Putting together a doujin/book of some of the figure review pictures I’ve done was a lot of fun. Figures are awesome, you know. It did grow to be a bit larger than what I thought I would do, 68 pages.
Anyway, to keep this in the spirit of fan works, doujin, etc., HappySoda volume 1 will only be available from October 21 to 28. It’s a longer window than the one day for a fest, but people might only visit this place once a week, so in a sense it’s got a somewhat similar limited window of opportunity. Here is a low res (96dpi) pdf download of all the interior pages or alternately here if that’s being throttled.
Book size, price, etc., available when you click the Lulu button. I’m using Lulu.com for print on demand service. My preview copies looked good and they have printers in several parts of the globe outside the US, so for many some shipping will be domestic, wherever domestic for you would be but not as many as I thought.
I had problems getting it off mediafire, so I’m going to host it. It’s not that big of a file anyways.
http://www.omonomono.com/HS1_Interior_LowRes.pdf
Feel free to use it or plug it or link to it. Can’t promise the file will be there forever tho…or beyond the next month.
Awesome! Im glad you finally finished it,I should have some money around the 27th so count me in to buy a copy,
Im glad you went with the Alice Cover.
So since its called Doujin 1 we can count on a second one eh?
Just looked through the PDF and you chose some of my fav shots^^
Im wondering how long it took you to compell this collection
Thanks for that Omo, I uploaded it to another file sharing site, so hopefully that’ll make it easier and hopefully not cause any problems for you.
As for another, Blowfish? Maybe. There were things with this that I felt I could do differently given another go. Going POD it really costs me nothing but paying for my preview copy to see if it’s okay.
Also, thank you to anyone who downloads the pdf or buys a print copy.
congrats on finally getting your book out. I already ordered my copy! I can’t wait till it arrives!
Nice! Ordered a copy as well! I’ll have to get it personally signed next time I see you
Right on, Super Rats! Right on.
I’m going to fix up a purchase
Hm. I found a typo on page 26.
A real doujinshi ALRIGHT
Had some time to pour through the free version, some feedback.
1. I really like it when you actually talk about what you did and what you thought of doing when you took the picture.
2. I really like the two-page spreads
3. It would be nice to cross reference the different figures featured in the book with URLs to your site or something like that. Maybe an appendix or index of some sort. Basically so people know which kit it was, who made it, the sculptor, etc.
4. The cover could be toned down a little bit ^^;;
Purchased!
DO WANT… although I’ll have to think about it since there are nude figures :3
[...] archeives. You can either download the low res pdf file or linked to a site where you can buy it here via Happy Soda. Cover of Happy Soda [...]
As always I’m frightened that the online store wouldn’t have paypal or deliver a acceptable price shipping items to Europe. However, I gotta love lulu. I’ve added it in my bookmarks. Good site, the price is very reasonable if you thinkk about all those pages full colored binded. I never bought such a book (even never an art book), but you will be the first.
lol. Actually I would have a problem if they would ‘pose’, you know. But just bein nude as in model .. no problems for me.
@IcyStorm
I’m curious super rats, how much do you actually earn from my €16?
(yes, i buy when I get home :p)
[...] You can download the full book, 960i pdf version as example of ALL the pages in the book. For this open minded idea only, I support Super Rats. Well, I just like his reviews, style and comment. Well, ok, I won’t give you the download link since I think you should browse HappySoda’s page. So, browse his site and you might want to purchase that book as well. HappySoda official announcement at HappySoda Figure Doujin 1. [...]
@Hirvine It’s more of the fact that I’m under 18 and I’d have to use my mom’s credit card to get it :3 I doubt she would look through it, but I don’t want avoid any conversations regarding it, if possible.
I will probably order it this week, though
Nice article. Thanks.
Eugene
Wow, I’ve been lurking on your site for a while and it is through your great writings and photography that has helped me to embrace my figure-taku side
I’m interested in buying a copy of your doujinshi but, as I’m based in South Africa and my current method of purchase is debit card.. I’m not too sure if that would work well?
Finally, would you like to share blogroll links? ^-^
Holy, the shipping kills. Let me starve for a few days more to offset that.
Is the shipping really that bad for some? I was hoping that since Lulu has print locations outside the US it would help out on that front.
Omo, oh man, I thought I caught them all. And yeah, the cover is pretty bold, but heh.^^;
I’ll keep the risque element in mind if I do another one. I do try to be ero in some shots, but hopefully without going p0rn0, though the perception of that does rely on one’s point of view.
Hirvine, I make $4.21 USD per, which if I reach the target should pay for the printing of the first draft proof, the final copy, and shipping, which was roughly $40 total. So I need 9-10 copies sold to cover the cost, which will probably happen today or tomorrow.
Again, thanks to all for checking it out.
will purchase once i’m back home from a trip
, looked through the pdf preview, really yummy!
Brilliant. I’ll be ordering my copy when I get home ;P
super rats: I don’t think any of us really mind the risque stuff, but it becomes a small nuisance to see it on the cover. An inconvenience, if you will.
I’m sure it’s no challenge for you to come up with an even more bold but more SFW cover ^^;
Another possibility to explore is a dust jacket. It bumps up the cost but it would be more in line with anime art books.
As for shipping, my guess is that Lulu doesn’t have much in terms of Asian locations, so it’s expensive for them.
Yeah, I misunderstood the extent of their printing locations. Lulu was still the best option, I think, but not as far reaching as I thought. Of the people who visit this site Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and the Philippines are in the top 10 countries of origin or about 25-30%, so the shipping is killer for more people than I would have liked. It looks like Australia is where books in this area will come from.
