Deals & Drops: Autumn Is Here! Fall Colors, NaNoWriMo Prep, and More

I love fall for two reasons. First, it gives me an excuse to write with red and orange inks all the time, and second, it means that NaNoWriMo is just around the corner. For those of you unfamiliar with NaNoWriMo, it’s short for National Novel Writing Month, where thousands of people each year accept the challenge of writing a novel during the month of November, committing to a daily word count. I participated once, back in 2015, and while I still swear that every year I’m going to do something with the book, just the fact that I made it all the way through is a point of pride. When I participated, I alternated between typing my novel and writing by hand, though I ultimately settled on handwriting since I think better on paper and hate doing the first draft of anything on a computer. If I had any advice for those considering giving NaNoWriMo a shot this year, it would be this: Find a single fountain pen or pencil that you like, a thick notebook or stack of legal-style writing pads, and just go for it. (Commit to not switching between pen/pencil/paper during the month because it’s distracting, though there’s a case for changing ink colors daily to help keep track of your word count.) This week’s Deals & Drops contains some suggestions for NaNoWriMo-appropriate writing gear that we stock in the shop.

Are you participating? Have any questions about my experience? Give me a shout!

This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links, and unless otherwise noted, all links are to the T.G.S. Curated Shop, an authorized retailer of all brands we carry. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

1. Autumn Red Inks at Vanness (via Vanness Pens). One of the main reasons I love autumn (and the ensuing holiday season) so much is that it gives me a seasonal opportunity to use one of my favorite ink colors of all, RED! Vanness has all sorts of red inks available and conveniently set up for viewing on a single page.

2. Crayons de la Maison Caran d’Ache, Edition No. 9. Something about the fall also makes me want to write with pencils, especially these lightly scented special editions from Caran d’Ache designed in collaboration with Swiss parfumier Mizensir, which have a woodsy scent reminiscent of the outdoors.

3. Caran d’Ache Swiss Wood Pencils. Sustainably made from Swiss beech and pine, the Caran d’Ache Swiss Wood pencil is long-lasting while still retaining a dark enough core to maximize legibility. Perfect for the longer writing sessions necessary to complete NaNoWriMo. You can read my review from a while back here.

4. Caran d’Ache Fixpencil. The original mechanical pencil. Faceted like a typical woodcase pencil, without having to sacrifice any trees. Uses 2mm leadholder refills.

5. TWSBI Fountain Pens and Ink. Rather than writing in pencil, perhaps you’d prefer a no-frills fountain pen that holds a lot of ink and will let you write for days without refilling? All of TWSBI’s fountain pens have large ink capacities, even the cartridge/converter TWSBI Swipe. Bottled ink and cartridges are available to refill, in a range of colors.

6. Midori MD Codex Day-to-a-Page Notebook. Though often advertised as a planner or journal, writers love the Midori MD Codex notebook because not only does it contain a whopping 360+ pages of high-quality Midori MD Paper, but the codex-style binding allows the notebook to lie completely flat on a desk or writing surface.

7. Stalogy 365-Day Notebook. A similar concept to the Midori MD Codex notebook, but with thinner paper that makes for a much more compact format for everyday portability. Half-year versions are also available. Read more about Stalogy paper here.

8. Rhodia Writing Pads. Need basic, no-frills writing paper that will handle fountain pens, pencils, and anything else you might want to throw at it? Rhodia is a standby for me whenever I want to do any sort of drafting, especially their A4 Dot Pads.

9. Midori MD Cotton Paper. Not only is Midori MD Cotton exceptionally good paper for fountain pens, but did you know that the paper from the MD Cotton writing paper is also excellent for typewriters?

10. Maruman Mnemosyne Notebooks. Mnemosyne paper might be one of the most budget-friendly fountain pen papers out there, sold in spiral notebooks that allow you to easily use both sides of the page.

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Remember that fall is also planner season! Check out this post for a guide to all of the dated and undated planners and notebook systems that we have in stock. (Shown here are the Midori MD Diary Stickers, which allow you to turn any notebook into a planner.)

