Clarice Bean, Smile

With her school project overdue, the irrepressible Clarice ponders big themes, like the delicate balance of life on Earth, the nature of happiness, and how even the smallest person can make a difference.

Clarice Bean is thinking about all the endangered things: the BIG creatures, the LITTLE creatures, the plants and the trees. If only she can stop daydreaming, she might come up with a subject for her big school assignment—or is daydreaming part of the creative process? Meanwhile, it’s not just the planet that needs help; there’s her whole family too—like a forgetful granddad who keeps falling and a dad who is literally getting sick from a stressful office merger (whatever that may be). Welcome back to the beloved world of Clarice Bean, whose books have sold more than six million copies worldwide and garnered huge critical acclaim. As always, Lauren Child brings her signature quirky humor and enchanting black-and-white illustrations to this smile-inducing story about honoring your unique gifts—and using them to make things better.

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