True, with the cover, it’s definitely not something to leave laying about. Sometimes 3AM isn’t the best time to go bold, at least, for something out in public.
Well at least I find lulu a really good site (you read right, purchases+1). If you ever search for another online store, I hope you find one also having paypal. Without paypal I am not able to buy
. My father won’t let me use his credit card ever. I can use ideal, but it’s not a very famous payment method.
Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and the Philippines? Well, I shouldn’t be too surprised, still being a bit jealous. Fun to see is moyism, Dancing Queen etc at your site. Your blog almost becomes an meeting point
. Success making the 10 copies mark.
[...] rats over at HappySoda has released a photo book consisting of a select number of his photos, some of which are accompanied by explanatory text. [...]
Cool. Getting paid this weekend, so I’ll be ordering my copy.
Woot! nice I shall go get a copy now. Shall help you advertise as well. Such a nice photo, love to have my own publication some day.
Bah, and this is where I hate myself for not having a credit card again.
I’m surprised so many people are being cheapskates. This is one of my favorite RSS feeds, so I bought the book to support super rats more than anything else. I didn’t even take a look at the PDF, because I want it to be a surprise. I understand if you live in a country other than the US, though. Shipping for me in California was only $3 and change.
ahh! the PDF is looking great. The book would make a great inexpensive Christmas gift =D
Ouch, that’s a brutal change in the exchange rate, ~ron. Given that, I probably pass on it too.
And really, the number of people who did buy this is double what I anticipated, so I’m happy. So far 14 people have ordered a copy. Thank you!!!
Make it 15 orders =)
I don’t think the shipping cost was that bad. UPS ground was 9.70 USD, which is similar to USPS Priority Mail flat rate box. The problem is with the other shipping options; one of them was as high as 100 USD O_O;;
I had a quick look at the PDF. I think its amazing. Some of the shots are just gorgeous, especially those that are creative with angles, lightning, and backgrounds.
Other thoughts:
* I concur on omo’s comment about the cover. I don’t think its tacky nor vulgar, but it is risque.
* The comments on some of the pictures really add a personal touch to the book, making it a lot more than a collection of photographs.
* Full credits on the figures would be nice, not just for completeness but also for reference for those who may want to get the figure. Afterall, there are several figures I have bought after looking at pictures in your blog =)
* Wishlist for volume 2: Max Factory Ignis, a closeup shot of Death Sensei, and Chua Churam. They are my favorite figure releases of 2006, 2007 and 2008, so I am biased. Oh yeah, add Melissa Seraphy =)
* I think it would be nice if there was a “behind the camera” section, where you discuss a bit about your working process, plus some photography tips. However, this may be more suitable for a blog or video format (like the PSE figure lightning video).
I went ahead and ordered a copy, came out to 25 bucks after New York tax and shipping via Media Mail. It’s a bit pricey but whatever, I support what you do and look forward to it. Also if you would like i wouldn’t mind mirroring the PDF on my website for you if it means less hassle for people. Cheers.
Well, http://shiningequinox.com/downloads/HS1_Interior_LowRes.pdf for anyone who needs a mirror. That link won’t be moved so it can be linked whereever.
I was also thinking maybe you could provide a high res PDF for the purchasers of the book if at all possible, just food for thought I suppose.
Thanks for the feedback, Seiken.
Equinox, thanks for hosting the pdf mirror.
I finally placed my order with Lulu.
The shipping rate to Germany is alright with 4,99€ and i cant wait to hold it in my hand.I hope that all the buyers encourage you to think about a second Volume
Semi-off topic but have you ever mentioned what camera you use? ^^
Blowfish, I hope you like it!
Char, an Olympus E-500
Woah i nearly missed your Doujin because a fault in their billing system occurred and they had to void my order.Boy am i glad that its still avaiable on the 28th…even tough they now want 2 Euros more for the book and now 9 Euro shipping:/
I would have kicked myself if i missed it
Lulu is one weird corporation…
Just got my copy today… lulu did a very nice job if I do say so myself; pretty on par with standard (anime) artbooks IMHO
Glad to see you finally did it ! It’s awesome !
So sad the shipping price is kinda scary but it’s fine ^^
Great job
[...] specific work product, beyond his figure blog, is a self-published photo book of some of the select photos he took over the course of his figure reviews. I would like to think [...]
HOLY CRAP! I just saw that they bumped up the price on me without knowing it. It seems they changed their pricing structure this week. The cost was $19.99 when set this up, but it’s now $24.36 — they adjusted the price automatically. I apologize for anyone who saw one thing one day and saw another more recently on Lulu. Don’t exactly know when that happened.
Aw! Awesome stuff! lulu is the best when it comes to self publishing. I’ve been wanting to do an artbook for over 3 years now, but still haven’t gotten to it yet. ^_^;
Congrats! And it’s a fantastic concept. \o/
[...] If i could get even half as good as him i know I’m doing something good. So when he announced the release of his first doujin i jumped and bought my own [...]
Congrats on your book. Unfortunately I’ve come across your blog after the fact
I did download the pdf so in a scense I have your work handy ^_^ . You take some awesome pics and I can’t wait to see more of your work.
shoot i just saw a review of your book from dannychoo/howagirlfigures and the pics in there are as amazing as ever
Have not been able to improve my photography ever since I started, and really haven’t taken as many pics as I’ve wanted or should to get better at it haha… -_-
Any idea if you can put it up again for orders… was looking forward to this too, but on Lulu it says its not available…. =/
Wow I was far too late to realise that you have a photoshoot doujinshi.
I really like the presentation. Very nice photoshoots, and nothing flamboyant, which is easy for my eyes to read. Truly well done on your first release!