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Caran d’Ache Fixpencils are a great no-frills writing instrument, especially if you enjoy the feel of a woodcase pencil, but don’t like the idea of consuming trees. (Shown here with M+R Brass Lead Pointer)

The Ultem-ate EDC? Reviewing the Schon DSGN Ultem Pens in Black and Amber

By far my biggest prizes from this year’s pen show season have been my two newest additions from Schon DSGN: Ian’s first full-size fountain pens made from the engineered plastic Ultem. This material is increasingly popular in penmaking, so you may have seen a bunch of pictures of Ultem pens in recent month, both from Schon DSGN and other makers, and wondered, what the heck is it?

Ultem is a “semi-transparent high-strength plastic” that is capable of being machined thinner than most other plastics or acrylics, so when used in penmaking you get a pen that is not only resistant to cracking and breaks from accidental drops, but chemical and stain resistant as well. (Source: Curbell Plastics). You read that last part right: If you’ve been dreaming of eyedroppering that transparent fountain pen with Noodler’s Baystate Blue, you can fill your Schon DSGN Ultem pen with Baystate or any other high-maintenance ink with a clean conscience, since it will neither stain nor disintegrate! This makes sense once you understand that in “real life”, Ultem is so durable that it is typically used to make medical, industrial, and other scientific equipment.

I swapped the sections on my two Schon DSGN fountain pens as soon as I got them. It looks great and adds just enough variation to make them interesting without looking overly mismatched.

I admit that I was a touch skeptical when these pens were first released, not because I doubted that Ian Schon would make a great full-size fountain pen, but rather because I didn’t understand how the properties of Ultem justified the somewhat hefty price tag. Ultem as a material isn’t cheap, so a cartridge-converter Ultem fountain pen with a steel nib starts at $250. But as with most things Schon DSGN, once you get the product itself in your hands, you realize that you get what you pay for. Here’s a short list of what I love about the Schon DSGN Ultem fountain pen:

• Lightweight Design. Ultem’s key selling point - its extremely light weight - translates well to pen design. For example, you can post the cap on the end of the pen with no perceptible change in weight or balance. I’ve never had an experience like this posting a fountain pen before. To me, it’s the epitome of well-considered and creative pen design: using the properties of a specific material in a way that actually enhances the user experience.

• Eyedropper Capability. I generally don’t eyedropper standard cartridge-converter fountain pens, as they tend to burp ink into the cap (and eventually, onto your hand) due to air pressure and temperature shifts. Unless you use a Japanese-style system that includes a “shutoff valve,” or skillfully apply o-rings and silicone grease to minimize potential leakage, you could end up with a real mess on your hands. Here, Schon DSGN has already included at least five o-rings into the design of the Ultem fountain pen (I count four in the section and one in the cap), making it eyedropper-ready. I’ve flown with these pens twice and have had no serious “ink-cidents.”

• Comfort. The Ultem fountain pen is designed for comfort. Not only is it lightweight, but the concave section provides a nice grip, and the threads are high enough on the barrel to stay out of the way. Ultem as a material has a nice grippy texture that doesn’t get slick over the course of longer writing sessions.

• Durability. I’ve carried this pen in a traditional pen case, loose in a bag, and in my pocket, and have had no issues with scratches, cracks, or other damage. Given the industrial uses for Ultem, it’s highly unlikely that the average fountain pen user could stress this pen to the degree necessary to cause damage. While not marketed as a “pocket pen,” I would carry the Schon Ultem in my pocket with confidence.

• Nib Versatility. Designed to take a JoWo No. 6 nib unit, this opens the door to all sorts of customization, as I discussed in a separate article a couple of weeks ago. Currently, I have an “inverted architect” nib in my amber Ultem fountain pen, and a Platinum UEF nib in my Black Ultem (courtesy of specialty housings available from Flexible Nib Factory). Another fun fact: the parts and sections on the Schon Ultem pens are interchangeable, meaning that you can swap the amber section and/or cap onto the black pen, or vice-versa. Ian also sells a section designed to fit a larger No. 8 Bock nib, if you’d like a different sort of writing experience. (You will need to supply your own nib.)

