Elect Mr. Robinson for a Better World

A man decides to run for mayor as the town he lives in descends into chaos—a funny, acerbic novel from the award-winning author of The Hundred Brothers and My Eliot.

“A slice of sulfurous whimsy . . . You are drawn in because of the depth of human feeling that Antrim smuggles in . . . almost below the radar level.”—The New York Times

Pete Robinson, unemployed schoolteacher, surveys his seaside hometown with binoculars from the attic. It’s not looking so good. Families are engaging in warfare in the park. The former mayor was drawn and quartered after shooting missiles into a reflecting pool. Residents have dug pits around their houses and filled them with stakes to keep out the neighbors.

Eager to help, and with the school closed and the position having just opened up, Mr. Robinson decides to run for mayor. Just picture it: his former third graders toting Magic-Marker signs. Vote for our teacher for mayor because he’s the best! But does Mr. Robinson really want to save his town, or does he harbor less virtuous ambitions?

Darkly comedic and sharply astute, Elect Mr. Robinson for a Better World mines the psychosexual bedlam lurking just under the surface of well-mannered middle-class life, offering a portrait of a community as it comes apart at the seams.

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