National Geographic Park Profiles: Yosemite

Discover more than 120 stunning color photographs featuring this jewel of the Sierra Nevada.
 
The beauty and the grandeur of Yosemite National Park beckon 4.1 million visitors each year. Some are rock climbers who come to challenge Yosemite’s granite. Some, en route to the backcountry, come for solitude. But by far the greatest number come to experience the view from the valley. Author Kenneth Brower details the captivating variety of Yosemite’s plants and animals. He chronicles how rivers of ice shaped the valley and relates the saga of the park through its first 100 years. Despite concerns about large crowds straining park resources, Brower remains optimistic. He writes, “The message of Yosemite is not how badly the park is run, but how well.”
 
Each National Geographic Park Profile captures the beauty of one of the United States' beloved national parks. Other installments in the series include books on the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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