Oranges

A heartfelt graphic memoir that peels back layers of personal history, trauma, and resilience through generations of Palestinian diaspora

In this poignant narrative, acclaimed graphic designer Ahmad Qatato explores three generations of family history: his grandparents who were uprooted from their Palestinian homeland and forced to live as refugees; his parents who grew up influenced by Western media and sought to transcend a refugee mentality; and Ahmad and his friends, the third generation scattered across different countries, striving to reconnect with their heritage and foster their own identities amidst the heightened conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.

Growing up, Ahmad would hear stories of his grandfather's cherished orange trees in Palestine, evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss for a mythical place of a past that can never be revisited. As Ahmad got older, these childhood tales became colored with new meaning and the fruit came to represent both his family's protected unity and the segmented lives they have been forced to live. Stunningly illustrated, Oranges is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and the enduring bonds of family.

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