Magic: The Gathering: The Incoming Student's Guide to Strixhaven

Welcome to Strixhaven University! As seen through the eyes of its staff, including an introduction by Professor Liliana Vess, this book details the history of Arcavios, provides the inside scoop of the University’s five colleges, and shares tips and tricks for life on campus.

The Incoming Student’s Guide to Strixhaven is an in-world visual history of Strixhaven University, the greatest and most fantastical school of magic in the Magic: The Gathering Multiverse. Inside its pages, young readers will discover a brief history of Arcavios and the school; an overview of its five colleges; tips for first years; the dazzling deeds of the school’s most notable alumni; and most importantly, how to get there and essential information on the Strixhaven job placement program.

Written by acclaimed fantasy novelist K Arsenault Rivera, this companion to the Secrets of Strixhaven is sure to charm and enlighten readers and Magic: The Gathering fans of all ages.

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