Allow Me to Introduce Myself

In an anthology debuting the vibrant collage work of Zharia Shinn, poet Georgia Heard gathers diverse voices around a timeless question: What’s in a name?

Crackling with energy, brimming with heart, and paired with graphic collage illustrations that explode off the page, twenty-nine poems by an array of acclaimed poets—including Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Margarita Engle, Joseph Bruchac, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Charles R. Smith Jr.—explore the intimacy, complexity, and generational power of names and naming. Masterfully curated and featuring a foreword by Joseph Coelho and author’s note by Georgia Heard, for whom names are “a conduit, a bridge / a hope,” this probing, relatable, and emotionally charged anthology asks, What does it mean to have or bestow a name? From first introductions to final goodbyes memorializing our heroes and loved ones, from the elation of a hoop king reveling in the props and praise of nicknames like funky dunk hip-shaker and Sir Slam to the weary rage of an immigrant student when yet another attendance-taking teacher butchers their name, this resonant volume presents a bonfire of voices sure to spark lively dialog and inspire readers to meditate—perhaps in verse?—on the mysteries of their own name.


Includes poems by: Hiwot Adilow, Cassandra Anouthay, Jeffrey Bean, Angela Bridgman, Joseph Bruchac, Joseph Coelho, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Jennifer Dignan, Robbie Dunning, Zetta Elliott, Margarita Engle, Ralph Fletcher, Kristine O’Connell George, Georgia Heard, Jane Medina, Trisha Moquino, Ephraim Nehemiah, Aime Nezhukumatathil, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jane Park, Nadine Pinede, Kim Rogers, Charles R. Smith Jr., Suma Subramaniam, Sarah Tsiang, Philip Terman, Ari Tison, Padma Venkatraman, and Janet Wong.

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