Post by CHANCE BOND on May 5, 2015 22:15:53 GMT
Published by eBay
Garfield the cartoon cat is well-known for his adventures through the funny pages -- eating lasagna, annoying his owner, Jon, and being annoyed by the family dog, Odie. Since the strip was first printed in 1978, thousands of Garfield's adventures have made it into over 2,500 different newspapers and journals, making it the most widely syndicated strip of all time. Long-time fans looking to revisit Garfield's adventures and newbies who are just acquainting themselves with the series can both benefit from owning a published collection of the popular strips by Jim Davis.
Garfield Books
Over the years, the Garfield strips originally published in newspapers have been collected and republished in book form. These books can be found at almost any bookstore or comic book store, as well as online retailers. Before buying used or new copies, it's important to note the differences between the types of Garfield books and their availability.
Compilations
Currently, there are 59 books in the series of compilations of Garfield strips regularly released by Ballantine Books, with a 60th announced for release in August 2014. Books Nos. 1 through 36 were originally printed in black and white, while books Nos. 37 and later were printed with a new, larger printing method, featuring all strips in full color with bolder lines. Ballantine Books is retroactively printing the older volumes in this new full-color format and labeling them "Garfield Classics." So far, the Garfield Classic series has reached book No. 27, with book No. 28 scheduled for release June 24, 2014.
Compilation Book
Black and White?
Full Color?
Nos. 1-27
X
X
Nos. 28-36
X
Nos. 37-59
X
As of May 2014
Fat Cat 3-Packs
To get even more comics compiled in one book, try the "Fat Cat" collections. Each Fat Cat book is three compilation books put together. These were also originally printed in black and white, with the full color versions beginning with book No. 13. Full-color reissues of books Nos. 1 through 8 are also now available.
Fat Cat Book
Black and White?
Full Color?
Nos. 1-8
X
X
Nos. 9-12
X
Nos. 13-16
X
As of May 2014
Verifying the Edition of a Garfield Book
To verify the format for a Garfield book from the cover, look for the "Garfield Classics" title at the top. If that title isn't there on Compilation books Nos. 1 through 36 or Fat Cat books Nos. 1 through 12, it's a black and white printing. The black and white books are also shorter from top to bottom when compared to the full color books, which were reformatted in part to look the proper size on bookstore shelves. The black and white editions are not likely to be found at bookstores showcasing new books. Try used bookstores or online retailers.
To tell if a book is a true first edition is a little trickier. There are minor differences in cover colors between printings, but the only way to know for sure is to get a look at the copyright page. The printing date should match the date of the book's initial release.
E-books
Full-color editions of Garfield books are also available for e-readers (Nook, Kindle Fire, and iPad) via the Garfield website.
Garfield Strips
Sometimes, it's possible to buy individual strips rather than a compilation book. These strips vary in value depending on age, quality, popularity of the strip, and whether or not they are signed. Strips signed by Jim Davis need to be verified before purchasing. Consult this guide on "How to Determine if an Autograph is Real" before buying any autographed material.
How to Buy Garfield Comics on eBay
Garfield books can be found in a few different sections of eBay. In general, the Books section is a good place to start. To find vintage black and white editions of the earlier books, or signed copies, try the Collectibles section, and narrow the search to Comics. There is also, believe it or not, a Garfield Books section of eBay. This section has other book-related Garfield memorabilia besides books compiling the strips.
Some sellers on eBay will offer deals on shipping when more than one item is purchased. Check sellers' stock for more Garfield books or other items to purchase to save on shipping. Also, always pay attention to the seller's feedback rating before making a purchase. A higher seller rating means the seller can be trusted to provide items just as they are described.
Conclusion
It is easy and fun to collect Garfield comics. Whether in printed book form, as e-books, or as individual strips, there is something for every collector who has enjoyed the series or wants to introduce it to a friend.
Garfield the cartoon cat is well-known for his adventures through the funny pages -- eating lasagna, annoying his owner, Jon, and being annoyed by the family dog, Odie. Since the strip was first printed in 1978, thousands of Garfield's adventures have made it into over 2,500 different newspapers and journals, making it the most widely syndicated strip of all time. Long-time fans looking to revisit Garfield's adventures and newbies who are just acquainting themselves with the series can both benefit from owning a published collection of the popular strips by Jim Davis.
Garfield Books
Over the years, the Garfield strips originally published in newspapers have been collected and republished in book form. These books can be found at almost any bookstore or comic book store, as well as online retailers. Before buying used or new copies, it's important to note the differences between the types of Garfield books and their availability.
Compilations
Currently, there are 59 books in the series of compilations of Garfield strips regularly released by Ballantine Books, with a 60th announced for release in August 2014. Books Nos. 1 through 36 were originally printed in black and white, while books Nos. 37 and later were printed with a new, larger printing method, featuring all strips in full color with bolder lines. Ballantine Books is retroactively printing the older volumes in this new full-color format and labeling them "Garfield Classics." So far, the Garfield Classic series has reached book No. 27, with book No. 28 scheduled for release June 24, 2014.
Compilation Book
Black and White?
Full Color?
Nos. 1-27
X
X
Nos. 28-36
X
Nos. 37-59
X
As of May 2014
Fat Cat 3-Packs
To get even more comics compiled in one book, try the "Fat Cat" collections. Each Fat Cat book is three compilation books put together. These were also originally printed in black and white, with the full color versions beginning with book No. 13. Full-color reissues of books Nos. 1 through 8 are also now available.
Fat Cat Book
Black and White?
Full Color?
Nos. 1-8
X
X
Nos. 9-12
X
Nos. 13-16
X
As of May 2014
Verifying the Edition of a Garfield Book
To verify the format for a Garfield book from the cover, look for the "Garfield Classics" title at the top. If that title isn't there on Compilation books Nos. 1 through 36 or Fat Cat books Nos. 1 through 12, it's a black and white printing. The black and white books are also shorter from top to bottom when compared to the full color books, which were reformatted in part to look the proper size on bookstore shelves. The black and white editions are not likely to be found at bookstores showcasing new books. Try used bookstores or online retailers.
To tell if a book is a true first edition is a little trickier. There are minor differences in cover colors between printings, but the only way to know for sure is to get a look at the copyright page. The printing date should match the date of the book's initial release.
E-books
Full-color editions of Garfield books are also available for e-readers (Nook, Kindle Fire, and iPad) via the Garfield website.
Garfield Strips
Sometimes, it's possible to buy individual strips rather than a compilation book. These strips vary in value depending on age, quality, popularity of the strip, and whether or not they are signed. Strips signed by Jim Davis need to be verified before purchasing. Consult this guide on "How to Determine if an Autograph is Real" before buying any autographed material.
How to Buy Garfield Comics on eBay
Garfield books can be found in a few different sections of eBay. In general, the Books section is a good place to start. To find vintage black and white editions of the earlier books, or signed copies, try the Collectibles section, and narrow the search to Comics. There is also, believe it or not, a Garfield Books section of eBay. This section has other book-related Garfield memorabilia besides books compiling the strips.
Some sellers on eBay will offer deals on shipping when more than one item is purchased. Check sellers' stock for more Garfield books or other items to purchase to save on shipping. Also, always pay attention to the seller's feedback rating before making a purchase. A higher seller rating means the seller can be trusted to provide items just as they are described.
Conclusion
It is easy and fun to collect Garfield comics. Whether in printed book form, as e-books, or as individual strips, there is something for every collector who has enjoyed the series or wants to introduce it to a friend.