Dear Faustina

Eager to try her hand at activism, a young woman in London moves in with her "friend" who is devoted to social issues, only for things to go awry, in this rediscovered queer Victorian novel.

After her beloved father passes away, Althea Vane is adrift. Her mother is selling the beautiful home she grew up in, the only one she's ever known. When all hope seems lost, Althea's companion and lover, Faustina, asks her to move in.

When it comes to Faustina, impressive is an understatement. Though Althea's siblings see her as a misfit, Faustina has given up life's luxuries to serve the Cause of Humanity—bouncing between a rat-infested Notting Hill lodging house and an old Chelsea flat that's just sprung up "to meet the requirements and match the purses of independent female spirits." She dedicates herself to many missions: affordable housing, safer working conditions, the abolishment of infant labor. Faustina's selfless contributions make Althea beam and blush. Maybe a taste of this life—a life for and amongst the working class—is what Althea really needs. But is she ready to become a social crusader for the Cause? And is the spirited Faustina the good influence and perfect companion Althea supposes her to be?

Originally published in 1897, this queer Victorian novel full of drama and humor feels more relevant than ever. Despite their better intentions, young people are messy—always have been, always will be.

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