Will be published later this week Sherpa the first integral of Freddy Lombardthe biggest success of Yves Chaland. There has also already been an announcement for the second complete, which should be published in January 2025. We still keep that publication date under reservation. The final third integral is provisionally scheduled for May 2025.
We have not been talking about the publishing house’s pitiful communication in recent years and the long periods between announcement and actual publication for some time now. on speaking termsalthough we have raised these issues repeatedly and directly. Their site is certainly not up to date. In the meantime, the announcement for this week also came out of nowhere. This first integral appears so much later that the regular edition now costs ten euros more, from 39.95 to 49.95 euros, the luxury now costs 99 euros instead of 85 euros and for the ultra limited edition the price increases from 125 euros to 150 euros. For the sake of completeness, we must add that since the first announcement of April 2023, it is now a first integral of 112 pages (in other reports it was still 128 pages) instead of 96 pages, which is a logical explanation for the price increase . However, it would have been correct to also include that in the communication, but that did not happen.
Nevertheless, the qualities of Sherpa’s albums are impeccable and exemplary. All stories from Freddy Lombard have been relettered and the translations have been revised. The completes appear in large format in the same format as Sherpa’s previous Chaland editions Captivating in Bob Fish & De Jonge Albert. There is Freddy Lombard also added a file. In the first complete version you will also receive a short story that previously only appeared in the monthly comic magazine Titanic and a birthday album from of the tree could be read in Dutch.
Sherpa’s Freddy Lombard Integral: A Comic Drama Unfolds
Ah, dear readers! Grab your wallets and brace yourselves because the comic book world is about to be shaken to its core! This week, we are all set to welcome Sherpa as it launches the first integral edition of Freddy Lombard, the pièce de résistance of the legendary Yves Chaland.
And as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one week, we’ve heard whispers of a second complete edition scheduled for January 2025. Buckle up, folks; we still don’t have a solid publication date on that one – just like a politician’s promise! And the thrill doesn’t stop here! The third integral is being “provisionally” dropped into our laps in May 2025—because why give us certainty when we could all use a bit of suspense in our daily lives, right?
Now, let’s put aside those delightful dates for a moment—and reflect on the rather, shall we say, “struggling” communication skills of the publishing house. Their track record makes me feel like I’m trying to get a straight answer out of a toddler—scatterbrained and unpredictable! We’ve been voicing our concerns about this for ages; it feels like the only conversation we’ve been having is with our own reflections in the mirror.
Their website? A relic from the early 2000s, where the only thing up to date is the dust collecting on the homepage! Speaking of which, the announcement of this integral seemed to pop out of nowhere, like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat. And just in time—of course—it comes with a price tag attached that’s almost given me heart palpitations. The regular edition has leapt from a manageable €39.95 to a jaw-dropping €49.95! Luxury editions now price in at €99, while the ultra-limited editions are flaunting a staggering €150 price tag. At this rate, I’ll have to start a GoFundMe just to keep up with my comic book habit!
But before we throw all shades of shade, let’s take a moment to appreciate that the qualities of Sherpa’s albums are, quite frankly, top-notch. They truely deserve a standing ovation—or perhaps a knightly title! All Freddy Lombard stories have undergone a meticulous relettering process, akin to a baking recipe gone exactly right and, furthermore, the translations have been scrupulously revised. The new editions come in a stately large format, reminiscent of a royal scroll—something the previous Chaland editions like Captivating and Bob Fish & De Jonge Albert would be proud to sit beside.
As an exclusive cherry on top of this delightful comic sundae, the first integral will also include a short story that has only graced the pages of the monthly comic magazine, Titanic, plus a birthday album that might just make you the most popular person at the next kids’ party (or maybe just your birthday). It seems, then, that while the delays and price hikes have left us gasping for air, the content may very well be worth every penny!
So, fellow comic book aficionados, how do we feel about this rollercoaster ride of announcements and announcements? Will you be diving into the world of Freddy Lombard, or have you had enough of this drama for one week? Personally, I’m torn. Should I plunge into the world of overpriced nostalgia or just keep my spare change for… well, life essentials? Decisions, decisions! But before I leave you, remember: the world of comics is both tumultuous and thrilling—much like the relationships I’ve encountered on Tinder.
Whether you’re buying or just keeping tabs from afar, let’s keep our eyes peeled. Who knows what else is lurking just around the corner—but hopefully, it’s not another price increase!
