I'm a big fan of artistic eccentricities, and that seems to be what Jeff is best at. '1' instead of '38'...why not?

Lots of fans are complaining, trying to start e-mail wars with Cartoon Books due to this sudden unusual decision by Jeff Smith, concerning his spectacular comic series, BoNe.  They are demanding that the numbers continue as-is, and that 37 should be followed by 38, not another 1.

I have to admit; I was wary of the idea at first.  It didn't seem like much of a big deal, but I just don't like change.  Yes, it is a small change, but a drastic one.  It just didn't make sense to me, the reader.  But, according to other accounts, such an insignificant thing could cause a VERY significant wave of new readers.

It has a point.  I mean, if some kid walks into a comic store and sees "BoNe, Issue 38" sitting on the shelves, half of them would think, "I'll never catch up.  It looks fun, but the story's got to be too advanced by now."  They'll never know that certain magical ability Jeff has to draw a reader in, no matter where in the series they start.  But if they see a "1" right next to the logo, and a cute little bald guy on the front, they're twice as likely to pick it up.  And Jeff always manages to let you know what's currently going
on, so those who do 'tune in late' may not even notice there's more to the story.  (And when they DO realize it, they'll all go back and buy the trade paperbacks!)

It'd work for comic shop owners too.  Those who'd never bother to sell a little indy, black and white comic might consider it if they see that special little number.  They'd see that, what with movies and action figures and all, this comic might actually sell.  They wouldn't have to worry about starting to sell at issue 38.  And they'd be promoting it as "An Awesome New Comic By
Jeff Smith!", because hey, it IS new to them.

Sure, the renumbering thing may seem a little weird, but personally; I DON'T CARE. A number on the outside won't change what's on the inside. Also, if it'll bring more fans to this awesome comic by using the number '1', then more power to you, Jeff!

BoNe will always be number one, no matter what it says on the cover.