ESSENTIALS VOL. 1 (THE LAB PORTABLE EDITION)

Presenting the very first original graphic novel from The Lab Press, now in The Lab Portable™ Edition! Adapted from the previously published premium hardcover slipcase edition, The Lab Portable™ Edition offers this complete, unabridged graphic novel in a smaller, paperback format—the same acclaimed story and artwork, now more accessible than ever. The Lab Press's debut publication, Essentials Vol. 1 won the IBPA's Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book, along with several other indie publishing honors. Printed Word Reviews called it "a mission statement for what high-tier independent comics can achieve," while Kirkus Reviews praised it as "a lively and richly entertaining adventure into alternate realities. " In a world shaped by human minds, the greatest threat is what we refuse to face. Earth has collided with an alien dimension. Reality is no longer stable—it fractures, reshapes, and bends to the minds of the few survivors left behind. Essentials Vol. 1 follows scientist Harris Pax as he navigates a world where human thought creates entire realities, and survival depends on confronting the illusions people build to avoid the truth. With the help of two alien "guides"—Buttons, inhabiting a dead woman's body, and Cog, trapped in a toy robot—Harris races to find survivors before the same forces that shaped their worlds destroy them. Blending large-scale science fiction with psychological and philosophical stakes, Essentials explores what remains of identity, truth, and meaning when reality itself can no longer be trusted. Glenn Fabry, Jason Howard, Vince Locke, DaNi, Andrea Mutti, and M. K. Perker

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