A Scoundrel in the New World

A Scoundrel in the New World is a masterwork of European comics that serves as a spectacular, unofficial sequel to the seventeenth-century Spanish picaresque literary novel The Swindler (El Buscón) by Francisco de Quevedo.

The story follows the rogue Don Pablos of Segovia, a low-born but incredibly cunning scoundrel who travels to the New World (the “Spanish West Indies”) to escape his miserable past and find fortune. The narrative is framed as Pablos being interrogated by colonial authorities in Cusco, where he recounts his odyssey from the gutters of Spain to the highest palaces of South America. His journey takes him through the Andes and the Amazon as he chases the mythical El Dorado, constantly shifting identities from beggar to nobleman in order to survive.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs