GRIFTERS FLOATERS AND PUNKS A REIMAGINED FIELD GUIDE FOR THE 50 STATE BIRDS

In the mid-1800s, self-made naturalist and outdoorsman John James Audubon began work on his collection of 435 watercolor plates that would become the standard-setting Birds of America. Now, some nigh on two hundred years later, its indisputable and entirely authentic successor has finally emerged. Master cartoonist Keith Bendis has traveled to all four corners of this nation, or wishes he had, returning with accounts of the Beach Stoners of North Carolina, the Impossible Screamers of Alaska that lay eggs five times the size of their body, the “too coo for school” Red-Capped Delaware Slackers, and the alluring Pink-Breasted Frogcatcher of the Louisiana bayou. These most whimsical and biologically unsound members of the avian species are brought to life in a style reminiscent of Gary Larson’s Far Side, handsomely coupled with a rarefied New Yorker panache. Simply put, Grifters, Floaters, and Punks is essential reading for both seasoned birdwatchers and budding ornithologists as well as lovers of screwball cartooning.

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