Trades vs. Digests

[Kraven]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I don't really understand what the difference between the two are. I probably haven't seen a digest in person yet, but if I have I didn't notice anything different. Don't they both just collect certain issues in a format? Does it have to do with the pages, or maybe the binding?

 

[Harlekin]

Digests are a lot smaller than your normal trade. They are as the name suggests "easier to digest". They can normally be carried around in your pocket.

 

[Elijya]

A trade is simply any collection of multiple comics into a single volume. A digest is just a small trade, about the size of a Readers Digest, or the old TV Guides - about 6-8 inches tall. Most Mangas are printed as digests. A "Normal" trade (trade paperback, or TPB) is about the size of the comic as it was originally produce, about 10 inches. Some trades are Oversized, and reproduce the comics on a larger scale than when they were originally publish, such as the Absolute Editions

 

[Kraven]

Alright, thanks for the info guys. I was debating on whether to buy the backissues or a digest, but I think I'll just go for the single issues if a digest is smaller.

 

[Elijya]

of what series?

 

[Kraven]

Spider-Man/Human Torch is the one I was thinking of, but generally I think backissues would be more pleasing for me than a digest with many of the stories that are collected in digests.

 

[Elijya]

understandable, it's simply a matter of taste.

Marvel tried the digest format with some series they were hoping would be attractive to younger readers, since many younger readers are picking up Manga, which is published in the same size. There hasn't been a huge deal of success with the attempt though, with the exception of Runaways, but the success rate is largely a matter of quality, publicity and perception of the material itself, not the format. Unfortunately, Marvel has decided not to rerelease any of the series in full size trades (although Runaways is also published as an Oversized Hardcover), but that's wise thinking as they would be unlikely to be successful in two formats if they aren't overly popular in one

Some people like the digests for their portability, but again, it's just a matter of personal taste and preference

 

[souloffire]

I love digests. I have a ton of DC digest's from the 80's. They were great when I was a kid, because of their smaller size it easy to bring them to school, camp and vacations.