Ben's Book Mego 8" Super Heros: Worlds Greatest TOYS

[Bronxboykev]

Hello all

I know this should probably go under the thread in Mego fact under the Worlds Greatest Toys and I will post it there as well, I am just trying to get as many of us to see it and act on it.

Before the Holidays I e mailed the Publisher Two Morrows about doing a 2nd printing of his book. I expressed that there were or are quite a few people who would be interested in buying a copy, I for one, and that I would hope that they would seriously consider the request.

Today I received a response:

Kevin,
Sorry for the delay responding; we've been closed since December 18 for the holidays.

We are considering that, but no immediate plans. Please stay tuned to our website for Details.

Best regards
John Morrow
TwoMorrows Publishing.

Maybe they were just Pacifying me who knows

But

If a few more of us send in the request maybe we can get this done sooner rather than later.

HERE IS THE WEBSITE FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A CRACK AT IT!!!

https://www.twomorrows.com

Heres hoping

[imp]

FACT: You got more of a response than I did, when last I suggested the possibility of a Second Edition.

…and everything that that implies.

-b

[VinMan]

I am on board Kev. I e-mailed them earlier today after reading your post.
Just got my response...

Vinny,
Thanks! We'll consider it.
John Morrow

I will take that for now... Keep e-mailing them!

[Random Axe]

I just wrote John as well. He's probably made up his mind since he can't even get back with the author, but I thought I'd write anyway. Here's what I send a few minutes ago. Let's see if I get the "we'll consider it, thanks." response or something that actually requires thought.


John,

I realize recently you've been hit with requests for a second printing of this Ben's book and that you've probably given it some consideration. I'm already an owner of this, so I really have no dog in the hunt except for the love. Ben's book was a passionate delving into a childhood that I shared with him, it's a generational thing. I've never met or talked to him, but I think I know him through his work. His heart was on every page as if his blood were in the ink. Megos were my entire existence in the 70's, and to see an entire book as beautiful as this completely dedicated to that same childhood I had is special.

With the emergence of the Re-Mego action figures and all things retro, there are a lot of potential readers and customers that were not part of your market when this was published. I'd venture to say the potential readership has doubled since 2007. Entire lines of new figures and licenses such as DC Comics, Venture Brothers, Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, Twilight Zone, Universal Monsters, Buck Rogers and many more are now in toy stores and all over the web. When this book was first released there was nothing but the hopes of a revival and pipe dreams of seeing this format reincarnated. Now we have that dream realized and now you have that many more people looking for this book. Check the prices on Ebay and Amazon for proof of the demand this book now has. Can paying 250 dollars plus for a 265 page book about action figures be sane? Maybe. If there are readers out there willing to throw down half a week's pay for this, imagine how fast you'd get their money at 29.99 with a reprint.

I just wanted to throw this out to you. I have limited working knowledge of the publishing industry and absolutely no insight whatsoever into the inner workings of Twomorrow. I simply recognize there is an awaiting customer base for this book that will more than justify the printing costs. This is an important piece of literature to a niche group, but a growing group that wants to relive their own childhoods, pasts that will never happen again in the modern age. This book was created out of love. It needs to be shared once again.

Scott
Cincinnati, OH

[UnderdogDJLSW]

^Scott, that is a great letter!

[imp]

His heart was on every page as if his blood were in the ink.

I am really touched by your letter, Scott. I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm afraid I am with with the publisher on this one. As much as I wish there were some truth to this statement:

I simply recognize there is an awaiting customer base for this book that will more than justify the printing costs.

…I'm afraid it just is NOT true. Not even close, really.

I estimate there are roughly 15-20 potential buyers out there. But even if there were more… and I mean a LOT more… like EVERYONE active on the boards who doesn't already own the book… it still wouldn't make a bit of difference.

I really appreciate the effort, and I'm frustrated FOR those of you who missed out and can't get the book. But with deepest gratitude and respect, I ask that you guys PLEASE not send letters to the publisher. You should believe me when I assure you: A second printing of this book is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

Interested collectors, I can only suggest you keep your eyes peeled and check other Websites. While I sold one of my few remaining Deluxe Edition sets on my Website for $250 about two weeks ago, another nice copy just sold on eBay for about a hundred bucks. If you keep looking, you will find someone willing to sell their copy. I bet there are people on these boards who would be willing to sell their copies for even less. Fire up those PMs and ask around!

-b

[Bronxboykev]

Scott

Outstanding letter Bravo!!!

Ben

Thank you for the info... And the response... As bleak as it seems I will hope against hope that this will happen.

Good hunting all!

[Toyman_Chris]

Ben,

Considering what a fantastic book you created and how highly sought after it is, I feel the need to thank you once again for hooking me up with the copy you sold to me a year ago. It is a deeply prized part of my collection!

Chris

[imp]

Considering what a fantastic book you created and how highly sought after it is, I feel the need to thank you once again for hooking me up with the copy you sold to me a year ago. It is a deeply prized part of my collection!

Thanks, Chris! It's so gratifying to hear when people dig it.

And Kev, I love your optimism. Who's to say, right? Keep on keepin' on, my friend.

-b

[Random Axe]

Well, Ben since we have you on the boards tonight any insight or hints to your next best seller?

[LonnieFisher]

How about a paperback version that is the size of a comic book? That would cost less to produce.

[madmarva]

Nice sentiments in your letter Scott.

[LonnieFisher]

Why is the cheapest used copy of this book on Amazon $225.75?!?

[imp]

Well, Ben since we have you on the boards tonight any insight or hints to your next best seller?

LOL. I think I might be out of the publishing biz for a while. My wife and I recently launched a Veterinary products company, and that's become my solitary professional focus. Sometimes I do think about re-packaging, revising and updating the WGSH content into magazine or paperback format, but then I think, "Enh. That's a lot of work!"

But as Kev implied, anything is possible!

-b

[torgospizza]

How about a paperback version that is the size of a comic book? That would cost less to produce.

I'd like to see that, myself--just so I can have a reading copy I don't have to worry about messing up. It was such an in-depth book and beautifully executed, I'd always hoped a second volume focusing on the Apes, Trek, and other properties would get made in the same sort of style as the WGSH book.