CRYPTOLOGY #13

“13 is your lucky number, for I, the Cryptologist, am giving you a bonus-size 100-page horrorfest, lauding a true master of the macabre, Boris Karloff, along with his cohort, the Frankenstein monster. We begin with a look at Boris’ later films, then plunge into some of the darker moments of his well-remembered Thriller series. Our two-part celebration of 1944’s House of Frankenstein, the ultimate monsterfest of its day, herein reaches its climax. The origins of ol’ Frankie are revealed, before looking at some of his most gruesome appearances in the cinema and beyond. There’s a horribly fascinating interview with Marvel Comics’ artist Val Mayerik (who depicted the creature in his 1970s solo comic book series), and a selection of those infamous model kits from the distant past. Fans of Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein won’t be disappointed-I have uncovered an entire treasure trove of his sumptuous artwork for your delectation, along with digging up the creature’s pre-Code comics appearances. Fire, bad, but Cryptology, good! Don’t miss this oversized issue of my horrible little magazine, the consummate read for retro horror fans! ”

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