On renumbering and consistency.

[Phantom Eagle]

The only problem I would have with a series of mini-series, is that I would still want to know what order to read those in, unless you can absolutely assure me that each story is entirely self-contained, but then why have continuing characters? I guess one could say that they don't grow or change as much as characters in a work of limited duration, because if they do, then I wanna read the arc of arcs. In order, if possible.

I don't mind something like what Marvel is planning, because when a new pitch or new concept comes along, with a fresh creative team, it seems fine to give them a somewhat fresh slate to work with. Especially when it has been known for months that most of their best writers have done long runs on titles and would probably be moving on soon, while those who haven't been on books as long but are up-and-comers would be given fresh opportunities as well. And of course, because of the legacies of these properties and characters, and some arcane postal and copyright laws, it behooves the publishers to consider various volumes and title changes as contiguous. Confusing? Most certainly.

Now imagine a world before Wikipedia. Where the information was not readily available in zero-point-two-six seconds.

Also, speaking of the issue numbers being on the inside of trades, at least Marvel lets the potential buyer know on the outside, right on the back cover. Not so, DC. Birds of Prey would be impossible to navigate without Wikipedia, or the lovely Gail Simone and her endless patience for re-answering the same questions repeatedly.

As for the DC reboot, I can only say it served as a line in the sand for me. I hope to read the best of it in library trades. Someday.

Jumping-on points also serve as jumping-off points.

And I'm still hoping for a Daredevil #700.

[Phantom Eagle]

Also, Marvel sometimes publishes Reading Order Chronologies and abridged, single-issue History of the Marvel Universe books at irregular intervals.

I've got a recent copy of each, published some time after the Heroic Age and before Point One. Cost me less than ten bucks for both. Nice to peruse, every half-decade or so, for a refresher.

They often print recent reading orders on the IFC & IBC of TPB versions of their trades, as well.

Not to be too sycophantic, but they do employ the folks in marketing for a reason, and, given the decisions made by marketing and editorial, I think the collections department does a commendable job with their trade publishing. Certain stylistic choices offer cues as well, such as the spines of the Spider-Man trades. I'm grateful to Jen Grünwald et al for their efforts in bringing some order to the chaos.