Old Pal

A shimmering, arresting debut novel about an outsider roaming the American West and running away from his past—and the three-day journey that will force him to decide what type of man he wants to be

On those highways sometimes you could see so far the distance blurred into itself, endless blue band of horizon curving woolly in the haze.

Twenty-five-year-old Shine knows where he’s come from and where he’s going, but that’s about it. Two years after leaving Canada, and newly outed as a trans man at his job in Oregon, Shine rides the bus east in search of anonymity, steady work, and a place to begin again. But when his bus breaks down in a small town in Montana, hours away from his destination, he has a chance encounter with Brick, an eccentric local whose generosity is as intense as it is unsettling.

What begins with a meal and the offer of a place to sleep becomes an unexpected journey through back roads and uneasy intimacies. Drawn to Brick’s kindness yet wary of his volatility, Shine must navigate the shifting boundaries between care and control, protection and possession. As their time together turns treacherous, he is forced to confront not only Brick’s intentions, but the shame and fear that have kept him running from his family.

In taut, luminous prose, Kai Conradi explores what it means to assert one’s identity under the constant threat of exposure and the weight of other people’s expectations. Suspenseful, richly atmospheric, and deeply compassionate, Old Pal is an electric exploration of loneliness, masculinity, and the perilous human need to belong.

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