African Town

A SCOTT O’DELL AWARD WINNER • Inspired by the true story of the survivors of the last American slave ship in 1860, this powerful portrait of a pivotal moment in history gives a new, complicated meaning to the American dream.

“A haunting, beautifully told history.”—NPR

“A book that should be both taught and treasured.”—Bookpage, starred review

The year is 1859, and though the trans-Atlantic slave trade has been banned for more than fifty years, the enslavement of Black people still fuels the American economy. But Southern plantation owners now face the threat of a civil war and the end of slavery. Timothy Meaher can’t conceive of such a disruption to his way of life. He resents government interference in his right to make a living. Against this backdrop, he makes a bet with other businessmen that he can smuggle enslaved Africans into the United States without being caught. Soon, Meaher has commissioned what is now known as the last slave ship, the Clotilda.

Wrenched from their homes in what is now Benin, the 110 African captives on board the Clotilda face an uncertain fate. Among these souls are five vibrant young men and women whose dreams are just starting to take flight: Abilè, Gumpa, Kêhounco, Kossola, and Kupollee. They survive the Middle Passage and arrive in Alabama as enslaved people, still clinging to the hope of one day returning home. Through incomprehensible brutality, they hold fast to their dreams—they marry, raise children, and form a legacy that still endures in African Town.

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