I don't know exactly what I am spending but I do get a substantial discount plus any Dark Horse comic I get comped (It's unfortunate that so many of their books stink right now, however I am looking forward to The Massive). I know if you preorder, you can save 30 - 35% at certain shops and online retailers. But, yes...space can be an issue. We have the room now so It's not to much of a big deal. YET. I am just hoping I can hold on to them long enough to get my son interested. I know that comics were my gateway drug into becoming a reader. Maybe they will work for him too.
I took a LONG break from comics except for stuff like Clowes, Ware and such but now working in the industry, I am reading a whole bunch again. Still can't get into DC & Marvel super heroes though. There are very few I have enjoyed or are enjoying. Fraction's Iron Man, and Brubaker's Captain America were very good though.
Right now, I am going back to read some things I missed like Y: The Last Man, DMZ, the first Criminal arcs. Finder is excellent as was Habibi and Green River Killer. Matt Kindt's 3 Story was super great. Very moving. He has something coming out with Dark Horse soon that I am looking forward to. I scored ten volumes of the Nexus archives brand new for 80% off. I really like them. Dated, but really fun mid 80's sci-fi.
I was working at ECCC last weekend. It was the first time I had ever been to a con. I was pretty much working the whole time but I did meet a whole bunch of creators after hours: Francisco Francavilla, Tony Moore, Greg Rucka, Daryl Gregory, Chris Roberson, Rich Ellis, Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato. I ran in to Matt Fraction and his wife in the elevator and it took about 15 seconds before our conversation turned to Gary the Squirrel (which he said his daughter LOVES). Also met Mackro in Seattle who calls into the show. Super great guy. Bummed I couldn't hang out with him more.