Which is good. Because - bombshell time - the comics here are available online. Well, not all of them are quite yet - the online archives currently only go back ten years. But more are "coming soon". Presumably, soon, the whole back catalogue will be available on the web. I'll be the first to admit that that is not the same as being able to read them in-print, on high-quality paper, with author annotations. But for the main draw of a book like this, priced at a significant $85 MSRP, to be available on the Internet for free, is liable to put some off.
Another qualm is that only 2,000 or so Dilbert strips are included here, out of a total around 6,000. Other comic strips have seen their whole back catalogue published - why not Dilbert? I can't answer that question, but thankfully, there is an addition that goes some way to making up for this: on the back cover of the book lurks a computer DVD that contains folders of every Dilbert comic every published, broken down by year. It only runs up to May 2008, when the book was finalized, but it hasn't been locked, so you can add more recent strips yourself, if you so please. It's an addition that goes some way to making up for the limitations of the book itself.
Speaking of that book.. with most books, packaging and presentation isn't really worthy of note. But with a compendium packaged as lovingly as this, I'd be remiss to overlook the book's aesthetics. Weighing in at a hefty nine pounds and slightly larger than A4 in terms of page area - not exactly easy to read on a train or plane, it must be admitted - the book is contained in a solid, sturdy outer case that's appropriately designed and sparsely decorated. (A detachable piece of card on the top side of the book is the only clear indication of what's inside). Removed the book proper from the outer shell and you're greeted with a sturdy tome that uses thick, glossy paper and quality binding to help make the reading experience as pleasurable as possible. If treated well, it looks like it would stay in fine condition for decades - a must when investing in a purchase as lavish as this.
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