Friends in the Dark

Adorable nocturnal animals take over the town while everyone else is sleeping in this candy-colored early graphic novel by an Eisner-nominated comics artist.

When the sun goes down, most everyone in cozy Small Town falls asleep. Goodnight birds! Goodnight puppies! It’s sleepy time for all the cute cuddlebugs.

Except for creatures like Kitkin, a cat who sleeps during the day and stays up at night. Kitkin’s adventures are just beginning, and tonight she’s headed to the movies with her friend Olive the owl. Kitkin tends to run late to everything, but she’s determined for them to make it to the movie on time.

So, Kitkin and Owl take a “shortcut.” They figure the town will be quiet and peaceful at night—no problem! Little do they know that there are a lot of other Small Town creatures hanging around. Their path slows them down, but the friends they make along the way are totally worth it.

I Like to Read Comics® are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds. Like their award-winning I Like to Read® counterparts, these books are created by celebrated artists and support reading comprehension to transform children into lifelong readers.

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