Doubles

The reasons behind the many issues of the same comic.

 


Doubles are usually associated with promotional comics that come out as a special edition to try and sell the comic which was the case back in 1993 where Bongo released four original comics that had ever been produced ('Simpsons Comics #1', 'Bartman #1', 'Itchy & Scratchy #1' and 'Radioactive Man #1'). Bongo included a four part series of a, 'Giant Simpsons Pull-Out Poster', that was enclosed in those four comics.

Doubles are produced of more expensive comics at regular prices. This happens (especially in 'The Best Of series) so that they can re-release a comic that people have missed out before so they could add that particular comic to their collection.

These doubles are somewhat modified with slightly different covers and might have extra or less items enclosed in the comic, such as cards & the most commonly add in feature -- posters. 

These doubles are cheaper in prices (usually $9.95 dropped down to $5.95 depending on the comic), it's not all the same.

A comic that was re-released as a double which first contained a poster will not be included in the remake of that comic, but will have the same comic stories. At times they might have posters included and the original didn't include a poster.

 

Comics that have been remade or are doubles can have the following differences:

- If the original comic had a poster, the double may not have a poster

- If the original didn't have a poster, the double might have

- The comic cover might suggest that there is a poster inside while the double doesn't

- Comic cover might suggest a card is included, but the double hasn't got it inside

- You might find the difference in price. Original comic is much more expensive then the double

- The original comic might have no barcode, but the double has a barcode

- Advertisements might appear on double comic where the original comic might have few or no advertisements

- Special writing as in dates and signatures are in the original comic but not in the double

- Copyright information may be moved in the double comic

- Original comics might have a special cover that the double doesn't have
 


These are probably some of the stand out features. However, the stories remain unchanged.

You might notice 'Simpsons Classics' & 'The Best of' series to be aimed more for fans whom have missed previous issues. For collectors however, it's more of a gimmick to buy the comic again. You will notice re-released 'Collector's Editions', same comic, although for the collector, it's more money spent on the same comic they might have brought a long time ago.

Doubles usually combined a few issues into one at a higher price then monthly comics and usually at a smaller size. Some use glossier paper, while others use thicker paper.

Extras you might find in doubles include posters of the actual comic cover. You will find in 'Simpsons Classics', a two page spread of the comic cover story it's covering inside the comic.

Doubles are not a bad substitute for comics that you need, that you currently have that are damaged or simply, a revamp update of the graphics.

For the casual buyer, they are a welcome edition to any collection. For the collector, it's a heavy plain to try and collect them all.