Dark Passage

A noir masterpiece returns: framed for his wife’s murder, an innocent man must assume a new identity in this thrilling crime classic

Rediscover the book that inspired the legendary Bogart and Bacall film

From undisputed master of crime writing David Goodis comes this unforgettable classic, which plunges readers into a world of pure urban dread and hallucinatory intensity. Wrongfully convicted of his wife’s murder, Vincent Parry breaks out of San Quentin and returns to San Francisco, where he soon becomes trapped in a nightmarish labyrinth of suspicion, recognition, and accusation. Desperate to escape from his past, he undergoes painful plastic surgery, only to discover that even a new face cannot provide him with a new start. Parry must untangle the truth behind his wife’s death as he tries to decide if he can trust the enigmatic woman who has come to his aid. Readers can now rediscover this moody thriller—inspiration for the classic noir film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall—in the authoritative text from the Library of America Goodis edition.

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