DETHANY AND THE PHANTOM OF THE SWIM TEAM

When Dethany Dendrobia, the cheerful 12-year-old Goth, joins the neighborhood swim team, she assumes she is just helping out friends who need an extra person to qualify for meets. Outdoor sports are definitely beyond her comfort zone, but Dethany relishes the opportunity to spend the summer with her best buds before they move up to 8th grade--and before her family is transferred to a new town. However, not long after her first meet, mysterious incidents begin happening at the pool, and Dethany is the prime suspect. As she and her friends fight to clear her name, they uncover evidence that leads to stakes more important than a simple relay race. This coming-of-age graphic novel features the normal milestones of puberty set against a dastardly plot of local intrigue. Dive in!

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