Dragonmaster

Hal Kailas was truly flying as the dragon dove for speed, then climbed high, banking, rolling. . . . Above were the moons and the stars, and below the world he had little use for. . . .
 
Hal is a runaway pauper in a kingdom where peace is uncertain. But long ago, he had the breathtaking experience of bonding with a young dragon, and the memory of the beast’s great strength and power consumes his thoughts and dreams.
 
When war comes, only the most daring and ruthless men will ride these fearsome dragons—monstrous weapons that rule the sky. Few men can bend a dragon’s will, but Hal believes he may be one of them. Squadrons of men will fly into battle on the fiercest creatures the world has ever seen, and Hal Kailas will be the greatest dragonmaster of them all.
 
“A vast and intricate tapestry woven by a writer who knows both history and war.”—David Drake, Author of the Lord of the Isles Series
 
“Slam-bang excitement, lusty action, and military magic . . . fast-paced and ferocious.”—Julian May, Author of The Many-Colored Land

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