CRYPTOLOGY #9

"It’s me again folks, the Cryptologist, creeping among the gravestones to exhume a few more juicy morsels! This time ’round, one of my favorite leading ladies steps once more out of the dark—it’s none other than Kathryn Leigh Scott, here to discuss her time in Dark Shadows—and what a treasure she is. To help her along, I’ve unearthed a few of those old Dark Shadows comics, along with a selection of trading cards to boot. Our history of pre-Code horror continues, and we also uncover those long forgotten Fawcett horror comics. Then we go back in time to the 1970s to rediscover those ghoulish Blaxploitation movies, before coming face-to-face with Curse of the Demon and the chilling Night of the Eagle. If you have a craving for a classic B-movie or one of Hammer’s scary offspring, look no further—they’ll be waiting for you in my crypt laden with the ghoulish from TwoMorrows, made just for you retro horror fans by editor Peter Normanton!”

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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