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Check out the red o-rings, visible in the amber Ultem cap, section, and barrel. In addition to making the pen eyedropper-ready, it’s a nice design touch that creates a cool look,

The Schon DSGN Ultem fountain pens get more or less an unqualified recommendation from me. The only potential drawback I can see for some people is the size. As with most of Ian Schon’s designs, these are compact fountain pens that may be too small for some people with larger hands, or who prefer a longer pen and don’t want to post the cap. Unposted, the pens measure 4.8 inches. Posting extends the length to roughly 6.25 inches but not everyone likes to post (even though the o-ring inside the cap pulls double duty as a failsafe against leaks AND a means of allowing the pen to post securely).

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Takeaways and Where to Buy

I have not taken my two Schon DSGN Ultem pens out of rotation since purchasing them in late August at the San Francisco Pen Show. I’ve used the pens both as traditional cartridge-converter fountain pens and as eyedroppers, and it’s hard to envision a more versatile fountain pen for everyday carry, in the sense that the pen can serve as both a durable pocket pen and a full-size “desk pen.” Throw in added points for eyedropper capability and the ability to easily swap out nibs, and the Schon DSGN Ultem fountain pen lands itself very high on my list of favorite releases from 2021.

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Schon DSGN lists the Ultem fountain pens under the category of “Engineered Plastics” on the website, and you may have seen that in addition to the standard natural/amber Ultem and Black Ultem fountain pens, Ian now offers a “Peek” fountain pen, which is another engineered plastic that comes in a taupe or beige shade. (I can’t wait to get my hands on that, but I’ve purchased a bunch of pens lately and need to let things lie for a while.) The natural/amber Ultem pen is priced at $250, Black Ultem at $260, and Peek at $275.

If you’d like to read further on other Schon DSGN products, check out my review of the Schon DSGN Pocket 6, which can be found in the “Artisan/Custom Pens” section of the T.G.S. Fountain Pen Review Archive.

I purchased the pens featured in this review with my own funds. This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by reader contributions and purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Tuesday Update: Does a Notebook "Lay" Flat or "Lie" Flat? Who Cares! Five Suggestions For Those Who Hate Holding It Open.

A common question I get about notebooks sold in the shop is “will it lie flat?” This question, apparently QUITE important to some people, is hard to answer because everyone has a different standard for what qualifies as “flat.” For purposes of this post, I will assume that “lie flat” means that the notebook will stay open on a desk without any assistance whatsoever from a clip, pen, or hand, and allow you to write on either page. Personally, I think the only true “lie flat” notebook is a spiral bound one, and that most other options require you to at least bend the spine a bit to prevent one or two pages from popping up, but I carry several in the shop that get darn close. If you’re fans of the “lie flat” design, be sure to check these out!

Editorial Grammar-nerd Note: I’ve always wondered what the proper grammatical phrasing is here. In the stationery community, many people use the expression “lay flat,” but after doing my exhaustive online research at merriam-webster.com (which also just happened to be the first google result I hit upon), I believe that notebooks actually “lie flat.” According to Merriam-Webster, you “lay” something flat when you place it in a flat position, such as setting it on a table. “Lie” refers to the act of being in a flat position on a table, which I believe better describes the situation we refer to here. I mostly try to avoid the situation entirely by talking about how notebooks “open” flat, but I’m sure someone will want to fight me on this anyway.

1. Midori MD Notebooks. Whether a notebook will open completely flat depends on the type of binding used, and threaded bindings such as those found in Midori MD Notebooks and the Kokuyo “PERPANEP” series (discussed below) are often your best bet, especially if you can’t live with a spiral or wire binding. The Midori MD Cotton notebooks feature this same binding, if you prefer more absorbent paper with a higher cotton content.

2. Midori MD Codex Day-to-a-Page Notebook. It’s rare to find a notebook this large that opens completely flat, and this day-to-a-page, jumbo-sized Midori MD can only do it because of the codex-style binding. A great value for planners, journalers, and even those who like to devote a single piece of creative writing to a day on a page.

