Serious Fun!

Mid-century modern is fun for the whole family in this picture book about the importance of play for the designers of the iconic Eames chair.

Twentieth-century design duo Charles and Ray Eames had serious fun experimenting and solving problems. In all that they did, they let fun lead the way; the only rules were no rules, no limits and no getting bored.

Though best known today for their timelessly iconic leather lounge chairs, the Eameses were always trying something new. They made furniture in every shape they could think of, bending and layering plywood on a homemade contraption. They made short films, designed textiles and arranged museum exhibits, dabbled in architecture and photography. They even tried their hand at toy design, wanting to give kids tools to foster free thinking and exploration—the same principles that fueled their own work.

Christy Hale's retro illustrations and enthusiastic text bring mid-century modern delightfully alive. Serious Fun! is a must-read for any bright young thinker already suspecting that all-work, no-play grown-ups have got it all wrong.

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