Soldier

A profoundly moving coming-of-age memoir that reveals the indomitable spirit in the face of prejudice and abuse that gave rise to one of the most widely acclaimed Black American writers of her generation

A Penguin Classic

June Jordan’s father wanted a son—and since he got a daughter instead, he made her into a soldier. The gifted child of Jamaican immigrants, Jordan learned early on to harden herself not only to the humiliations of racism, sexism, and poverty in 1940s New York, but also to her mother’s own internal struggles and her father’s bouts of violence. “There was a war on against colored people, against poor people,” Jordan writes of the battleground of her youth. Yet despite the tumultuous episodes that marked her childhood, she preserves a deep capacity for love, wonder, and beauty. As she poignantly explores the nature of memory, imagination, and familial responsibility as well as social responsibility, Jordan re-creates the vivid world in which her identity as a social and artistic revolutionary was forged.

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