Postmortem

This gripping and heartfelt work of true crime explores the legacy of John Wayne Gacy’s crimes on a family, a community, and the American psyche.

On a December night in 1978, in a pharmacy in Des Plaines, Illinois, teenaged Kim Byers saw her friend Rob Piest alive for the last time when he went out to speak to a contractor named John Wayne Gacy about a possible job. Hours later, Rob became Gacy’s final victim. Kim’s testimony would be pivotal in convicting the serial killer who assaulted and killed over 30 young men and boys.

Though Kim’s daughter, Courtney, grew up far away, she always lived in the shadow of her mother’s history. In search of deeper understanding, Courtney and Kim travel back to Illinois. Postmortem transforms their personal journey into a powerful exploration of the ever-widening ripples generated by Gacy’s crimes. Layered and thought-provoking, this unique personal narrative is a complex story of loss and violence, grief and guilt, and the legacy that remains long after a killer is caught.

With a new epilogue by the author

Includes 16 pages of photos

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)

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• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
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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