One Hundred Year-Old Wisdom

What do a psychoanalyst, a Chinese nun, a retired Hare Krishna, and Saddam Hussein’s doctor have in common? In One Hundred Year-Old Wisdom, Nova Scotia-based cartoonist Rebecca Roher sits down with each of them–and a good many others–to find out.

Cartoonist Rebecca Roher asks, “Just what are the secrets to long life?” The answer might surprise you. For some of the 90-year olds she talks to, it’s activism. For others, it’s tending a garden. For others still, it’s drinking vodka and keeping busy.

One Hundred Year-Old Wisdom collects Roher’s interviews with nonagenarians from around the world in comics form. Everyone from the humble folks of Ikarias in Greece, to Sardinia’s most sought-after centenarians share their stories in an inspiring, funny, and enrapturing peek at the world through the eyes of those who’ve seen it change the most. Roher’s lively tribute to our elders is gorgeously cartooned with fluid inks and airy watercolors, shining a spotlight on their insights into the human condition.

These remarkably lighthearted first-hand accounts of people looking back on their lives in a century of massive cultural and industrial change are a precious resource for all struggling with the uncertainty of our modern times.

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