So. When last we spoke I was organizing my comic collection. It
took me a while and a lot more extra boxes than I expected, but I finally
managed to get everything organized and alphabetized. After doing all this
work I thought "There must be a 21st Century way to keep track of all this
stuff.
A
little Googling lead me to a program called "CLZ Comics". Its an
utility that will inventory your comic collection. Although pricey for the casual collector, it looked
quite useful. I took a chance and plunked down the $45.00.
Inputting the information can be a tad time consuming. I did my
collection which stands at about five thousand comics over the course of two
weeks. I put in about 30 or 40 minutes a night. The hardest part was writing
everything down on paper so I could sit at my desk and input the data. All in
all it wasn't such a labor as I got to take a look at books
I haven't seen in years. In the end it was a lot of fun.
I was seriously impressed with how many small indie books were in the
database. I have some seriously obscure, small press titles dating back to the
80's, and everything was there. Some publication info is missing from books
that really should be in there though. I've had to enter a lot of info on my
"Tales to Astonish" collection, but that info can be uploaded to the
database so the next poor slob wont have the same issues. You can also add
personal notes and and conditions to your comics.
One cool feature is you can get the mobile app. It works with the main
software and allows you to import your entire collection's cover
images, story details, publication info as well as the creators that worked on
the books vial Wi-Fi. There is also a wish list function that is a big help
while you're at a comic shop or convention. This has been a big help to me
lately as I've decided to pursue a complete run of
"The Incredible Hulk". More on that in future blog entries.
The down side of the app is at $10.00, it is expensive.
I don't like that you cannot update your wish list on your mobile
device either. This serious flaw has caused me to buy a few duplicate books.
Its annoying but I suppose I should have checked my bag to see if I'd already
purchased a book I needed from another vendor. Still it would be nice if the
app had an "Edit Wish List" function. Maybe one will be added in an
update. It can also be a bit buggy. Nothing serious though. For what the app
does it should really be included in the purchase price of the software.
All in all, I would say that the software is quite helpful. Its helped
settle a few disagreements on who penciled "Blah-Man issue
4976" or “That book came out in 19--!” It's nice to be able to upload your
collection to the internet for sharing with your friends. I'd say
if you're serious about managing your collection Check
it out.
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