Skateboard Culture

A celebration of skateboard culture from the 1970s to today, featuring interviews with legendary skaters including Tony Hawk and Mark Gonzales, a foreword by director Spike Jonze, and over 400 rare photographs and images

Since the 1970s, skateboarding has emerged from the fringes of the Californian underground to become a global phenomenon and a culture of its own. Throughout each passing decade, skateboarding’s creativity, both on and off the board, has influenced mainstream fashion, photography, music, art, and film.

In this beautifully designed celebration of skateboarding, Morgan Bouvant and Sébastien Carayol retrace the rich history of skateboard culture through seventeen exclusive interviews with legendary skaters; numerous engaging essays recounting key events, crucial local scenes, and meaningful anecdotes in skate history; nostalgic explorations of brands, movies, and fashion; and over 400 photos by iconic skateboard photographers, carefully curated advertisements by legendary brands, and detailed diagrams showcasing skateboard anatomy and the different types of tricks.

Perfect for skaters old and new, Skateboard Culture is a stunning ode to more than five decades of free-spirited rebellion.

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