For the Records

In 2027, the testimonial records of nearly 40,000 residential school survivors are set to be destroyed. This is the story of the small group of people who took on the Canadian government to preserve these documents, despite the country’s continued efforts to hide them.

In 2008, after decades of residential school survivors advocating and speaking out, Canada launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to reckon with the country’s genocidal legacy towards Indigenous populations—the first of its kind in an established democracy. Prior to the Commission, thousands of survivors had shared their experiences with the government to receive compensation for their suffering, creating a powerful archive of accountability and moving the country towards healing.

As the work of the Commission came to a close, a group of lawyers working on behalf of the Canadian government mobilized to have the records destroyed for reasons of privacy. What followed was an epic, under-told battle to witness and safeguard this vital historical record.

In this powerful account, Ry Moran, former director of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission, provides unprecedented access into a fight for the preservation of our country’s memories, and the complicated reality of reckoning with a difficult past.

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