Ocean, New Edition

An enhanced edition of DK’s exhaustive guide to the underwater world.


This authoritative, sumptuously illustrated encyclopedia is now in its third edition. Illustrated with a blend of beautiful and informative illustrations, maps, and photography, it is a broad-ranging, in-depth guide to both physical oceanography and marine life.

A comprehensive introduction explains important principles and processes, from the geology of the seafloor to the chemistry of seawater. The next two chapters look at key environments – from the seashore out to the open ocean – and the main groups of ocean life. Both of these chapters include systematic directory sections that contain in-depth visual profiles of key locations and species. The final chapter is a detailed, 60-page atlas of the world’s oceans and seas, illustrated with maps compiled from satellite measurements of the ocean floor. Distributed throughout the book are feature spreads on the impact that humans are having on the marine environment, covering topics ranging from plastic pollution to ocean acidification.

Thoroughly updated to include the latest research on ocean science and profiles of newly discovered species, Ocean remains an indispensable, all-encompassing visual guide to the marine world.

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