COMIC BOOK CREATOR #21

CBC #21 joins ERIC POWELL in celebrating 20 years of his signature character, The Goon! In a comprehensive career-spanning interview, the creator shares about his background, development of the two-fisted character, and plans for the next quarter-century—including a mouth-watering gallery of rarely seen artwork. Plus CBC editor and author of the new retrospective The Book of Weirdo, Jon B. Cooke, conducts a rare new interview with perhaps the greatest cartoonist of all time, R. CRUMB, about the artist's work on that legendary humor comics anthology. Ye Ed also details the Book of Weirdo book tour; starting his first podcast, Subterranean Dispatch; and future plans about a history of alternative comix. Plus JOHN ROMITA SR. shares his appreciation for the work of the great comic strip artist MILTON CANIFF. Also look for our usual excellent features by our regular gang of contributors, including another "Dateline" installment by Our Man Hembeck!

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