EC Outlaw Showdown & Other Stories

Bullet-riddled saddlebags, warfare trench-based and cosmic, or sickly sweet romance . . . it all ends in bloodshed!

Come forth to witness the first catch-all collection of EC Comics’ oversized genre one-shots! Featuring a murderer’s row—we mean that literally!—of talented writers and artists Tini Howard (Marian Heretic), Shawn Martinbrough (Thief of Thieves), Albert Monteys (Slaughterhouse-Five), Tony Moore (The Walking Dead), Ann Nocenti (Daredevil), and more, Outlaw Showdown and Other Stories runs the gamut from parched morality of the Old West to the dark decrepitude of timeless romance and the senseless banality of war. Never fear: EC Comics is here to bring pain and consequences to one and all!

Collects EC’s Outlaw Showdown #1, Tortured Hearts #1, and Shellshock #1

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