Critical Injuries

Forty-nine-year-old Isla revels in her career and happy second marriage despite her first husband's shocking actions, while seventeen-year-old Roddy, eager to escape small-town life, plans to move to the glamorous city with his best friend, until an ill-timed encounter changes everything.

From the author of the Scotiabank Giller Prize finalist Luck comes the Man Booker Prize nominated Critical Injuries.

Isla and her second husband Lyle are heading out in Lyle’s truck for a celebratory ice cream treat. Teenaged Roddy is finally carrying out a plan he sees leading to a new, more hopeful life away from his hometown.

They’ve never met. After a catastrophic first marriage, Isla is recovering in a contented and sheltered connection with Lyle. At 17, Roddy is flailing, desperate for escape into a shiny future he hasn’t precisely envisioned.

Then in one unpredictable, unintended moment, Isla’s and Roddy’s lives intersect in an ice cream shop, and nothing can be the same for either of them again.

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