Once There Was a Boy... Boxed Set

Perfect for gift-giving, a boxed set of three brilliant picture books by the illustrator of The Day the Crayons Quit, Oliver Jeffers
 
Ten years ago, Oliver Jeffers' first picture book, How to Catch a Star, featured an unnamed boy in a red-and-white striped shirt who captured the hearts of kids the world over. That same boy went on to be featured in three additional books, including Lost and Found and The Way Back Home, both of which became kid favorites as well. Now these three delightfully quirky picture books are available together for the first time, as mini, unjacketed hardcover editions, enclosed within a gorgeously designed die-cut slipcase.
 
The perfect gift for any holiday or special occasion, this gorgeous collection is a wonderful introduction to the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The Day the Crayons Quit.

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