Comic Block Subscription Box Review + Coupon – March 2016

Comic Block is a subscription box from Nerd Block that focuses on sending out comics and comic related goodies.

They’ve recently changed the format of this box, increasing the cost and the kind of items they are sending.

This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

The Box: Comic Block

The Cost: $19.99 plus shipping (Shipping is $6 to Canada, $6 to US, $10 Worldwide)

COUPON: Use coupon code MSA10 to save 10% off the first month of any Nerd Block subscription! (Apply coupon at the very end of checkout).

The Products: $60+ value, featuring an exclusive comic themed shirt, 4-6 comic collectibles

Ships to: Worldwide!

Check out all of our Comic Block reviews and all of our Comic Subscription Reviews!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. This is the first delivery of the new format for Comic Block. In the past, they had been guaranteeing 3 comic books, a shirt, and then usually a print and/or an extra small value item.

Now, they are pitching it as a $60+ value with a comic themed shirt and 4-6 comic collectibles. No mention of a comic book count anymore.

I also did not receive an info card this month. Not sure if it was an oversight or intentional – but I’m assuming that it’s an oversight considering they typically send out cards with their blocks.

Superman Shirt – Value $10?

This mont’s exclusive shirt features Superman in a Batman-esque logo! I think this is a cool and unique design – a nice, subtle, call out to Batman v Superman.

Superman POP – Value $10.50 on Amazon

Ok, here’s where the curveball is thrown. We’ve received 2 vinyl figures with this new format. First up, Superman from Batman v Superman. This is new to my collection, so I was extra excited to see it in the box.

Here’s a closer look at the details. Here comes with a clear plastic stand so that he’s hovering mid-air. This is a great POP.

Wolverine Dorbz – Value $8.72 on Amazon

This one is a duplicate for me since I had received it in the August 1UP Box. I haven’t fully come around to Dorbz since I don’t actively seek them out and collect them – but they have grown on me since their first introduction.

Here’s a closer look at Logan.

Batman v Superman Decal – Value $5?

I couldn’t find this exact one online, but I found a similar decal from the same manufacturer – so I’m valuing it on that. This also glows in the dark. The decal is exactly what you see on the packing with all white lettering, it was a bit hard to photograph the lettering, so the package image was best.

Mr. J’s April Fools Kit – Value $2?

We received this same kit in last March’s Nerd Block and Nerd Block Jr. It’s a fun little prank set for April Fools Day, but I didn’t actually get it in time for April 1!

OK – on to the actual comics…

Batman and Robin #1 – Value $1

Since Batman and Robin: Eternal is now over, I’m absolutely looking for a replacement series – This one will definitely be worth a read. These DC Essentials issues include a ton of advertising for DC comics and toys in over half of the book – I’m assuming that’s why they price them at $1. It also is only an excerpt of the comic – which is an absolute bummer.

The Dark Knight Returns #1 – Value $1

This is the same deal. And an excerpt from The Dark Knight Returns and then a ton of ads. Honestly, pretty disappointing to not get one full comic in a comic subscription.

Batman Print – Value $10?

The last item is an Adam West Batman print. Very nicely artist style shoeing off Batman.

Verdict: I’m really surprised that we only received a small number of comic pages to actually read because over half of the content in the comic is ads. And only $2 in value is contributed by comic books. It’s an odd shift. There are definitely more comic subscriptions these days to cover your reading fix, so I can see the upside in sending comics and comic-related items – I really like that idea, actually. It’s a good first box, but I wonder if the value is smaller because they grandfathered old subscribers into the new price-point? Either way – the comics should never feel like the toss-in of a comic subscription, so that’s a bit of a let down for me this month.

UPDATE: Thanks to Melissa for pointing out that not only am I missing the info card, but also another comic! Superman #50 to be exact. That would change my outlook on the box – but I’m a bit concerned that items are missing!

What did you think of the March Comic Block? Do you like the new format?