WGT Review Elmira NY

[palitoy]

Star-Gazette.COM - Entertainment

Great review too bad they lump WGT in with what is the most disappointing book I've read in a long time.

[Flynne]

Star-Gazette.COM - Entertainment

Great review too bad they lump WGT in with what is the most disappointing book I've read in a long time.

"One of these things is not like the o-ther. One of these things just does-n't fit!"

At first I thought it was just that the DC Comics Action Figure Archive was disappointing because it so pales in comparison to Ben's WGT book. But even comparing it to books with less information, research, and Hey-UGE! photographs, it still disappoints. The images in the book are a huge problem: there are images for less than 1/3 of the figures listed (and 1/2 of the books images seem to be either Batman or Superman figures), the images are all of loose figures, and the images are comparable with something even Tomart can throw together better over the course a weekend. The only packaging images are not even contained in the book - if you take the slip cover off the front and back covers show wonderful packaging images (the front cover is a Captain Action Batman). The lack of pictures also leads to huge amounts of white space on certain pages, and a jumbled mess of images on others (like the Batman and Superman pages). Visually, it's awful.

But what is most unforgivable about it is the erroneous detail in the book. There are numerous instances of incorrect year listings, missed packaging and detailing variations, and some lines aren't even listed at all. It's not at all up to the standards of the Collector's Book industry today, much less the new level of excellence Ben set with World's Greatest Toys. Save yourself the time, money and aggravation and don't buy the DC Comics Action Figure Archive, and if you wish to buy another action figure collector's book this week then buy a copy of World's Greatest Toys (or a second if you already have one).

I returned my copy to Amazon last Friday - my first ever return of a book that was not a duplicate copy of something I already owned.

[palitoy]

I returned my copy to Amazon last Friday - my first ever return of a book that was not a duplicate copy of something I already owned.

I am struggling to find my reciept for all the same reasons as you. A trumped up glorification of DC Direct, the Mego and Captain Action info is pathetic and poorly researched. I was angry by the time I read "Captain Action by Mego".

[Flynne]

I am struggling to find my reciept for all the same reasons as you. A trumped up glorification of DC Direct, the Mego and Captain Action info is pathetic and poorly researched. I was angry by the time I read "Captain Action by Mego".

The shoddy (or practically non-existent) research really sinks it. As brief as the information is, and given that the correct information is easily available on listed websites within a few keystrokes of any search engine, it is really unforgiveable that the information is so inaccurate. Most authors don't go into the mind numbing detail that Benjamin does with WGT, but if you write a book and claim it's an "archive" it should have more solid research that I can do in 5 minutes on my laptop. Who edits these things anyway?

On the positive side though they are recommending Benjamin's book, and that's well deserved. I'm really hoping TwoMorrows understands it has the goods with his work, and asks for future volumes.

[Meule]

This is the same book that was responsable for Ben having to change the cover of his book?

[imp]

This is the same book that was responsable for Ben having to change the cover of his book?

Yes. Not only that, that was the book that forced Chronicle Books (my 'dream' publisher a few years ago) to pass on my book in the first place, back in 2005. My rejection letter explained that while they loved my book, they had to pass because they had 'just' signed a deal to do the DC Comics Action Figure Archive. That's right: My rejection letter included the actual title.

For that reason alone, I've never been crazy about the book.

And then I had to change the cover of my book to suit their book cover.

And then I actually GOT their book.

All I'll say about that is how pleased I am with the Mego book we created.

Benjamin

[Meule]

Yes. Not only that, that was the book that forced Chronicle Books (my 'dream' publisher a few years ago) to pass on my book in the first place, back in 2005. My rejection letter explained that while they loved my book, they had to pass because they had 'just' signed a deal to do the DC Comics Action Figure Archive. That's right: My rejection letter included the actual title.

For that reason alone, I've never been crazy about the book.

And then I had to change the cover of my book to suit their book cover.

And then I actually GOT their book.

All I'll say about that is how pleased I am with the Mego book we created.

Benjamin

You may not have been able to do business with your dream publisher, but the new cover looks better than the old one -to some at least - and your book is for sure lightyears ahead of theirs in research, pics, info and lay-out. And yours seem to be discussed and reviewed all over the internet

Any idea yet on how sales are doing?

[Flynne]

Yes. Not only that, that was the book that forced Chronicle Books (my 'dream' publisher a few years ago) to pass on my book in the first place, back in 2005. My rejection letter explained that while they loved my book, they had to pass because they had 'just' signed a deal to do the DC Comics Action Figure Archive

Wow - this book is why Chronicle passed on WGT? That is just astounding. However, after looking at the editing of that book (before returning it to Amazon for a refund) I can understand why, - the editors are either absent or unqualified for their positions. The two books are in no way comparable.

At least Chronicle did save themselves some sales headaches. It's not like Amazon will run out of stock leaving orders unfulfilled. I hope Chronicle enjoys returns and remainder overstock...

[johnmiic]

So Ben, do reviews which slam the other book and praises yours cause animosity towards you in the book industry? Would people loyal to the other book try to dis you for your book being perceived as better when in a comparison the other book comes up short on quality?

[imp]

So Ben, do reviews which slam the other book and praises yours cause animosity towards you in the book industry? Would people loyal to the other book try to dis you for your book being perceived as better when in a comparison the other book comes up short on quality?

Nah, it's not a competition. I don't think anyone involved with the DC book cares about the Mego book. I honestly wouldn't care about the DC book if it hadn't found its way into my life on several occasions.

Benjamin

[Meule]

Nah, it's not a competition.

Maybe not, but go on, admit it: it feels damn good to know you're better than the other