Bear and Bird: The Stick and Other Stories

Is there ever such a thing as being too considerate? It’s another comedy of errors in this fourth set of stories featuring Jarvis’s lovable duo.

“Bird, why are you blowing in my face?” said Bear.
“I’m just stretching my cheeks,” said Bird. “Important to stretch your cheeks.”

Bear and Bird are the kind of friends who just want to make each other happy. So when Bird realizes Bear has had a leaf stuck to his face all day, she goes to comical extremes not to embarrass him—even if it means encouraging a new trend. And when they both grab the same excellent stick on a windy day, they outdo each other trying to give it back—until Bear comes up with a better use for their imagination. Whether following a hilariously—and touchingly—circular path on Swapsy Day or discovering there are as many times of day as there are things to do, Jarvis’s classic pair fuses humor and heart in another quartet of adventures.

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