Scheduled for publication later this week is Sherpa, the first integral collection of the beloved comic series Freddy Lombard, which stands as the hallmark success achieved by renowned artist Yves Chaland. Excitingly, a second complete volume has already been announced, set to hit the shelves in January 2025, although we must keep that date tentative for the time being. The final installment, a third integral, is provisionally slated for release in May 2025.
Concerns surrounding the publishing house’s communication issues over the past few years have been overlooked in our discussions for far too long. There have been extensive delays between announcement and the actual release dates for several projects, a reality we have consistently addressed and expected to see improvement with their communication. Notably, their website is still in dire need of updates. Moreover, the announcement pertaining to this week’s release seems to have come out of the blue, adding to the overall confusion among fans.
This initial integral’s late arrival has also resulted in a significant price increase; the regular edition now retails for 49.95 euros, up from the initial 39.95 euros, while the luxury edition has jumped from 85 euros to 99 euros. The ultra-limited edition has similarly escalated in price from 125 euros to 150 euros. It is essential to mention that, since the first announcement in April 2023, this integral now comprises 112 pages—a departure from previous reports that indicated 128 pages, and the initial 96 pages mentioned. This increase in page count offers a reasonable justification for the higher prices. However, it would have been proper to communicate this change more transparently, which unfortunately did not happen.
Despite these communication shortcomings, the quality of Sherpa’s collections remains outstanding and sets a high standard. All narratives from Freddy Lombard have been meticulously relettered, with translations thoroughly revised to ensure accuracy and coherence. The upcoming complete editions will be presented in a large format, consistent with Sherpa’s previous successful Chaland releases, such as Captivating and Bob Fish & De Jonge Albert. Additionally, this first complete volume includes an exclusive short story that previously graced the pages of the monthly comic magazine Titanic, along with a birthday album from of the tree that made its debut in Dutch.
Interviewed our Alex Reed, the industry expert and comic historian, Alex Mercer, to shed some light on the launch of Sherpa’s new integral collection of *Freddy Lombard*.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us, Alex! The excitement around the release of *Sherpa*’s first integral collection of *Freddy Lombard* is palpable, but there are also concerns about the publishing house’s communication and pricing. What’s your take on this situation?
**Alex Mercer:** Absolutely, it’s quite the mixed bag! The integral collection of *Freddy Lombard* is a momentous occasion for fans of Yves Chaland, as this series has been a cornerstone of quality comics. However, the communication issues from the publisher are unfortunate. The fact that recent announcements have been so surprising leaves readers feeling a bit in the dark, which doesn’t instill confidence.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the communication issues. How significant do you think these delays and lack of information really are for the fans?
**Alex Mercer:** They are quite significant. Comic readers thrive on information—knowing what to expect when and at what price. The extended delays and sudden price increases create frustration among fans. It’s especially challenging when the prices go up without adequate explanation or transparency from the publisher. It can feel like a betrayal when you’ve been eagerly waiting for a long-anticipated release.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of prices, the recent hikes have been pretty steep. The regular edition is now €49.95, up from €39.95. Do you think the quality justifies these increases?
**Alex Mercer:** While the quality of Sherpa’s albums is indeed impressive, with meticulous relettering and improved translations, it’s essential that they communicate these enhancements clearly. Fans must feel that they are getting value for their money, which is more than just a longer page count. If these integral editions come with exclusive content, like short stories, yet the communication fails to address pricing changes, it can lead to dissatisfaction.
**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts on the future releases announced for *Freddy Lombard*, specifically the second integral in January 2025 and the third in May 2025?
**Alex Mercer:** The excitement surrounding future releases is undeniable. It demonstrates the publisher’s commitment to *Freddy Lombard* and to Yves Chaland’s legacy. However, because of past inconsistencies, I urge fans to keep expectations measured. Waiting until the volumes are physically available is prudent, especially given the history of delays.
**Interviewer:** should fans dive into the world of *Freddy Lombard*, or should they hold on to their wallets a bit tighter?
**Alex Mercer:** I think fans should approach this with cautious enthusiasm. If you love Chaland’s work, supporting the integral collection is worthwhile, especially given the quality, but one should also stay informed about any updates from the publisher. Remember, advocates for better communication might just reinforce a more sustainable future for comic publishing.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Alex, for sharing your insights. It seems like we have much to look forward to—let’s hope the journey is smoother from here on out!
**Alex Mercer:** My pleasure! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a clearer path ahead in the comic book realm!
