How come the archive collections of DC are so dear especially when compared to the ESSENTIAL collection that marvel have put out? I know the dc ones are hardback but does that really warrent them being nearly 3 times the price(4 times in the local space centre)

I have the first BATMAN archive collection but only because I found it for £10!!!!

Well it's really in the title.

DC are printing high value full colour archive editions of their classic era, whereas Marvel have gone for cheaper, mass market non-coloured books who's purpose is just really to enable you to read classic stories with no frills.

Pretty much what Paul said.

The DC ones are undoubtedly better, but for the price, I went with the Essential ones. You do feel that you're missing out with the colouring though. Although, it's great to see the early stories, and I've generally been able to pick them up for less than a tenner apiece.

Perhaps it would have been better comparing DC's Archive collections with Marvel's Masterworks ??

Just ordered myself SHAZAM vol 1 from Amazon - should arrive in about 10-15 days.

(used to love the Captain Marvel character when I used to read them in the late seventies early eighties)

Got three of the Archive collections now. BATMAN vol 1, SHAZAM vol 1 and JUSTICE LEAGUE vol 1 and i must say they are all great.

When I can afford them I am definately going to buy some more.