As for the home delivery, I’ll have to keep that in mind if DCBS and I don’t work out. Big Planet may have the stock, but they have a ten book minimum for a pull list, which if you’re trying to cut *back* on titles (or only want a few choice titles) can be frustrating.

I’ve tried Fantom’s Tenleytown store once and was completely put off by the staff. I always ask for suggestions to see what’s going on, but the guy totally didn’t get it. This was surprising since I feel like the quality of comic book stores has risen drastically in the last decade. I don’t want to say that everyone who worked there was like this, but if someone walked in and said “I like the Goon, Local, Scott Pilgrim, Fables, and no super heroes except for Powers, what else would you recommend” would you show them nothing but super heroes? Again, they may have better staff, but I was completely put off by the attitude more than any store i’ve been in years. He wasn’t condescending, just clueless, even when I re-articulated the “I don’t like super heroes.”

Big Planet is good, but if you want real service, make the trek to Third Eye comics in Annapolis. Fantastic service and they really tailor their recommendations to any taste.

Also, go read Mike Rhode’s (commenter #4) ComicsDC blog. great stuff, even if your not from DC.

I admire your commitment to buying only what looks good. I’ve switched over to that as much as possible, although when I can’t find certain books to browse anywhere, I regret not pre-ordering. The thrill of the hunt is fun!

Kind of reminds me of DC’s failed comic-mobile in the 70′s (that may not be the actual name).

Just a side note, I am a serious collector, have been since I was eight (I just read them before that) and I have no subscription or pre-order service. I don’t even go to the comic store every week. Yeah, sometimes I miss out on something (I just caught up on Echo because my LCS kept selling out of # 10 and I missed Incredibles # 2 from last week but I’ll get it eventually).

I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but I have found (I have had subs in the past) that I actually spend less and am more likely to drop a subpar title if I have to physically go and browse the racks and choose my books each time rather than just rely on the inertial of a pull list.

And as for the books I miss, I actually enjoy the rush of hunting for them–reminds me of the joy I got when I was just a reader of looking at all the neighborhood drug, grocery, and convenience stores to find the next issue of Batman, JLA, or Captain America.