(Hardly) Warden Material

In the thrilling follow-up to (Mostly) Human Resources, Alexys and Nic reunite to confront horrors both new and old—without becoming monsters themselves.

After facing down the most horrifying challenges of their careers (so far), former HR rep turned Warden Alexys and head researcher Nic find themselves struggling to adjust to their new normal. With Nic in London, following a lead on the mysterious Dreamweaver he captured in West Virginia, and Alexys preparing to go back to District 14 and adapting to her new role as a Warden, their burgeoning relationship is strained both by distance and the secrets they keep.

A black stain spreads slowly across Nic’s skin, a lingering effect of the events in Mercyhill, while Alexys struggles with Silas's haunting presence and the debt she still owes him. When Nic’s condition becomes even more dire, and Silas prepares to collect his dues, Nic and Alexys must confront the secrets and sacrifices that have kept them apart and finally kill the Marrow Witch. But could it be that Alexys and Nic are the most dangerous monsters of all?

With the same big-hearted emotions and high paranormal stakes, (Hardly) Warden Material is another unputdownable adventure from Grace Viall—a perfect blend of the against-all-odds romance of Laura Piper Lee’s Doomsdate and the paranormal adventures of Bonnie Quinn’s “How to Survive Camping” series.

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