Traditionally, Trade Paperbacks where single volumes that collected several comic books sharing a common theme and/or story arcs. Making Wikis for these was simple. They were one volume each, containing one issue. But times have changed. Today, comics are frequently “written for the trades,” so they’re arranged in story arcs meant to fit into (as thus sell) Trade Paperbacks. Makes it easier for casual readers.
As a result, how TPB’s are marketed has changed, and I think the Wiki should recognize that. Some entries already have, but I’d love to see a codified policy on how these things should be done, so that when I spot a set that’s been done wrong, I can submit a correction request.
As to what I’m referring to, I think some examples would help.
An example of the old style: Robin: Tragedy & Triumph 3 issues of Detective comics plus a 4-issue mini series. Neat and tidy. One volume, one issue.
Here’s where things get different:
Captain Midnight: Brave Old World
Captain Midnight: For A Better Tomorrow
Captain Midnight: Crash and Burn
5 Trade Paperbacks. Each one collects 4 issues of the same comic book, in sequential order, picking up where the previous TPB left off. They even have volume numbers on the cover, which is something TPB’s never used to have back in the day.
It is my opinion that in instances like this, a single Comic Vine volume should be created, and each of these trades should be included as an issue. I understand that the argument could be made that they each say they’re a different “volume” so they shouldn’t be listed as a singular volume, but I think the term is being used differently between the comic book company and Comic Vine. I also think the indicia (which CV has always treated as law) tends to agree with me:
It seems to me that Captain Midnight is the "series" title for these trades (I know, we're not used to the idea of TPB's being a series, but more and more I feel like they're becoming exactly that) while "volume" serves effectively as the issue number, and what follows it is the title of the "issue." It seems like the logical way of doing this would be:
Volume: Captain Midnight (2014)
Issue 1 Title: On The Run
Issue 2 Title: Brave Old World
Issue 3 Title: For A Better Tomorrow
Etc. etc. etc.
There have been examples of people following this rule already. Halo: Escalation is a good example. Batman and The Outsiders is another. But it’s wildly inconsistent.
I’d to see an official word on how this should be done. And if I’m right, I can start slowly providing links to sets that should be together.
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