COMIC BOOK CREATOR #45

"Gentleman Gene" is showcased in our Gene Colan: Without A Net headlining feature in CBC #45, featuring the participation of Tom Field as we include a wonderful 75th birthday celebration of the artist at San Diego Comic-Con back in 2001, featuring some special guests. So you think you know the craziest lunatic in comics history? Think again, as we, with the help of onetime employee Mark Wheatley, spotlight gunslinging Myron Fass and his nutty Heavy Metal rip-off, Gasm! There’s also an account of editor Jon B. Cooke's visit to the ambitious (albeit shortlived) Florida-based comics publisher, all-in-one Crossgen, then at the crossroads and facing collapse. The first portion of the Good Girls cartoonist Carol Lay's interview is included, where we discuss her jumping between underground, alternative, and mainstream comics. Plus there’s part two of our Jack Katz interview, Joe Hill part deux, as well as Shaun Clancy’s brief though absolutely fascinating look at Hillman Periodicals, publisher of Crime Does Not Pay and Airboy. (And, as always, Hembeck is in the house!)

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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