AUTOMATIC KAFKA

The beloved, surrealist sci-fi—AUTOMATIC KAFKA—by bestselling writer JOE CASEY (BLOOD SQUAD SEVEN, BUTCHER BAKER THE RIGHTEOUS MAKER) and critically-acclaimed artist ASHLEY WOOD (Popbot, Les Mort 13, World War Robot) will be brought back to print for the first time in 20 years. This trade paperback will collect the complete story, feature new material, and find its new publishing home at Image Comics. Automatic Kafka follows the titular washed-up android superhero—once a celebrated member of the now defunct super-team The $tranger$—spiraling through a hyper-violent, media-soaked America. Seeking relevance, Kafka finds himself a pawn in shadowy government schemes, cult celebrity culture, and weaponized nostalgia. His desperate quest for humanity drags him straight into the wormhole of mankind’s darkest vices… and confronts him with a jaw-dropping existential truth. AUTOMATIC KAFKA is a gritty, post-modern take on superheroes, but presented as a surreal, razor-sharp takedown of fame, power, and the machinery that manufactures both. The Boys and Doom Patrol meets Mr. Robot in this must-read cult-classic. Collects AUTOMATIC KAFKA #1-9

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