Large Format Graphic Novels

I wanted to discuss an idea I've been consumed with for a few years now. I have desired to create large format versions of my favorite manga.

Issues with current manga publications:

• 5in x 7.5in is too damn small.
• Manga graphic novels are generally printed on paper that is one or two steps above toilet paper. Most manga are printed on lignin containing paper, which causes them to yellow and get brittle with time and exposure to light/heat.
• Binding quality (perfect binding) is just acceptable enough to last outside the store. Perfect bound books read with regular use, fall apart in short order.

One could make an attempt to convince comic publishers to increase standards, but why when there is currently no market for it. One could start a campaign to raise awareness of  the current manga readership in hope that they demand for higher quality from publishers. In the end all of these paths are a forms of coercion realized in someones checkbook.

If possible, I also want to recreate them from the best original materials. Scanning publish books will enlarge the offset line-screen patterns. So I started conversations with different publishers but only continued with one (of which keeps pushing our appointment date further along). I will be pursuing others after my the first project is complete. From what I've heard back, the licensing costs are rather steep, but not impossible. While I'm am probably insane enough to do this all on my own, I figured that others would be interested in something like this. I have tried to discuss this subject with others (on other forums) but I find that its always regarded as spam...

I figured I would just start with a single volume work. At the moment I'm taking the legally gray(in the states) route of scanning the original and privately producing one copy for myself. I describe it as "repairing my damaged copy". I am currently doing preliminary work before committing to production [scanning, editing, and doing mock-up printing]. I'm still shopping for the perfect paper and stocking up on ink.

The full repair will be a leather bound, 12in x 18in tome. I will use fine paper (cotton or alpha cellulose (won't yellow or get brittle with time)) and pigment inks that are waterproof / light-fast (+100 years). It might even have heavy wood covers with corner bosses and clasps... I have recently been asked: do you really think it is necessary that it will endure more than a hundred years? I would say yes, but I don't have much to follow this proposition up with. Its important to me and one never knows what will be valuable to anyone, in any future time period...

Is it expensive? Sure, relative to a copy of the original printing. I project the overall price per copy to be in the $100-$500 range. I don't think this is all that bad...