Retirement: Different by Design

Transforming Retirement One Building Block at a Time

Retirement is more than the absence of work—it’s a different way of life requiring new vision, new purpose, and new life perspectives. You see, retirement is too important to leave to luck or circumstance; we have to plan and make them happen—our way.

Your bridge to the “other side of work,” Retirement: Different By Design presents two dynamic and innovative templates for moving seamlessly into retirement and beyond—“Retirement’s Ages and Stages” and “Retirement’s Six Fundamental Building Blocks.” Providing practical strategies and answers, not more questions, each chapter delivers insights, tools, narratives, and models for making retirement the best years of the rest of our lives. And, it’s not always about the money.

Indeed, we all can live socially rich, emotionally balanced, intellectually nourishing, healthful, and physically active retirements no matter the size of our bank accounts—this is the new retirement reality that Retirement: Different By Design offers the soon-to-be and the already retired.

RETIREMENT’S SIX FUNDAMENTAL BUILDING BLOCKS
• Physical and Emotional Health and Well-Being
• Financial Security and Continuity
• Life Transition and Acceptance
• Intergenerational Life Engagement
• Intellectual and Physical Pursuits, Interests, and Activities
• Spirituality, Meaning, Family, and Legacy

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