Scout Camp

In this timely and deeply personal true crime memoir, acclaimed journalist and author James Renner explores the dark side of an American institution and the traumatic—even deadly—repercussions of long-buried secrets.

In the summer of 1995, at the largest Boy Scout camp in Ohio, a night of violence ended with one counselor dead and another hospitalized. The death was ruled “accidental.” It wouldn’t be the last death associated with Seven Ranges Reservation.

James Renner was a counselor at Seven Ranges that year. He knew firsthand that the 900-acre camp was not the safe getaway it was portrayed to be. His experiences there taught him many life lessons. One of them was that keeping secrets was a Scout’s duty. No matter how dark the secrets.

Renner takes readers on a journey back to that tumultuous summer and exposes a clandestine society that left indelible scars on the Scouts and the staff. For Renner, it meant opening up about his twisted upbringing, his issues with trust and sexuality, and a lifetime of self-medicating. The result is a no-holds-barred, vitally important true crime memoir.

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