Persona Non Grata

Now in paperback, a passionate and edgy defense of free speech in Canada, and the role the internet plays in the issue--from an acclaimed writer and former advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

     On February 28th, 2013, Tom Flanagan, well-known author, University of Calgary professor, and former advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, made comments about the punishment for viewing child pornography that were tweeted from the event he was speaking at and broadcast worldwide. Following the event, in the two-and-a-half hours it took to drive from Lethbridge to his home in Calgary, Flanagan's career and reputation came under siege. Every media outlet made the story front-page news, most of them deriding Flanagan and casting him as a pariah. His university, the Prime Minister's Office, other influential politicians, and much of the media, including the CBC, made him persona non grata before he even had a chance to explain the comments he made. 
     Persona Non Grata is a superb and convincing defense of free speech--not just in Canada but everywhere--in the age of the Internet, a double-edged sword when it comes to freedom of expression.

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