DARKNESS

Sabu is a cool and handsome rock-n-roller. Chicks dig him, but he’s obsessed with Mari, his pretty neighbor. But Mari loves someone else, which Sabu cannot bear to even think about—nor can his evil doppelganger. Who is that? Is it just my shadow? Or is it another me, lurking there, peering and plotting, in THE DARKNESS? ! An imaginative and unsettling adaptation of Edogawa Ranpo’s classic story THE STALKER IN THE ATTIC, Koga Shinichi’s THE DARKNESS shows one of horror manga’s pioneers applying his astonishing artistry and palpitating pacing to comics for a more mature audience. Reinforced by three other horrifying stories from the early 1970s, including the criminally cruel HUNGRY GHOST, THE DARKNESS is the tenth volume of Smudge, a line of vintage horror, occult, and dark fantasy manga curated and translated by award-winning historian Ryan Holmberg and published by Living the Line. With an essay about Koga by artist and publisher Sean Michael Robinson.

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