The Great Comic Book Volume Debate!
So, you're staring at your shelf. Row after row of beautiful, shiny comic books. But then a question pops into your head: How many issues actually make a volume?
It's like asking how many jelly beans make a handful. There's no single, correct answer!
Everyone seems to have a different opinion. And honestly, that's part of the fun.
The "Magic Number" Myth
Some folks swear it's five or six. They say that's the sweet spot. That’s supposedly enough story to feel complete.
But I call shenanigans! That number feels...arbitrary.
What if the story needs more room to breathe? What if the writer wants to take their time?
The "Whatever the Story Needs" Approach
This is where I land. Give the story what it deserves!.
If a volume needs four issues, great. If it needs eight, even better! Don't cramp a good narrative just to hit some imaginary quota.
Seriously, think about those massive omnibus editions. Those are just really, really big volumes, right?
The "It Depends on the Publisher" Factor
Let's be real. The publisher has a say, too. They're the ones printing the darn things!
Some publishers are consistent. Others...well, let's just say their volume sizes are as unpredictable as the weather.
It’s like they’re trying to keep us on our toes! And it’s infuriating.
The Unpopular Opinion (Brace Yourselves!)
Here it comes. My controversial stance: I think a volume should contain a complete story arc. No matter how many issues it takes.
I know, I know. Some arcs are longer than others. But wouldn't it be nice to have a self-contained narrative in each collection?
Imagine buying a Volume One and actually getting the *whole* story of the first arc. Mind. Blown.
But What About *Tie-ins*?!
Okay, okay. Tie-ins complicate things. Those pesky little stories that connect to a larger event.
Do they belong in the main volume? Should they get their own collection? The world may never know.
Maybe tie-ins are like that weird cousin you only see at holidays. You're not quite sure where they fit, but you tolerate them anyway.
The Ultimate Truth (Maybe)
Ultimately, the number of issues in a volume is… whatever the powers that be decide it is.
But we, the readers, can still have our opinions. We can still dream of perfectly sized volumes that tell complete stories.
So, the next time you're pondering the issue count of a comic book volume, remember this: It's all subjective. Embrace the chaos!
And maybe, just maybe, write a strongly worded letter to Marvel or DC.
It couldn't hurt, right?
