JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR #86

What you saw isn't all you got with Jack, as our Kirby Comparisons issue will reveal! Take a curated trip through the most amazing art assemblage ever, as we offer side-by-side analyses of unused vs. known covers and art, uncorrected images against the published versions, and more! There's Barry Windsor-Smith on his stylized interpretation of Kirby's pencils in Captain America's Bicentennial Battles, newly discovered filler panels from Sky Masters, Kirby's incorporation of real-life images in his work, how Jack deviated from cover layouts he was given, and more! Featuring our regular columnists, and Will Murray's conversations with Joe Simon, Stan Lee, Carmine Infantino, Gil Kane, and other pros conducted just after Jack's passing. Plus a Kirby 100th Birthday Panel featuring Tom King, Walter Simonson, Mark Buckingham, Jerry Ordway, Dean Haspiel, John K. Snyder III, and Rand Hoppe! And an unused Kirby cover inked by Walter Simonson (and if you think you recognize that image, take a closer look!). 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