National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of African American History and Culture

From the ancient kingdoms of Africa to the America of today, this important and accessible encyclopedia from National Geographic Kids explores more than 400 years of African American history through photos, maps, artifacts, stories, and more.

Created in consultation with leading Black historians, curators, and expert advisors, this comprehensive volume takes kids from humanity’s African roots through enslavement and rebellion in the Americas, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and into cultural milestones like the Harlem Renaissance and hip-hop, offering a clear, accessible overview of African American history and heritage.

Inside, you’ll find engaging entries on iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X alongside coverage of less familiar topics such as the Exoduster Movement or Black fashion design. The National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of African American History and Culture also features hundreds of photos, maps, and illustrations that highlight unsung heroes, recent discoveries, and traditional folktales. With a foreword by astronaut Leland Melvin, this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia showcases the power of storytelling, making it a must-have for both home and classroom libraries.

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