Dad

New Republic TV critic, NYT Magazine contributor, and embarrassing dad Phillip Maciak tells the bumbling, beautiful story of modern fatherhood through the famous (and infamous) TV dads who brought it to life on-screen.

There are good dads and bad dads, rich dads and poor dads. . . . A little clueless, but maybe a little wise. Embarrassing, but unembarrassed.

Since at least the beginning of the twentieth century, Dad has been the name of an instantly recognizable, ubiquitous American cultural idea. Way more than just a synonym for father, it’s a style, a parenting philosophy, an all-purpose adjective, even a kind of masculinity. Through periods of massive social change, the “dad” has been a revealing stand-in for the way America feels about itself; and journalist Phillip Maciak has written its biography.

Dad: A TV Pop History tracks the development of this father figure by paying attention to some of its most compelling small-screen avatars: suburban grill masters like Ward Cleaver; goofball galoots from Herman Munster to Homer Simpson; hardheaded Archie Bunker; softhearted Danny Tanner; regal and righteous Uncle Phil; and all the antihero dads (and godfathers) of prestige TV from Tony Soprano to Don Draper. Dad also considers the online icons and influencers helping to shape the politics of fatherhood today, and current shows like Adolescence, DTF St. Louis, and Ted Lasso that show us the perils and possibilities of dadhood right now.

Part cultural history, part cultural criticism, part personal reckoning, Dad: A Pop History is an entertaining, revelatory, sometimes humiliating journey into the heart of dadness.

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