I don't know, DX. I mean, we find out that the reason the colony survives is because Rojahz helps them out, which happens because he was sent back in time, which is what started the whole mess to begin with. And I believe Gaiman said he was working off a folk tale about Virginia Dare in which she was able to turn into a white deer and was killed by a hunter that didn't realize she was anything but a deer. Which means in the normal Marvel U, that's what happens. I also like the parallel of the Hulk's origin in which Banner again uses his body to shield a teenager from an explosion which triggers the transformation. Gaiman pretty much wraps up the who's and why's of the alternate timeline.

That said, I enjoyed it but wasn't overwhelmed.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the end of 1602, too. I was really, really happy with the last page, but the actual resultion of the plot? Kind of meh.

Well, that's a shiny idea. I've got the first three Sandman, a random Crow, and...probably other things I'm not entirely aware of.

Unfortunately, almost all the recent Bat-books are like that, especially considering you wanted a good introduction to the Bat Family.

Yeah, I know. I wasn't surprised. Just, sixteen hour bus ride and I sooooo wanted to know what happened next.

However, I am feeling very guilty, and I would be willing to lend you my copies, if you want.

Dude, feel no guilt. I'll read them eventually.

I could ad a few things like the Elementals, Excalibur, and Longshot trade paperbacks. But anyone who wants my Sandmans or Prometheas to leave my apartment had best convince ita to collect them and arm her really, really well.

But anyone who wants my Sandmans or Prometheas to leave my apartment had best convince ita to collect them and arm her really, really well.

For Sandman, no one need convince me of anything.

Damn, Matt. We hardly knew ye.

Uh, I have 1-6. Dibs on Matt's #7!

Dibs on Matt's #7!

You mean Promethea, right?

Right?

Dibs on Matt's Promethea!

Pfft. Like I read Sandman ...

t glances sidelong

Fortunately my system of (dis)organization is such that any particular issue of Sandman might be hidden behind issues of Armaggedon 2001 or Young Heroes in Love that I've not gotten around to burning yet. The trauma of wading through page after page of Don Heck artwork and Scott Lobdell dialogue might protect my precious collection even after I'm lying in a crumpled heap.

So, it turns out that last week Michele was correct in doubting my hopeless enthusiasm: The Escapist Volume 2 is off of this week's ship list and is not projected on next week's (although an $18 version of Volume 1 is on next week's list). I haven't bothered to check Datk Horse to see what the new release date might be.

With regard to the possible circulation joint venture, I would be willing to contribute some TPBs, including Y: The Last Man, Fables, The Escapist, Death, several Buffys, Sandman Presents, and some assorted others. Since I'm still trying to convince DH to read Sandman, those aren't leaving my sight. Who knows when he might decide to read them?