Misfit

The ultimate guide to recognizing untapped potential by celebrating imperfection. Learn to take the path less travelled with direction from misfit guides like Tony Hawk, Mark Mothersbaugh, Michelle “Estrojen” Steilen, Shepard Fairey, and many more.

Introduction by Tony Hawk.

"You're weird." "Sorry." "No, that was a compliment." —Donnie Darko

When the whole world appears designed to make you just fit in, Misfit urges you to listen to your oddball self and seek out an original path.

Will it be easy? Predictable? Understood and supported by the masses? No.

But will it be dynamic, full of wild expression, and fill you with a joyful sense of discovery? Yes.

Sean Mortimer—a celebrated writer who started as a skateboarder alongside Tony Hawk—collaborates with internationally acclaimed misfits whose unconventional heat has warped how the world perceives music, sports and art. These iconic nonconformists did not start out as the celebrated renegades we see today. Each pushed through the initial pain and isolation of social rejection, overcoming self-doubt with erratic experimentation to reach a destination overflowing with conviction, gratitude, and their own version of success.

Steering readers through the subcultures of alternative music and sports, Dungeons & Dragons, “illegal” art and other disenfranchised movements, Misfit shows how deep drive, relentless innovation and unregulated creativity are the survival skills of misfit life. Detailing stories of awkward childhoods, teenage angst and unconventional adulthood from game changing outcasts, Mortimer demonstrates how the will to break rules, fight blind obedience, and reject “normal” ultimately sparks a curiosity that leads to a new form of confidence and a thriving, open-minded approach to life.

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