’m well on my way to completing X-Men Vols. 1-18!
The (guilty) pleasure of having bound volumes of titles such as Blue Devil, Champions, Dazzler, Warlord, etc. is great. These are comics I loved reading while growing up, but I imagine the powers that be at DC and Marvel will never get around to publishing many of them. Can you imagine a Dazzler Masterworks?
David Banks Consistently Delivers Great Results
Here are some examples of the great work done by David Banks through Capitol Bindery. Obviously, every book is different in terms of the contents, logo dies and other elements of customization, but the common thread has been a consistency with respect to quality and attention to detail. It actually feels like he gives as much attention to a volume of Blue Devil 1-25 as he does to a volume of the original X-Men 1-25. David has also gone the extra mile to replace books that were damaged in transit or do custom work that is more time consuming, but ultimately yields a better result for a project. It's those critical factors that keep me coming back to David Banks again and again.
