CRYPTOLOGY #8

"I bet you thought I’d forgotten you… but don’t worry, the Cryptologist never forgets his fiends! In this issue, we find out what Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and their cohorts were up to when they weren’t appearing in our favorite horror movies—you’d be shocked! Plus, at long last, I’ve exhumed some of Ghastly Graham Ingels’ gruesome artwork for your delectation. Then we get to meet Norman Bates, courtesy of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, Robert Bloch, and his lunatic mentor Ed Gein. Psycho II scriptwriter and Fright Night director Tom Holland will be dropping by for a chilling chat—you will definitely want to hear what he has to say! As if this isn’t enough, our Killer-B section takes you back to high school and a gathering of teenage monsters, and then we launch the first part of our extensive history of the pre-Code comic book, beginning in 1938. There’s all of this and more in my crypt crammed full of the macabre from editor Peter Normanton, made just for you retro horror fans!”

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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