Necessary Fiction

NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY NPR

“I want to take the fact that I’m here seriously, because it’s serious. That lesson is so much harder than I thought.” – from Necessary Fiction


In Eloghosa Osunde’s powerful novel, Lagos, Nigeria is the dynamic backdrop to the ambitions and desires of a vast array of characters, each of whom refuse to be defined by others. There is Ziz, a hardcore hustler. Maro and his elusive father, Tega. May and her steady rotation of lovers. Nollywood power couple Ifechi and Tajudeen Adams. They and dozens more — of varying generations and sexualities — grapple with the stories they carry within themselves to survive. In Necessary Fiction, award-winning author Osunde has created a vividly queer world that is at once tumultuous and intense, intimate and tender, and above all deeply human.

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