Inside the Riptide

Out of the closet and into the ocean, Joe Santini dives headfirst into the waves of Sri Lanka, only to discover that escape has an undertow.

When twenty-two-year-old Joe flees landlocked Colorado for a gig at a surf and yoga retreat, he’s newly out, hopelessly naive, and desperately seeking escape no matter the cost. He expects a sun drenched paradise, but finds a complicated country beneath the tourist fantasy he's been sold. Joe revels in his new life abroad, learning how to surf in the Indian Ocean, all while being openly gay in a place where it’s still criminalized.

As Joe eagerly waits for his long-distance boyfriend, Hayden, to join him, the picture-perfect paradise he’s found begins to fracture. His two Instagram-obsessed bosses tighten their grip with increasingly questionable ethics as Hayden’s secrets rise to the surface. Then, a sudden, dark betrayal shatters his tight-knit community, leaving Joe to discover who he is without a lifeline.

Joe’s story is a vibrant, deeply introspective look at first love, toxic tourism, and the messy transition into adulthood. Fans of high-stakes resort dramas like The White Lotus will devour this gripping journey as the narrative descends into the underbelly of paradise, proving that no matter how fast you paddle, you eventually have to face what you’re fleeing.

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