JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR #90

This "What If Kirby...?" issue takes a trip through alternate timelines to discern what might've happened if Jack hadn't been stopped cold in his attempts at revolutionizing comics. We'll consider his ill-fated Speak-Out Series of upscale magazines, DC's abandonment of the Fourth World, his original rejected Spider-Man presentation, Fredric Wertham's effect on Mainline Comics, and even the CIA's involvement with the Lord of Light project! If things had been different, how would Jack’s career and output have changed? Plus, Tom Kraft discusses his journey to create and build the “What If Kirby” website, and teaming with favorite Kirby inkers (including Royer, Sinnott, and Ayers) to produce reimagined Kirby artwork. Also, there's a rare Kirby interview, Mark Evanier and our other regular columnists, a classic Simon & Kirby story, a deluxe gallery of Kirby pencil art, and more! Cover inks and colors by Damian Pickador Zajko. 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