Archie #4 (85th Anniversary Issue)

85 YEARS WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING! Archie Comics, Oni Press, and a nonstop parade of comics’ greatest talents proudly present a momentously oversized, 48-page anniversary salute to the one and only Archie Andrews—featuring a pitch-perfect and totally self-contained jumping-on point to the all-new ARCHIE ongoing series . . . and surprise guests and special features galore from across Riverdale’s past, present, and future!

First: New York Times bestselling writer Ben H. Winters (EC’s Cruel Universe, Benjamin) and multiple Eisner Award–winning artist Fábio Moon (Daytripper, Casanova) welcome a milestone new beginning for Riverdale’s most popular high-school heartthrob, fastest athlete, and milkshake-slurping redhead. Introducing: Arnie Adams! Wait, what? Discover the Archie you only thought you knew—and the first appearance of his roguish new rival—in an unforgettably elegant and frantically fractured modern-day fairy tale that cuts straight to the heart of comics’ most human hero!

Then: Archie’s 85th anniversary spectacular gets even bigger as a spotlight-grabbing cast of all-star talents join the party with brand-new, must-read stories, including Eisner Award winner Kelly Sue DeConnick (FML, Captain Marvel) & Eisner Award nominated artist Leonardo Romero (Birds of Prey); Eisner Award–winning creators Ryan North (Fantastic Four) & Derek Charm (Toxic Summer); Eisner Award–winning cartoonist Caroline Cash (Adventure Time: Bubbline College Special); and Archie Comics living legend Dan Parent (Life with Archie)! Plus: Pin-ups, puzzles, and a deluxe re-presentation of Archie’s historic first appearance from Pep Comics #22 . . . originally published in December 1941!

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