Academy of Macabre Arts

Academic rivals uncover long-buried secrets in this queer dark academia fantasy, perfect for fans of the thrilling exploration of magic schools in A Deadly Education.

Mortheim, the snowy capital of a ruthless empire, has outlawed Witchlings and their magic since the assassination of their former ruling family and the short war that followed. The only safe way to practice is to enroll at Mortheim’s Academy of Macabre Arts. Those who graduate—or rather, survive until graduation—can live in comfort and practice their craft under the watchful eye of the empire.

Rune Dentaré arrives at the Academy terrified of the massive black fortress on the hill, and anxious about exposing the unusual extent of his powers to the people that organized the Witchling burnings. But with no money and no legal way to practice magic otherwise, it’s his last resort.

Beatrice Baseem has loathed the empire ever since her father was burned by Emperor Morkova for the magic in his veins. Still, the Academy is the only way to break her unwanted engagement and provide for her family.

This year, however, the top student will be awarded the title of Cairdruídhàn—the emperor’s court magician. The trials leading up to graduation are deadly, but as Beatrice and Rune race to the top of their class, they stumble upon an even greater threat—secrets that could topple the empire or end witchkind itself.

This captivating fantasy debut is perfect for fans of the breathless political intrigue of The Will of the Many and the scintillating exploration of power of Blood Over Bright Haven.

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