Is It Art?

A fascinating look at how the definition of art itself went on trial, thanks to artist Constantin Brâncuși’s famous Bird in Space sculpture

When Constantin Brancusi finished his sculpture called Bird in Space, he thought it perfectly represented a bird in flight. But when he shipped it to New York for an exhibition, customs officials were confused. What was that slender object made of bronze? It didn’t look like any bird they’d ever seen! They refused to call it art and give it an artwork tax exemption. Brancusi was shocked and took them to court. The trial that ensued, with its discussions of what makes art, was at times hilarious, but ultimately the case helped bring modern art into the mainstream, and helped folks see art in a whole new light.

With its compelling mix of humorous text and gorgeous mixed-media illustrations, Ioana Hobai gives readers an eye-opening look at how art is viewed and how it can make us feel, as well as see.

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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