Comic Hunting

The comic-book style endings in Capcom Fighting Jam were so gorgeous that I decided to find out which company did it. I learnt that it was done by UDON comics, and that they were doing several Capcom comic titles, including StreetFighter and Darkstalkers. Since DarkStalkers is pretty new (still at Issue 1), I decided that it would be perfect for me to start collecting.

I decided to try my luck at Bugis Junction's Absolute Comics. It's the only specialty comic store that I know of for now. (I don't think those that I used to visit in my JC days are still around.)

I first looked around but wasn't able to find any dedicated shelf for UDON comics. Finally, I approached a sales person. She was very helpful and friendly. I asked her if they had any titles by UDON comics, and she replied "Yes, plenty". She then proceeded to show me where they kept DarkStalkers. My eyes nearly popped out when I saw the price tag: S$29.90. And the price printed on the cover itself said US$2.95. Years ago, when I was a mad comics nut, I would have had no qualms paying S$29.90 for the 1st Issue of the first printing of a comic. But now, it seems like daylight robbery.

I decided to put that aside for now and decided to have a look at the StreetFighter comics. The same nice sales person saw me wondering around and offered to show me where they were kept. After admiring the various StreetFighter covers, I went back to look at DarkStalkers issue 1 again. The hefty price tag was indeed a deterrent. I asked the sales person if they had the (cheaper) 2nd edition; she replied that it was not out yet. I then thanked her one last time; I felt bad not buying a single thing after she helped me so much. *sigh*

Anyway, I decided to hang out a bit more before I left. They had a lot of English-published manga. I decided to try my luck and see if they had Tuxedo Gin. I was surprised; they really did have it, but the price was the same as that of Kinokuniya and Borders: S$19.99 (US price: US$9.95; what's it with the gay prices of American manga?). Again, I hesitated at buying it. I did try to find the HK Chinese version at Comics Connection before, but they told me that it was a very old comic and they no longer have it. Looks like I might end up buying the English Tuxedo Gin when I am ready for it. It's one of those rare comics for penguin lovers like myself.