EC EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS BOOK ONE LIBRARY EDITION

A NEW ERA FOR THE MOST INFAMOUS AND INFLUENTIAL AMERICAN HORROR BRAND OF ALL TIME STARTS HERE IN ONE DEVILISHLY DELUXE HARDCOVER COLLECTION! After 70 years, EC Comics—the notorious comics publisher that spawned TALES FROM THE CRYPT, WEIRD SCIENCE, MAD magazine, and many more—rises from the grave with its first new series of the twenty-first century! For the first time in one comprehensive collection, join us for a guided tour of the Grave-Digger’s cemetery on the edge of the endless abyss . . . where EVERY TOMBSTONE TELLS A TALE . . . and the quickest way to etch your own is through MALEVOLENCE, MALICE, and MURDER! Collecting EC’s landmark resurrection in the pages of EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #1–12 in one staggeringly deluxe, oversized (7.5 × 11.5) hardcover, this terrifying tome is positively brimming with depraved intention and traumatic tension as wrought by the hands (and snapped by the necks) of serial storytellers Jason Aaron (Thor), Brian Azzarello (Joker), Corinna Bechko (Green Lantern: Earth One), Chris Condon (Ultimate Wolverine), J. Holtham (The Horizon Experiment), and Matt Kindt (BRZRKR), and realized into bloody reality by 'all-slaughter' artists Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Tyler Crook (Out of Alcatraz), Kano (Gotham Central), Klaus Janson (The Dark Knight Returns), Leomacs (Benjamin), Alison Sampson (Department of Truth), Andrea Sorrentino (Gideon Falls), and many more. Plus: Gouge your eyes on 50 pages of 'behind-the-screams' material—including in-depth production art, character designs, and cover galleries—alongside all-new, exclusive commentaries from Eisner Award nominees Rian Hughes (The Multiversity) and Jay Stephens (Dwellings) on the painful (heh, heh) processes behind EC’s blockbuster rebirth.

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