3. Kokuyo PERPANEP Notebooks. Another well-known Japanese brand, Kokuyo launched it’s new PERPANEP paper this fall, and we’ve chosen to stock the textured “Zara Zara” version because we find that it handles fountain pen ink the best. The cheesecloth binding allows for versatile lie-flat use. Available in multiple rulings.

4. Life x Kleid Notebooks. Love micro-grid paper? I do. Japanese stationery brands Life and Kleid collaborated on these notebooks that, while not thread-bound, still do a good job of staying open. Life paper is quite fountain pen friendly, and I love the unique ruling.

5. Spiral-Bound Notebooks. If you don’t mind a spiral binding (and lefties, I understand this could be a deal-breaker), it’s the truly foolproof way to ensure a notebook stays flat on your desk, and even allows you the added versatility of folding the notebook over on itself to minimize the footprint without breaking the notebook’s spine. We carry a range of spiral notebooks with exceptional fountain pen friendly paper from Write Notepads, Maruman, and Clairefontaine. The great thing about spirals is that they’re generally inexpensive, with Maruman and Clairefontaine notebooks costing as little as $7.

This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links, and unless otherwise noted, all links are to the T.G.S. Curated Shop, an authorized retailer of all brands we carry. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Sunday Reading for October 24, 2021

1. Anderson Pens Chicago: A Quick Walkthrough (via Pen Addict). Kimberly posts photos from her post-Chicago Pen Show trip to Anderson Pens. I’m returning to Chicago in a couple of weeks and certainly plan on stopping by Anderson Pens myself!

2. SCRIBO Piuma Utopia (via Dapprman). This review has me eager to test out the Piuma, the latest model from SCRIBO. While the design hasn’t tugged at my heartstrings, I recall that I wasn’t drawn to the Feel until I actually had that one in my hand.

3. Gravitas Entry Fountain Pen (via Pencilcase Blog). I still haven’t managed to review a Gravitas Pen. The finish on this “Entry” model is beautiful.

4. A Scary Project (via From the Pen Cup). A scary project, yes, but as Mary discusses in this post, there are quite practical reasons why you should have an inventory of your pen collection. I’m currently working on this myself.

5. Link Love: The Sad News Edition (via Well-Appointed Desk). I’ve written here and on social media about the sadness in learning that several stationery businesses I’ve loved and patronized over the years are closing shop. Ana rounds up exactly what’s been going on.

6. Dragon Bolt V: The Karas Pen Co. Bolt v2 with Dragonskin Grip (via Penquisition). There has been a bit of a mini-trend towards “dragon scale” or “dragon skin” patterns and textures on pens lately. This version from Karas looks interesting, and designed to enhance the grip on the pen.

7. Montblanc Notebooks: A Real Luxury Experience (via UK Fountain Pens). I have one of these in my “to review” pile, but have never pulled it out simply because I didn’t know whether there was much interest. They are quite beautiful and I’m glad to see the paper holds up.

8. Nock Co. Cases: An Urban Sketcher’s Companion (via Writing at Large). I do hope Brad continues to make limited runs of these cases, as the designs are great and quite versatile. While I don’t own multiples, I do have a Sinclair that is a key piece of my EDC.

9. Vinta Ulap: An Exclusive Worth Having (via UK Fountain Pens). Having just discovered Vinta inks myself, I can agree that they are exceptional. This shading grey looks amazing.

10. Ink Review #1643: Vinta Romblon (via Mountain of Ink). Here’s another plug for Vinta, this time in an interesting black with purple undertones. Subtle black inks are among my favorites.

In Case You Missed It…

This week I released two articles on topics I’ve been thinking on for a while. The first is an article about online pen shows, and how they’ve literally saved businesses during the pandemic, but at the same time hopefully won’t become the new normal. I also wrote a lighter piece on my fixation with black and matte-black pens, especially those with black trim, and why I think these are so enduringly popular. Finally, be sure to check out this post discussing some new features I’ve either launched or am in the process of launching.

So What’s New in the T.G.S. Curated Shop?

