Gangsta

Love always comes with a price. 

After the murder of a dirty Los Angeles detective, St. Louis "Lou-Loc" Alexander finds himself a hunted man. Trying to stay one step ahead of the gas chamber, he flees to New York to pick up the pieces of his life. Fate throws him a curveball when he meets Satin Angelino and falls head-over-heels in love. But although Satin is young and fine, she is keeping a secret that could cost St. Louis his life.

From the author:

The tale I’m about to run down to you is deep, so please pay close attention. It is a tale that reflects a lot of what we go through today as being young men of color. We struggle every day trying to make ends meet, in a world that ain’t got a whole lot of love for us. We do what we can when we can in hopes of a better tomorrow, that never seems to come. We do what we have to in order to get the things we need, for ourselves, as well as our loved ones. Whether you hustle, pimp, whore, or pull heist, I feel you. It's all in the name of survival. I feel you because I am you. The endangered species. The young black man. Whether this book sells one copy or one million, it is what it is, only god can dictate fate. But if I can help somebody by putting my thoughts to paper, then I’ve accomplished something. To those who came up under me, peep-game. To my elders, I’ve learned from your mistakes, so your lessons weren’t wasted nor your warnings unheeded. To those who feel misunderstood or unwanted, walk with me, and know that you’re not alone. To those who feel that life has only given one option, there’s light at the end of every tunnel. I don’t knock nobodies hustle ‘cause survival is rule number one. But you gotta understand that we do have options, all we gotta do is look. I know to a lot of people, this probably sounds like some ol’ bullshit, but I’m speaking from the heart. A heart just like yours. The heart of a man who has fallen time and again only to rise and continue on, so you know it’s possible. Walk with me, my niggaz, as I tell you about my peoples.

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