SECRET STEAM SOCIETY SPACE TRAVEL

“Come along with Pizi, Toot, Heidi, and George, and let your own astronaut training begin! You’ll meet the heroes of spaceflight, from alchemists in first century China to today’s NASA scientists. You’ll learn about the hazards of space junk and how microgravity affects the body. Nobody knows what the future will bring or everything you’ll need to know to be prepared. But your time to join this spaceflight story is now.” --Dr. Marc Kuchner NASA astrophysicist Author of the Cosmic Collisions books The Story of Spaceflight is a journey through humanity’s quest to understand our place in the universe...and our struggles to reach the stars. Guided by the curious students of the London Academy of ideas and Ingenuity, readers travel through time and space to witness the evolution of spaceflight—from the invention of gunpowder in ancient China and early rocketry to Newton’s laws of physics, the Wright brothers’ first flight, the jet age, and the space race. They explore moon landings, space stations, and the bold dreams for humanity’s future among the stars. Blending science, history, and imagination, this engaging tale brings to life the milestones that shaped our path into space.

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