COMIC BOOK CREATOR #42

CBC #42 features Pat Broderick, in two — count ’em, two! — interviews by CBC editors, where he shares about a varied career bouncing between DC Comics and Marvel, starting as DC junior bullpen contest winner in the early ’70s, hitch as a Continuity Crusty Bunker, unforgettable work on Firestorm, Micronauts, and Captain Marvel, creation of “Creature Commandos,” and life to date as a professional stalwart toiling in and out of the mainstream. We also present an amazing campaign comic book artifact from the 1940s about a KKK-crushing district attorney, Fighting Lawyer! Additionally, there’s our Paul Buhle profile about one radical academic comics editor you need to know about, as well as the first half of our Shary Flenniken interview about her runaway youth, stint in the Air Pirates, and start with Trots ’n Bonnie at National Lampoon. We include a look at a batch of ginchy super-heroes created in 1972 by Wrightson, Reese, Windsor-Smith, and others for Esquire magazine. There’s also all the usual contributor goodies and Hembeck, too! Edited by Jon B. Cooke.

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