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Kodansha USA

Buddha 2: The Four Encounters

Buddha 2: The Four Encounters

Regular price €14,95
Regular price €14,95 Sale price €14,95
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ISBN:
9781932234572
Pages:
411
Language:

Release Date:
Jul 11, 2006

EXTERNAL STOCK. Will be dispatched in 10-15 days.
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ABOUT

Osamu Tezuka's vaunted storytelling genius, consummate skill at visual expression, and warm humanity blossom fully in his eight-volume epic of Siddhartha's life and times. Tezuka evidences his profound grasp of the subject by contextualizing the Buddha's ideas; the emphasis is on movement, action, emotion, and conflict as the prince Siddhartha runs away from home, travels across India, and questions Hindu practices such as ascetic self-mutilation and caste oppression. Rather than recommend resignation and impassivity, Tezuka's Buddha predicates enlightenment upon recognizing the interconnectedness of life, having compassion for the suffering, and ordering one's life sensibly. Philosophical segments are threaded into interpersonal situations with ground-breaking visual dynamism by an artist who makes sure never to lose his readers' attention.

Tezuka himself was a humanist rather than a Buddhist, and his magnum opus is not an attempt at propaganda. Hermann Hesse's novel or Bertolucci's film is comparable in this regard; in fact, Tezuka's approach is slightly irreverent in that it incorporates something that Western commentators often eschew, namely, humor.

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STANDARD, PRIMARY, DM AND VARIANT COVERS

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.

PRODUCT TYPES

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