Blacksad: Somewhere within the Shadows

Discover the story that began the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comics series that’s become an international sensation with Blacksad: Somewhere Within the Shadows.

In this version of 1950s New York populated by anthropomorphized animals, normally the murder of a starlet would be handled by the police—but sometimes the only way to get justice is to work outside the law.

At least, that’s the case when private investigator John Blacksad attempts to discover the truth about his former lover’s gruesome death. His investigation leads him to the very highest echelons of the city’s power—as well as some unlikely alliances and deadly foes—as Blacksad claws his bloody way toward vengeance in this heart-pounding noir from comics legends Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido.

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