A Voice in the Storm

With captivating illustrations, the creator of the acclaimed The Circles in the Sky tells the story of a rat who finds herself in a storm of dark emotions—and discovers the courage to open up to a friend.

The air is heavy, and it seems to Rat that the dark clouds gathering overhead echo the jumble of emotions she’s been carrying inside. Running helps, she finds, but when she bumps into a concerned friend, Rat can only run on, deeper into the rain. It’s not until the storm becomes wild and fierce and Rat is too tired to keep running that she meets a lumbering new friend who encourages her to listen for the voice in the storm—and find her own. With luminous artwork layered with pattern and color, Karl James Mountford’s hopeful story highlights the isolation that comes from grappling alone with overwhelming feelings—and the relief that may come after asking a trusted friend for help.

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