Planner Season continues on, as we all get geared up for year-end and start thinking about what we will/will not do differently in 2022. I’m still noodling on next year’s setup, but personally I’m loving my combined Traveler’s Notebook/modified Stálogy setup. We will continue to offer the full line of Traveler’s Notebook dated planners through the start of 2022, as well as other undated/flexible options such as the Stálogy Half-Year and 365-day planners and the Midori Day-to-a-Page Codex notebooks.

Traveler's Notebook

Stálogy

Pencils

Pens

Reading Accessories

Consider Joining TGS Patreon for Access to Monthly Meetups and First Dibs on Gently Used Stationery, Exclusive Products and More!

For some additional fun, and to help support the blog consider joining the Patreon program. Patreon supporters receive special pricing and early access to product releases and collaborations such as the T.G.S. x Sunderland pen, in addition to other benefits. You can read more about T.G.S. Patreon here. This year I’ve introduced monthly online meetups, which take place on Friday or Saturday and have been super enjoyable. The Patreon membership also has “first dibs” on my regular gently used stationery sales, and I’m currently working on a fresh batch of pens, inks, and notebooks that should hit the Patreon shop in the next couple of weeks.

The Allure of the Stealth Pen: What Makes the All-Black Pen So Popular?

For the first several years I participated seriously in this hobby (through the early-to-mid 2010s, it seemed as though pen companies were racing to introduce a “stealth” version of their various models, typically a black or matte black version of a pen featuring black-plated trim. (I’ve actually been around long enough to recall Pilot’s release of the current matte-black Vanishing Point, as well as a series of other VPs with matte-black trim and accents.) I’ve always wondered what makes these particular pens so popular. Black-on-black pens, and especially matte black pens, show no sign of going away anytime soon, so this week I spent some time noodling on it and felt compelled to put together an “all-black” carry for yesterday’s remote work outing.

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From left, the Sailor 1911 “Black Luster” edition, my own T.G.S. x Sunderland mk1 rollerball, and the Montblanc “Midnight Black” Starwalker Rollerball. Case is a special edition Nock Co. Sinclair (since discontinued).

Originally, “stealth pen” marketing borrowed heavily from the “tactical pen” crowd, evoking military imagery, extreme durability, and touting the ability to bring your fountain pen along on those top-secret night missions. For example, I recall Monteverde marketing a pen with Goulet called the “Nighthawk” that featured black trim and a carbon fiber motif. Over the years, however, blacked-out pens and black trim in general became mainstream, not just a sub-category targeted to EDC (“everyday carry”) enthusiasts.

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Contrary to popular belief, black pens don’t have to be boring. Not only can you add a splash of color to really set off the finish, but manufacturers can vary the design on things like the grip section to add a lot of character. Check out the knurling on the Montblanc Starwalker!

I’m not sure the popularity of black-on-black pens should come as a surprise. Black accessories of any sort are universally appreciated because they match easily, and while some might be hesitant to claim “black” as their favorite color, I’d venture that it has much wider appeal than the stereotypical “stealth pen” customer would suggest. Here are a few key reasons why I enjoy them myself:

• Sleek, Understated Look. In my “real” life as a working attorney, there are contexts in which I need a pen to blend in to the surroundings and not become a distraction. Court hearings, depositions, and crowded meetings are NOT the time to break out the bright red Pilot Custom Urushi, or the Krusac Scrimshaw Navigator. On the other hand, a black makrolon Lamy 2000, Lamy Studio LX All-Black, or Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black doesn’t obviously turn heads at first glance (and most people won’t notice the Lamy 2000 isn’t a rollerball). In a culture where, unfortunately, many consider using any sort of decent pen or pencil to be a pretentious affectation, black pens can be a good choice where you feel as though you need to fly under the radar.

• Better Grip and Texture. My favorite pens are what I call my “workhorses,” or pens that I can write with all day. Matte-finish pens offer a pleasant grip and texture for all-day writing sessions or when you’re in a hot room with sweaty hands. The pen won’t get slick.

• Black Pens Age Well. As I’ll further discuss below, most black pens, and especially matte black pens, will eventually show some wear and tear. Personally, I find that it adds to the aesthetic and I will never replace a pen for this reason. Look no further than my Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black, which not only has worn smooth and shiny on the barrel from years of regular use, but now has a partially chrome (as opposed to black-plated) cap finial. I have experienced zero wear, however, on the black ion plating to the nib, clip, or cap band.

