EC Artists from the Abyss David Lapham #1

GASP! CHOKE! EC Comics’ celebration of its boldest and bloodiest talents rages forth as comics master and Eisner Award winner David Lapham (Stray Bullets, Detective Comics) takes center stage . . . which is all the more anxiety-inducing when you’re a humanoid insect infected with the urge to kill!Re-presenting Lapham’s greatest and goriest contributions to the new EC Comics canon—featuring taut tales of tension and terror penned by collaborators J. Holtham (EC’s Cruel Universe), Matt Kindt (BRZRKR), Joe R. Lansdale (Jonah Hex: Two-Gun Mojo), and more—for the first time between two covers, this ad-free special also features a brand-new, never-before-seen EC shocker illustrated by Lapham and co-written by Maria Lapham (Underheist)! BZZZ! BZZZ! There’s no swatting this one away . . . especially it weighs 200 pounds and is coming right for you!

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