Cool Dead People

You won't find them in history books. They're people you've probably never heard of, but they made the world a more interesting place while they were in it. Here is just a sampling of the colorful obituaries you'll find in Cool Dead People:

* Insurance agent and Montana conservationist Art Aylesworth, best known as the "Bluebird Man" for his work with the mountain and western bluebirds, who built and gave away more than 35,000 bluebird nest boxes. His efforts saved these two birds from extinction.

* Mel Fisher, who spent years diving for sunken treasure, only to hit paydirt at the age of 62: Off Key West he uncovered a $400 million cache of silver bars, gold, emerald, diamonds, and pearls which had been lost on a Spanish ship in 1622.

* The literary agent, Connie Clausen, who began her career as an elephant rider in the circus.

From the doctor who healed a town to a typewriter repairman to the stars...from the countess who traded her title for a waitress tray, to the cleaning lady who left $150,000 to a local college, this whimsical and moving collection has the last word on over 100 people who could be, well, any one of us.

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