Creatures of the Coral Reef

Welcome to the wondrous undersea world of the coral reef, now under stress from climate change. Learn how scientists are seeking solutions and what people can do to help.

Imagine being a butterflyfish, living in warm waters, surrounded by strange rocky shapes in all colors. Some are long and branching, others resemble big round stones or lacy fans. This is the coral reef, full of burgeoning life, home to brightly colored fish, shrimps, octopuses, jellyfish, sea turtles, even sharks. In this rainbow-tinted world, millions of tiny creatures live inside little animals called coral polyps, producing food from which coral reefs grow and sustaining the butterflyfish and others in turn. Until, that is, something goes wrong—like when water temperatures rise, resulting in “coral bleaching” that leaves the beautiful formations a ghostly white. Martin Jenkins’s engaging prose and Jason Cockcroft’s brilliant illustrations introduce children to the wonders of a coral reef, while back matter delves further into the basics of climate change, how it affects the reefs, and positive steps we can take.

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