Guardian of Fukushima

It was March 11, 2011 when a massive earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami, which, in turn, destroyed the core three reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.  This tragedy cost almost 20,000 lives and devastated countless more, including Naoto Matsumura, a farmer evacuated from the deadly radiation zone.

Unwilling to abandon his beloved animals, Naoto chooses to return home to his farm — and to fight for the beauty of life.  This important graphic novel from France alludes to Japanese legends as an ode to Mother Nature, and human resilience.

This emotional title features a foreword by Tokyo-based writer, journalist, scholar and authority on Japanese and Western cultures Roland Kelts, photos from renowned photographer Ko Sasaki, a retrospective from Pray for Japan director Stu Levy, and educational bonus material about the tsunami and its aftermath.

"Blain’s evocative illustrations, rendered using flat, vibrant colors and delivered via easy-to-follow panels, and paired with Grolleau’s quietly profound dialogue, elegantly portrays wrenching events in Japan’s history." — Publishers Weekly

"[Guardian of Fukushima] is as powerful a read as it is a harrowing one when taking into account what transpired. Yet, presenting the story with sincerity under gorgeous art direction, and with additional content that lets the reader see beyond the story of Matsumura, the book is an unforgettable story that readers should seek out." — Adam Symchuk, Asian Movie Pulse

"Contemplative and heartbreaking, Guardian of Fukushima is a portrait of European and Japanese humanism." — Bleeding Cool

"Bravo to Grolleau and Blain for skillfully elevating an already profound story. I would recommend Guardian of Fukushima to anyone." — Comics Beat

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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