Sensual World

A surreal, Midwestern campus gothic about two young women at an avant-garde acting school whose obsessive pursuit of their craft tests the limits of their bodies and their trust in each other

At seventeen, Bet Cowl desperately wants out of Junction X, a remote Kansas hamlet where her puberty is ushered in by bizarre household rites. But when she discovers the manuscript of a never-performed, supposedly cursed play by avant-garde playwright Una Flood, an escape path opens. She auditions for Flood’s infamous acting conservatory, the Con—and gets in.

At the Con, Bet must endure the faculty’s grueling tests of both her body and her mind while uncovering her mysterious connection to the legendary founder. She befriends the foul-mouthed, sexually expert Helen, a former child star who becomes the object of Bet’s suppressed desires. Together, they strive to become artists, until jealousy, betrayal, and Una Flood’s supernatural machinations tear the two apart in an act of spectacular violence. Only after years of estrangement can they finally reunite to rewrite their lives—if Flood’s unrelenting demands don’t threaten everything they’ve worked for.

A queer coming-of-age story featuring dog-crate kinks, demented plastic surgeons, abandoned human organs, and murder by mortar and pestle, Sensual World asks: Just how much of yourself will you sacrifice in the name of art?

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