JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR #83

Jack Kirby Collector #83 presents "Famous Firsts", documenting the ways Jack was a pioneer in comics and life! From being the first mainstream creator to work coast-to-coast, to helping launch today's Direct Market of comic book distribution, his innovations are countless, and we're showcasing some major ones, including: the Romance Comics genre, Kid Gangs, double-page spreads, Black heroes, new formats, super-hero satire, and more! Featuring our regular columnists, and the 2020 Kirby Virtual Panel from Comic-Con International, featuring Alex Ross and moderated by Mark Evanier. Plus a gallery of Jack's pencil art from Captain America, Jimmy Olsen, Captain Victory, Destroyer Duck, Black Panther, and more! Featuring a Fighting American cover by Kirby and Mike Machlan. Edited by John Morrow.

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