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Some flaking on the cap finial is actually the only real wear and tear on my eight-year-old Sailor Imperial Black Fountain pen, which I re-reviewed years after I first purchased the pen.

Eight years and one dropped nib repair later, the nib on my Sailor Imperial Black looks just as good as it did when I first purchased this pen! Thanks Mark!

Of course, there are also some considerations that anyone considering a matte black pen - especially one with black trim - should keep in mind. First, if you’re particular about scratches, chipping, and visible wear on your pens, this finish may not be for you. Most matte texture is created using some form of powder-coating or anodization, and no matter how careful you are with your pens, the finish will eventually wear smooth, and you will likely accumulate some dings and scratches. As I noted above, I love how this looks over time, and merely serves as a reminder that my pens are tools meant to be used, but hey, personal preference. Second, if you are considering a pen with a plated or coated nib, talk to an experienced nib grinder before performing any sort of modification on the pen. Different manufacturers use different techniques to plate their nibs, and depending on the quality of the work and materials used, the coating can start to peel or flake off if the nib is ground. That’s not to say you can’t do it, but I’ve experienced it on a few pens across multiple brands and price points. (You can’t blame the manufacturers for this. When you choose to grind a nib, you are, after all, modifying their pen in a way that they did not originally intend. You are responsible for educating yourself on all the different things that might occur as a result.)

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You know that you’ve really gone off the deep end when you find yourself purchasing things like these matte black Allex scissors, not necessarily because you have a burning use case for them, but because C.W. Pencil Enterprise is closing and, well, you just need these for your desk. (Great scissors, btw.)

While there have been murmurs in the pen blogosphere about blacked-out pens being “tired” or “played out,” I expect them to continue to sell well, and for manufacturers to continue to make these pens for as long as demand holds up. Personally, I consider this a classic design, and would love to see black trim in particular become a default option alongside the black/gold and black/rhodium that you see everywhere. I can’t help but think it might even outperform the current “standards.” Consider some other possibilities. I mean, Lamy recently released a brown Lamy 2000 with a brown plated clip. If they released a version of the 2000 with a ruthenium-plated clip, section, and nib, can you imagine how well that would sell?

(Maybe terribly, but I don’t care. I still want it.)

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You can’t accuse me of inconsistency. I’ve always loved a matte-black pen with a dark red section. Here, the visibility isn’t the best because the alumilite has darkened over the years, but my Newton Shinobi is black ebonite with a dark, blood red alumilite section.

Ending with a Shameless Plug for the T.G.S. x Sunderland Machine Works MK1

Since I love black pens, it’s not a coincidence that I chose to incorporate a matte black finish into the first exclusive pen collaboration that I’ve done: the T.G.S. x Sunderland Machine Works mk1 matte-black and burgundy release. While you can read more on the specs for this pen in the shop listing, this release pairs the comfortable and functional Sunderland mk1 design with a durable bead-blasted matte-black and burgundy finish, along with a DLC (Diamond-Like-Coating) black stainless steel clip. I need to give Sunderland mad props for the durability of the finish on this pen - as I noted above, most matte pens will show wear over time, especially if you toss it into bags, pen cases, and pockets. After more than seven months of hard use, however, my current demo shows no wear, which can only be a testament to the quality of the processes used. (Note: I’ve intentionally NOT been gentle with this pen, since I wanted to see how it would hold up in the real world.)

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Yes - the section threads are internal, so they don’t interfere with your grip.

I’d love to do more pen collaborations in the future, and given how well this one has sold, you can expect more from me in the coming year. The T.G.S. x Sunderland pen is not a limited edition, but it is a store exclusive, so you can only get it directly from the T.G.S. Curated Shop. Priced at $110, it’s a slight premium over the standard Sunderland mk1, mainly due to the cost of the bead-blasted finish and DLC coating. All proceeds go to support and grow T.G.S., both the blog and the fledgling shop operation!

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This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts (including a slight price break on the Sunderland) pre-orders, and more!