An Altar for Abuelo

During a celebration of her late abuelo’s life, a grandchild finds that grief spans many emotions in this sweet, child-centered tale of loss, remembrance, and enduring family ties.

Every year, Abuelo asks for the same birthday gift: his family. But this year the family must honor his birthday without him. At first, Abuelo’s granddaughter hides in the closet behind his leather jackets, taking in his spicy, minty smell, not wanting to talk to anyone. How can Tío Alvaro hum while stirring that pot of paella when Abuelo is not there to say, “Qué rico”? But then the girl remembers what Abuelo always told her: “There is nothing in this whole big world you cannot do.” He is right. She can do this. Taking a breath, she steps out to give Mamá and her cousins a long, squeezy, hug, like Abuelo—and when it’s time to make an altar filled with his favorite things, she’s ready to add some, leaving a few tears as well. Told with honesty and warmth, this heartfelt story is followed by an author’s note delving further into the nature of grief and the ways that sharing with family and community can help to ease it.

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