Kiss the Boy: A Graphic Novel

An enchanting and swoon-worthy graphic novel about fated love from the bestselling author of Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

I’ve spent the last year aching for The Boy.

Sixteen-year-old Dylan would’ve drowned last summer if not for the handsome human stranger who saved him with mouth-to-mouth. Since then, Dylan has felt echoes of everything the stranger feels. Every laugh. Every smile. Every tear. For merfolk, a kiss is an exchange of breath that forges a bond between two souls.

Dylan never wanted to bind with a human after seeing how his dad, a merfolk, and his mom, a human, have struggled to be apart every summer when his pod migrates. That’s why in three days’ time, when the bond breaks if he doesn’t return the kiss, he’s ready to let it happen. Even if it means he’ll never be able to bind with anyone ever again.

When the stranger reappears and asks him on a date, Dylan can’t ignore the drum of his heartbeat. As the clock counts down, will Dylan resist the call of his heart, as strong as the ocean, or risk it all to kiss the boy? From the award-winning author of Darius the Great Is Not Okay and debut artist Ria Martinez comes graphic novel that explores love and the difference between choice and destiny.

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