Before and After

A father and daughter imagine what they were before this lifetime, and what they might become when they move on.

Sitting on the beach, in formal wear that hints they may have just left a funeral, Frances asks her dad a big, impossible question: what’s on either side of life as we know it?

Frances’s dad doesn’t have the easy answers he wishes he could give her, so they put their heads together. Once, a long long time ago, they were rocks. Then maybe, Frances suggests, they were whales. Eventually they probably became stars. Only one thing is for sure: they loved each other in every form, and whatever shape they take next, that will never change.

Every parent knows there are some things you teach your kids, and others you have to learn right along with them. When the big mysteries arise, Katie Palazzola’s profound and profoundly-accessible Before and After is the perfect companion.

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