Lighten Our Darkness

An elite neurosurgeon's journey into the brain's pain pathways uncovers a startling new understanding of depression and OCD—and how the circuitry of despair may hold the key to cultivating joy and resilience.

Drawing on decades of clinical experience and his work with one of the world's few teams performing limbic-system surgery for depression, Dr. Chris Honey traces the treatment of melancholia from ancient humoraltheory through the brutal legacy of the frontal lobotomy to the vast, fascinating horizons of modern neuroscience. Through scientific and medical history, patient stories, and first-hand neurological and surgical insight, Lighten Our Darkness reveals how charting the neural pathways of sadness has transformed our understanding of depressive, bipolar, and obsessive-compulsive disorders—and, in the process, illuminates the mechanics of what makes us happy.

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