Order of the Stick books

Howdy, folks. Hope I'm welcome here! First substantive post here in the community, and I'll be using it to request help (what a guy!)

I'm looking to buy my brother a Christmas present or two, and since we're both pretty big fans of OotS, I thought he might enjoy some of the backstory books offered there. I'm looking at Start of Darkness and On the Origins of PCs, specifically. Anyone read these who can comment on their worth? Seems like a solid deal, and I've heard some good things on the forums over on giantitp.com, but I thought I'd get more candid responses here.

Also, just for shits and giggles, can anyone comment on the other books offered there, or even the board game? All look good, but I'm not too keen on buying books of the comics rehashed if I can just view them online.

Thanks in advance!