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 how Canada fought to hide these stories yet again, and the small group of people who took on the government to preserve the truth.

For decades, survivors of Canada’s horrific residential schools fought to have their voices heard. In 2008, the country launched a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to finally reckon with the country’s genocidal legacy towards the Indigenous population—the first TRC to be launched in an established democracy.

But before the TRC was launched, thousands of survivors shared their stories with the government of Canada to receive compensation for their suffering. These testimonies created a powerful archive of accountability. And as the TRC wrapped up its important work and the country began to figure out how to move towards healing, a group of powerful lawyers mobilized on behalf of the Canadian government to have those records destroyed.

Officials claimed this was necessary for privacy reasons. For the small group that had been fighting to prevent the destruction of these records, it was yet another excuse. What followed was an epic, undertold battle over the power of preservation and the importance of witnessing.

In this powerful account, Ry Moran, former director of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission, gives us 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