NIGHTMARE OF HALLOWEEN PAST

As a child, Halloween was acclaimed artist Gary Baseman’s favorite holiday—an extension of his love of otherworldly monsters and characters on TV and film. In the 1990s, he started his collection of more than 2,000 dark, playful, surreal vintage photographs of people in masks and costumes. Gathered primarily at flea markets, these images, taken by unknown photographers, represent intimate tributes to Halloween and American legacy. The photographs have long inspired Baseman to create not just paintings, but scores of costumes and masks of his own that he has used for photography, video, and performance art. The photos compiled here speak a thousand words and inspire a thousand more questions. What might first appear scary will soon become endearing when you realize that the people under the ghoulish masks and macabre costumes are smiling and having fun. The combination of nightmares, childhood memories, and odd beauty found in these photos...

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