National Geographic The Photo Ark

An expanded edition of this animal photography bestseller, with 64 more pages, 127 new photos, and 20 new essays by beloved writer Sy Montgomery.

Celebrating the 20th year of the author’s lifelong project to photograph every species in human care—in zoos, aquariums, wildlife centers, and private collections—around the world.

Joel Sartore and his Photo Ark project are becoming household names, beloved by young and old for the up-close-and-personal portraits from every realm of the animal kingdom. To celebrate the Photo Ark’s 20th anniversary, this enhanced edition brings new life to the book that started it all.

Here are the best of the best, arranged into the amusing pairings for which Sartore’s Photo Ark books are known, with new Conservation Heroes, new looks Behind the Scenes, and 20 all-new essays by best-selling animal whisperer Sy Montgomery.

For animal, nature, and photography lovers—even those who own the first edition of this title—the 20th anniversary Photo Ark will be a beloved volume to pore over for years to come.

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