Ballistic: The Art of Gears of War 3 Folio

[foreverflash]

Fantastic news my collector friends!




The Art of Gears of War 3 will be coming soon from the World famous Ballistic Publishing Company. The same company that created The Art of Uncharted 2 (of which the folio edition has since become a holy grail for Uncharted collectors), The Art of Oddworld Inhabitants, and The Art of God of War 3. All these art books came with 3 (sometimes 4) different editions: A softcover, Hardcover, Limited Hardcover and Folio Edition.

I got an alert in my email because I am a previous paying customer at Ballistic's online shop. From what I read, the Gears of War 3 Folio will be available in approximately 4 weeks. If you are a Gears fan you better make sure you keep your eyes open and wallet loose. I wanted to make sure you guys at CE.org got a chance at this before the ebay scalpers (those who buy massive quantities and resell at a very high premium).

It may be possible for anyone to subscribe to the exclusive email alert system for Gears of War 3 Folio. I don't know if it's only for previous paying customers or not. But, here is the link to the main sale page and the Folio email alert subscription.

Main Gears of War 3 page (will be 3 different book versions)
http://www.ballisticpublishing.com/b...war3/index.php

Email alert subscription page for Gears of War 3 Folio availability
http://www.ballisticpublishing.com/b...war3/folio.php

[vhal_x]

Do you know if they charge up front for this Flash? As I desperately want it! xx

[foreverflash]

Originally Posted by vhal_x

Do you know if they charge up front for this Flash? As I desperately want it! xx

I can not say Vhal.

I have only done business with them regarding The Art of Oddworld and it had already been released years before so I'm not sure how Ballistic works for preorders.

Give them a phone call (but beware of international calling rates - they are very high). Make sure you have an "international"
calling feature added to whatever phone you are using (if it's a cell phone or home phone) before calling. I made the mistake of
ringing up an enormous phone bill when I called Ballistic. (From UK to AU) Dial: 00 61 8 8463 1866

The guy you want to ask for is Garth Hammet. He's one of the nicest, most friendly and helpful guys you will ever talk to!
I believe he is the Marketing or Sales manager at Ballistic's main facility in Adelade. If want to try emailing him, that works too
(but he doesn't always reply by email. I'll send you his email via PM.

[davidw]

i think i'll be getting the middle one, the limited edition bound in leather just don't think i could afford or even justify this version...

[foreverflash]

Originally Posted by davidw

i think i'll be getting the middle one, the limited edition bound in leather just don't think i could afford or even justify this version...

I don't think most people can justify buying a Folio version of any book.

To be honest though (from the research I've done), Ballistic's Folio editions @ $300 to $400 each are quite affordable in the world of Folios! Some Folio books can go upward of $500 to $1500 (or more) - depending on initial production quantity and just how detailed they get regarding the printing and production process. Sometimes a publisher will just go insane with every fine little detail.

[davidw]

Oh i don't doubt it would be amazing - i guess i'm just being causious.. i'd go for it within a moment if the time was right and i thought it was worth it but the problem with the Folio edition is that it is so precious and special you don't want to touch it and read it - the main purpose i'd be getting it - i think there comes a point something is so special you don't want to touch it but that seems stupid to me as i'd be buying it to pour over the art - not look at on my shelf because i don't want to crease it as i just paid $300 for it! ha

[foreverflash]

Originally Posted by davidw

Oh i don't doubt it would be amazing - i guess i'm just being causious.. i'd go for it within a moment if the time was right and i thought it was worth it but the problem with the Folio edition is that it is so precious and special you don't want to touch it and read it - the main purpose i'd be getting it - i think there comes a point something is so special you don't want to touch it but that seems stupid to me as i'd be buying it to pour over the art - not look at on my shelf because i don't want to crease it as i just paid $300 for it! ha

I understand exactly what you're saying.

However,

That is why many collectors will be the most premium version to collect (keeping it sealed) and a second, basic version to read and enjoy! I figure, if you are willing to spend $300+ on a Folio book, you can probably afford the $60-80 basic edition as well.

[davidw]

Hmm maybe so but then, and this is my opinion so shoot me down if i'm out of turn but...

To me that seems absurd, i would literally be paying $300 for something to sit on my shelf, never to be touched - which would be fine it if was a figure etc but to pay $300 for a book and then never touch it or read - what did i (hypothetically) pay all that money, just so i could say i own it - having to buy the cheap, lets admit slightly crappy version when you have the most luxurious version on your shelf seems wrong to me...

Like you got the cheap one and have to put up with it because you couldn't afford the other one, when, in fact you could afford it, you actually bought it but can't touch it like a little kid can't touch his dad's record collection...

I guess what i'm saying is i collect to enjoy, i don't collect for the sake of collecting - i'd never pay $300 for something, book or not just so i could say i own it - if i spent that much money on a book i'd want to make sure i got my moneys worth, i'd take it in the bathroom if i had to! ha

[foreverflash]

Originally Posted by davidw

Hmm maybe so but then, and this is my opinion so shoot me down if i'm out of turn but...

To me that seems absurd, i would literally be paying $300 for something to sit on my shelf, never to be touched - which would be fine it if was a figure etc but to pay $300 for a book and then never touch it or read - what did i (hypothetically) pay all that money, just so i could say i own it - having to buy the cheap, lets admit slightly crappy version when you have the most luxurious version on your shelf seems wrong to me...

Like you got the cheap one and have to put up with it because you couldn't afford the other one, when, in fact you could afford it, you actually bought it but can't touch it like a little kid can't touch his dad's record collection...

I guess what i'm saying is i collect to enjoy, i don't collect for the sake of collecting - i'd never pay $300 for something, book or not just so i could say i own it - if i spent that much money on a book i'd want to make sure i got my moneys worth, i'd take it in the bathroom if i had to! ha

My friend, it all depends on what kind of collector you are. You have "sealed" collectors who take incredible pride in keeping things sealed, then you have "display" collectors who like to buy, open, play with and display their collectibles. It makes perfect sense to a sealed collector, to buy a premium version and standard, and use the standard while keeping the premium sealed and valuable.

In the case of this book, the artwork will be EXACTLY the same in both standard and folio edition, so it's not like you are missing content. The difference is in the quality of the printing, paper used, binding, and the cover artwork and features. Might also have a signature in it.

[davidw]

i know - i hope you don't think i was trying to fan the flames as it were - i'm not against anyone collecting anything - that is the whole purpose of this site!