Comics are -much- cheaper here. If you decide you want a comic habit (recommended!) you could try online bookstores.

But I want my instant gratification! And I want it now!

I wonder if there's any stores that have free post to Ireland, or per item postage only. I find when I shop online, I buy more than intended, generally with the excuse of making the per order postage better value.

Lots of comments.

Firstly - The first Runaways book is ace. I'd recommend all the way through Runaways up until Joss Whedon takes over (and I haven't read after that so I can't comment.)

Secondly - I'd make the argument that comic books are not to be appreciated in the same way as "text-only" books (I want to say "proper books" but someone will probably flame me) are. While I appreciate that you're reading twice, once to appreciate art and once to appreciate text, I tend to re-read comic books a lot more often than I re-read text books, picking up a lot more character stuff and interlinkage on later readings.

Thirdly - Reading comics as they're meant to be read, in monthly installments as opposed to in one collection, is better. Draws out the suspense better and makes you savour the content more.

Fourthly - Depending on whether or not you're a fan of copyright etc. you can download a lot of comics online, to be read on your (insert name of PC-ish media outlet here) in a not-paid-for manner. I tend to prefer the physical book (I do a lot of reading of comics in the car and in various eateries) but have been known to pirate a companion title or a book I think I might get into.

1. I'm definitely going to read the next volume. I presume it's going to get going properly there, with the first being scene setting.

2. Which are the best ones for re-reads? Or does it apply in general?

3. I think I prefer paperbacks. Not that I have read any in instalments though. Perhaps I could make myself put the book down till the next day when I come to the end of an issue to spread it out a little.

4. I'm reading Freakangels online, and enjoying it, but in general I prefer paper. I think part of why Freakangels is working is that the layout is right for the screen. I've looked at some scans before, and found them awkward to navigate. Probably good for deciding whether to spend money on something though.