Ralph Compton North to the Salt Fork

In this western in Ralph Compton's USA Today bestselling series, a Civil War veteran learns the fight isn't over... 

Captain Jack Starr served the Confederate cause with honor for four years. The Texas town of Lost Dog Creek promised an opportunity for the war veteran to rebuild his life—and a woman to share it with. But not everyone is willing to roll out the welcome wagon for Jack.
 
Hiram Sawyer has designs on every inch of cattle range in the surrounding territory and he isn’t about to let some ex-reb steal the heart of the widow whose ranch he covets. With men on both sides of the law willing to do his bidding, Sawyer begins a campaign to destroy Jack.
 
But he’s just declared war on the wrong man…

More Than Six Million Ralph Compton Books In Print!

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