Once Bitten

The incredible true story behind the discovery of the cure for deadly snake bites.

Snakes are everywhere. People are dying. And two scientists, worlds apart, share one daring idea: that the very thing killing people could also save them: snake venom. This gripping, illustrated true story follows their high-stakes race to turn poison into a lifesaving cure.

"For weeks the monsoon rains pounded the countryside...And now the snakes were everywhere. They were in the markets, the schools, and play areas. They coiled up in corners, hid beneath stairs, and snuck into bedrolls..."

150 years ago, scientific and medical breakthroughs were happening all the time. There were vaccines, there were treatments for all sorts of deadly diseases, and yet hundreds of thousands of people still died from snakebite every year. In Vietnam, in India, in South America, and many other places that did not the access to medicines that richer countries did.

Onto this stage step two brilliant and daring young scientists - Albert Calmette in France, and Vital Brazil in Brazil. They witness the death and destruction caused by human interaction with venomous snakes and they race against time to figure out a cure. Their story takes us from jungles to laboratories, from frustrating trial and error to spectacular success, and still continues to influence science and our world to this very day.

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