LBC/Waco Comic Bookbindery

[VinceB]

I've come to the conclusion that bagging and boarding comics, while increasing the longevity of my precious periodicals, is ultimately not a good thing. Once bagged, I put 'em in a box and never read them, again. It's like they don't even exist. So, I've decided to try binding some runs (first off: the Kelley Jones Batman run), but I have ZERO experience with any of the companies that specialize in this kind of thing.

Has anyone dealt with the Library Binding company mentioned on the CGS forum or other outfits? I've been to the LBC site, but they don't list any prices...

SO, YOU WANT TO BIND YOUR COMICS....

This thread is very long, so here are some basics to get you started. 

FAQs:
Aziz's page
The Marvel Masterworks Fan Site page
You should be able to answer most of your question with help from these 2 resources.

LIST OF BINDERIES:
This list is not exhaustive, but it's a good starting point: BINDERIES

[bean6344]

Those are all Home Binds.   I have a seperate thread that shows my work.  For the spines I use rubber stamps from Michaels.   I have completed over 50 volumes in less than a year with about $3 to $5 per bind (not including the cost of the comics.

Thanks for the feedback.   My ultimate goal is to ruduce 30 plus long boxes to 2 or 3 with the rest bound sold or donated.

Bean

[Christopher Stark]

Bean, you should do a homebinding panel at C2E2 next year.

Hell, I know a few guys that run the how and bet you could do one this year.

[Benisjamino]

Those are all Home Binds.   I have a seperate thread that shows my work.  For the spines I use rubber stamps from Michaels.   I have completed over 50 volumes in less than a year with about $3 to $5 per bind (not including the cost of the comics.

I am blown away at how nice these self-binds are looking! I was thinking about sending in my L.E.G.I.O.N. and R.E.B.E.L.S. runs, but now I'll do it myself!

Where is a good place to start as far as tutorials go?

[Benisjamino]

I found an insanely detailed tutorial for bookmaking from Indiana University.

[Robert]

Karma for the reference, Ben!

[Benisjamino]

Thanks Robert!

Also, I just realized that if you click on "Table of Contents" over on the right, there are a bunch of different tutorials. Binding, repair, different treatments, etc. There is also a huge glossary with descriptions for tools, supplies, etc.

I live in Indianapolis, I might look into taking a class over the summer, haha!

[PercussionMasta]

I found an insanely detailed tutorial for bookmaking from Indiana University.

That looks like a pretty nice resource.  If you're wanting to remove ads from your books before binding, you likely won't be sewing leafs but individual pages, which this tutorial doesn't address.  I've found this book to be an IMMENSE help to me, and covers sewing on tape as well as single pages:

http://www.amazon.com/Bookbinding-Handcraft-Manly-Miles-Banister/dp/0806963522

[Benisjamino]

That looks like a pretty nice resource.  If you're wanting to remove ads from your books before binding, you likely won't be sewing leafs but individual pages, which this tutorial doesn't address.  I've found this book to be an IMMENSE help to me, and covers sewing on tape as well as single pages:

http://www.amazon.com/Bookbinding-Handcraft-Manly-Miles-Banister/dp/0806963522

Manly Banister is the best name I have ever heard

[bean6344]

Lots of good resources listed above.   

I think Japanese stitching is the best option for my bindings.   
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/j-r6c_trSxY&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/j-r6c_trSxY&rel=1</a>
Due to the thickness of binds, i use a book press, drill and ribbon.   I also do not "end stitch", but the process is pretty much the same without much gutter loss.


Check out page 58 of this thread for pictures of the process.    I promise that a tutorial will eventually happen (I know, I know).    I am self taught through google searches and youtube videos.   There has been a lot of trial and error.    You can also check out the separate home binding thread for examples of what can be done.

I am bringing a few books to C22, so you can see them in person if you are going to be there.

Bean

[PercussionMasta]

Manly Banister is the best name I have ever heard

Lol, yes it is!

[PercussionMasta]

I think Japanese stitching is the best option for my bindings.

Interesting.  I would think that with the holes drilled so far from the spine, this method would make it difficult to completely open the book in the middle.  Or do you not drill holes an inch in?

[boshuda]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/z3Ru6bkfsqM&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/z3Ru6bkfsqM&rel=1</a>
I've been thinking of trying this tutorial for full-bleed comics.  It seems like it has the potential to remove gutter loss because each individual signature could be opened independently.  There would be a cost of appearance and maybe longevity.  I suppose slip covers would address both issues.  It also has the advantage of requiring no new tools, and I could probably even scrounge around for all of the materials to give it a try.

[steve bryant]

Randy Dahlk, the Eisner Award winning designer behind IDW's Artist Editions, The Complete Rocketeer, Mark Schultz's Xenozoic, and more, is having a blast designing covers for his bound collections:







I've loved seeing everyone's bound comics, but more than anything, this is pushing me toward it.

Randy's blog is chock-full of terrific design and insights into his wonderful work:
http://retrorandy.blogspot.com/

[Kenney]

Steve, those are DOPE! Also, how horrible am I to have never even heard of Tony Salmons? I need to fix that, because that dude draws one badass Batman.

[Pat Moleman]

Wow those are some awesome covers