NOCTURNAL WHISPERS PHANTASMAGORIC FABLES FROM MELAG

Welcome to Meläg. Located somewhere between dreamland and the real world of Redila's childhood hometown in the Philippines, this eerily fantastical town is where love, joy, and heartbreak hold hands. Here, a father builds a clunky wooden robot for his daughter to dance with at her wedding; a little boy rubs a mystical lamp and wishes only for a jar of sugar; a little girl finds a magical box and soars over the treetops in her tricycle; a man waits at the bus stop each day for years for his soulmate to arrive. Slices of life at turns tender and tragic that cast a kind eye toward the misunderstood and different among us. Filipino American cartoonist Bong Redila first introduced readers to Meläg in 2022, and this new edition expands and deepens his enchanting vision with over 150 pages of new material. Drawn in a spidery, Edward Gorey-esque pen-and-ink style, this charming collection will transport readers of all ages.

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