I didn't realize that it had ended either. I haven't followed it for a few years though because it was getting difficult to keep up with it - loads of sub-plots, and recently they started jumping back and forth between classic strips and new ones, which only added to the confusion.
I bought the hardcover - I can't imagine trying to read this one issue by issue.
On the subject of must-have's - check out the new trade paperback of "Journey". This series is just so, so good. It's historical and personal and covers an era of history that matters to all us North Americans.