Locals

A magnificent collection that traces the lives of young, working-class people navigating love, grief, survival, and the pursuit of something more

In eight breathtaking stories, Locals explores what we owe each other as children, parents, lovers, and friends—and what it means to find a sense of belonging when those roles become indelibly warped. Set in the aughts, Jared Jackson’s dazzling collection vibrates with an unforgettable cast of funny and achingly frank young people who are forced to grow up too quickly in a deeply stratified Hartford, Connecticut. As characters reappear across these interlocking stories, we’re invited to see them again through the eyes of others and to consider the tenderness that lies beneath their brashness and bravery.

In “Bebo,” a brazen idea tests how far loyalty stretches between friends. In “Little River,” a young couple reflects on their collective past while making decisions about their individual futures. And in the collection’s titular story, a college student grapples with identity and acceptance when he learns the use of a single word—local—can either be a swift accusation or a worthy inheritance.

From absent parents and fractured bonds to found family and profound acts of care, Locals is at once a love letter to a city’s people and a critique of its inequities. What emerges is a collection as fluent in its characters’ frustrations as it is in their triumphs. A striking vision for reclamation—of faith in city, and faith in self—Locals announces Jackson as a generational talent.

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