Black Hair Can

From the kings and queens of Africa to the contemporary United States, a celebration of African American hair and its expressiveness, relation to identity, and why this history matters.

A boldly illustrated nonfiction picture book about the historical roots of Black hair by a Black and Latine debut author-illustrator, perfect for 4-8-year-olds.

Black hair is the crown for the African diaspora worldwide and a strong symbol of identity and beauty in a variety of communities. It's a source of pride and expression, and from the times of kings and queens has demonstrated a person's life's journey.

Yet as enslaved people, Black people had their hair taken from them as a way to remove their humanity. As African Americans struggled through history, their hair became a major source of resiliency and a way to take back their power.

Written and illustrated by Sylvia Rodriguez, a Black and Latine debut author, Black Hair Can embraces the expansive history of Black hair and why people should proudly show off their styles—from sculpting and shaping to cornrows, Fulani braids, Afros, and more.

Back matter includes a hair pattern chart showing different hair types, along with different kinds of braids and twists. There are also great "how-to" hairstyles for children to try out.

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