EC CATACOMB OF TORMENT #13

EC COMICS NEVER DIES . . . AND NEITHER DOES THE TORMENTOR'S THIRST FOR PUNISHMENT! Summertime is here, kids, and EC's beloved Mistress of Malice is throwing a whole new array of goodies onto the grill . . . where they're all still alive and wriggling! Let's feast on the charred bits of succulent writers Liam Johnson (2000 AD), Andrew Wheeler (Sins of the Black Flamingo), and Allen Wu (Shentu) and pair them with the delectable remnants of artists Sebastián Cabrol (The Seasons Have Teeth), David Lapham (Stray Bullets), and more. And, who knows, even if they survive, there's more fun to be had with them in the catacombs yet! (Choke!)

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