Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing

A poignant tale about a game gone awry shows that in the face of greed and reckless destruction, one thoughtful person can make a big difference.

Snowboy is busy saving the Polar Bear King when Greenbackboy approaches him with an idea for a game called KA-CHING — a game that will make them rich. It’s easy: all they need to do is cut down all of the trees in the forest and catch all of the fish in the ocean and trade it in for piles and piles of shiny KA-CHING. But if all the trees are gone, they won’t be able to breathe. And what is a sea without fish? Their world would be inhospitable. Since Greenbackboy can’t see the forest for the trees, it’s up to Snowboy to trust his instinct to protect and nurture, rather than destroy. In a tale that glimmers with quiet power and hope, Hiawyn Oram transforms a universal cautionary tale into an accessible and imaginative fantasy, made all the more vivid by Birgitta Sif’s beautiful and atmospheric artwork.

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