MYSTERY BOXES VOL. 1: EXPLORER

“All the stories offer top-notch storytelling while providing readers with something more to think about. ” -Publishers WeeklySTARRED REVIEW *“An outstanding out-of-the box anthology from renowned comics veteran Kibuishi ... Both a visual feast for the eyes and a healthy helping of thought for the soul. Superb. ” -Kirkus ReviewsSeven clever stories answer one simple question: What’s in the box? Funny, fantastic, spooky, and suspenseful, each of these unique and beautifully illustrated short graphic works revolves around a central theme: a mysterious box and the marvels-or mayhem-that is hidden inside. Artists include middle school favorites Kazu Kibuishi, Raina Telgemeier (Smile), and Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy), as well as Jason Caffoe, Stu Livingston, Johane Matte, Rad Sechrist (all contributors to the groundbreaking comics anthology series Flight), and Emily Carroll. Award-winning artist Kazu Kibuishi’s selection creates a mixture of laughs and creeps (with some philosophy) as well as the kind of graphical triumphs expected from Kibuishi’s other collections. With gorgeously detailed full-color artwork, there is a spooky tale of a sinister doppelgänger invading a girl’s life by up-and-coming comics star Emily Carroll; Dave Roman and Raina Telgemeier’s comedy of wizarding errors and online bidding wars; and Rad Sechrist’s romp involving a teenage girl, an introduction to the basics of Shintoism, and a manic butter thief driving a grandma to the brink. So, don’t hesitate. Come and open the box. You’ll be amazed. You’ll be entertained. You’ll be scared. And then you’ll want to read each story over again! Edited by Kazu Kibuishi.

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