NOW #14 THE NEW COMICS ANTHOLOGY

This first new NOW of 2026 features work from several contributors familiar to NOW readers as well as others appearing in the magazine for the first time. Under an original cover by gifted Portland cartoonist Soph Franz, Kayla E. (USA) returns to NOW with an all-new memoir comic, hot on the heels of Precious Rubbish, her acclaimed 2025 graphic novel debut. NOW familiars Roman Muradov (Armenia), Josh Simmons (USA), Steven Weissman (USA), Maggie Umber (USA) and Stacy Gougoulis (Australia) are back, while Los Angeles artist Scott Marvel Cassidy contributes his first new comics since 2024's acclaimed graphic memoir Hogbook and Lazer Eyes. In "Dear Phony," Cassidy processes/confronts his own OCD in a surrealist/absurdist work worthy of and owing a debt to the works of Alfred Jarry as well as Vivian Stanshall's Sir Henry at Rawlinson's End. Meanwhile, Swedish cartoonist Iris Hautaniemi makes her NOW debut, while small press legend Zak Sally contributes a heartfelt meditation on youth and aging. All this, plus many other surprises. NOW: The New Comics Anthology is, every issue, a self-contained cross-section of the best short comics stories the globe has to offer. The series has established itself as the preeminent anthology of first-rate international comics talent. With all-new, never before-seen material from a mix of emerging and established talent, NOW is the perfect answer to the question, "Why Comics? "

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