Connections

Explore the interconnected worlds of 30 great history-makers – and discover intriguing links, surprising friendships, and tantalizing tales

Did you know that the author Mark Twain was a super connector? Move out of his immediate literary sphere and soon you find yourself in the world of finance (H.H. Rogers, his financial savior and friend), US presidents (Ulysses S. Grant, who became a fast friend after Twain poked fun at him), and inventors and engineers (Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, whose labs he liked to visit). And each of those worlds connects to others, creating fascinating webs and spheres of influence. These connections also ripple through time as ideas and personal objects pass through generations.


Connections is a visual history that shows you who lived when and how their lives, ideas, and worlds intersected. Through beautifully designed timelines, graphic devices, and connection webs you’ll meet friends and rivals, learn about chance encounters and orchestrated meetings, and discover surprising crossovers and influences.

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