Hamish Takes the Train

Trains, cranes, good friends—with warmth and whimsy, Daisy Hirst follows an adventurous bear and a home-loving goose who discover that new experiences are even better shared.

Hamish the bear and Noreen the goose live in the country, where they like to watch the trains whoosh by. While Noreen is happy to stay in the country, Hamish can’t help but wonder what it would be like to ride the train into the city. So one day he says goodbye to Noreen and sets off along the tracks. Hamish’s ride on the train takes him to new places, where he meets new friends and even gets a job on a construction site. Before long, though, Hamish realizes how much he misses his home and Noreen. From Daisy Hirst, the award-winning author-illustrator of The Girl with a Parrot on Her Head, here is a warm and friendly story about finding adventure and then finding your way home again.

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