Inside the Riptide

Out of the closet and into the ocean, Joe Santini dives headfirst into the waves of first love and self-acceptance as he aims to find himself in Sri Lanka.

When twenty-two-year-old Joe flees landlocked Colorado for a gig at a remote Sri Lankan surf and yoga oasis, he’s newly out, hopelessly naive, and desperately seeking escape. He expects a sun-drenched paradise and an adventurous new beginning, but comes to find so much more as he learns to surf in the Indian Ocean. Joe revels in the waves of life abroad, gay in a place where his love is technically criminalized, sharing a bathroom with fist-sized spiders, and waiting for his long-distance boyfriend, Hayden, to join him.

When Hayden finally touches down, the picture-perfect illusion starts to fracture. Joe finds himself at the mercy of two Instagram-obsessed bosses with highly questionable ethics, a devastating infidelity, and a tight-knit community shattered by a sudden, dark betrayal.

Written by the founder of Gay Surf Week, Joe’s story is a fierce, deeply introspective look at the messy transition into adulthood and the underbelly of paradise. Fans of high-stakes resort drama like The White Lotus will devour this gripping journey from the waves of a tropical island back to the mountains of Colorado, proving that no matter how fast you paddle, you eventually have to face the shore.

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