But comic books are an inherently a) fragile and b) dated commodity. Everyone would want the most recent release of X as soon as it came out...

Both mostly true. However, I'd be interested and not too worried about either timeliness or condition (if something really grabbed me, I could go buy it). I'm pretty much out of touch with what's worth reading (other than skimming along in here) and haven't bought much other than Fray, Sandman and 1602 in a long time.

Hrm. Graphic novels have the weight consideration, much heavier than DVDs, plus they would have a variable weight.

Not saying it's impossible, just requires some finagling.

OK, I've had a little time to think about this, and here's the proposal.

A bunch of us get together and send money and/or books they want to donate to a trusted party. (I'm volunteering for this since it's my idea, but it could be someone else). The money is used to purchase books that would have a broad appeal, (i.e. Sandman, Batman, etc.) The books are listed on a web page, and people who donated can sign up for books, just like on Netflix.

Once someone is done reading the book, they can go to the web site and forward it to the next person on the queue, or return it to me. If they lose the book, want to keep it, or just disappear from the net, they won't be able to borrow another book until they send in more money.

A big logistical problem would be not allowing someone to have more than N books checked out at a time, where the dollar value of N books is less than the amount of money they have donated.

The other big logistical problem would be how to handle outgoing postage. (People would be responsible for return postage).

I really like the idea, Tom. I have almost nothing to contribute at the moment, probably less than the cost of most graphic novels, but I'd still be willing to contribute, and up the amount when I have more money to spare.

I like the idea, too, Tom. Though all I have to contribute are Spidey TPBs. And -- ooh! -- a hardbound volume of Kraven's Last Hunt.

Actually, now that Steph mentions it... I do have some TPBs of my own I'd be willing to lend out. Already pre-purchased and stuff.

I'm in, Tom. I've just been calculating how quickly JZ burns through the Sandman books thinking, hmmmm, for the cost the entertanment ought to last longer.

Also, now that everybody's going Bat-Fam crazy it'd be nice to have some of the TPBs readily available for reading. If you really wind up loving it, you can then buy a copy yourself. I don't mind having The Sandman or Invisibles around, but there are other things I'd just as soon read once.

Also, I've got some extra copies of early Love and Rockets collections (from when I worked at Fantagraphics) that I could contribute to the library. Probably some more stuff too that I wouldn't mind in circulation.

I'd kick in some circulation cash. I have also the first half-dozen Sandman and LXG and probably a couple others I could kick into the stash. The rest of my stuff is in storage but I might be able to get to it in the near future. I have some of the American Flagg TPB stuff that Hec was talking about and maybe a Dark Knight Returns reprint set I could pitch into the mix.

from when I worked at Fantagraphics

Speaking of, what does Jaime Hernandez look like? 'Cause there was an age-appropriate guy in front of me at SXSW wearing a badge that said "Jaime Hernandez" on it.

I might be able to chuck in some TPBs.

Bat Fam, I have...I'd have to check, but off the top of my head...Cataclysm, No Man's Land Vol. 1 (but not Vol. 2, dammit), A Lonely Place Of Dying, the one where Jason Todd buys it, I can't remember the name right now, Batman: Year One, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns...probably a few more.

Other subjects: Superman: The Death of Superman, Superman: World Without a Superman; Superman: Reign of the Supermen, Superman: Return of Superman. Hellboy: Seeds of Destruction. Kingdom Come. Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes, Sandman: The Doll's House, Sandman: Brief Lives. Grendel: War Child. Grendel: Four Devils, One Hell.

Crap, there's more I'm forgetting.