Magic: The Gathering: Commander's Journal

Build victorious decks and record your epic clashes in this guided journal for Magic: The Gathering's most popular format!

In the 1990s, a group of Magic: The Gathering fans created a new ruleset for the game focusing on casual, accessible, and fast-paced play. Now called Commander, this ruleset has risen from its roots as an unofficial community to become the most popular way of playing the world's biggest collectible card game.

The Magic: The Gathering Commander's Journal is the first official MTG paper product designed specifically for this playstyle. Containing amazing art and behind-the-scenes stories from the designers and developers who shepherded the game from its unassuming origins to the grassroots phenomenon it is today, and guided pages crafted in partnership with Wizards of the Coast to maximize at-the-table utility, the MTG Commander's Journal is the ideal companion for every player.

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