Ex Libris

Send and receive gorgeous literary postcards featuring book recommendations from Pulitzer Prize–winning literary critic Michiko Kakutani and stunning original cover art from illustrator Dana Tanamachi

These exquisite postcards from renowned literary critic Michiko Kakutani's book Ex Libris, a collection of her must-read books, are the perfect way to show someone you’re thinking of them, share a book recommendation, or add a pop of literary flair to your walls. Illustrated by Dana Tanamachi, these postcards featuring covers of literary classics, non-fiction favorites, and beloved novels like The Great Gatsby, Frankenstein, and Harry Potter will be irresistible to any bibliophile.

The boxed set contains fifty postcards offering two each of twenty-five cover interpretations of literary classics featured in Ex Libris. The other side includes a thoughtful quote from Kakutani’s essay about the book with plenty of room for writing a message.

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