Starlet

A sweeping debut novel following a glamorous and entrancing Hollywood starlet who makes history while carrying a secret that, if exposed, could cost her everything.

Slim, dark-haired, nineteen. The year is 1929 and Estelle Thompson’s pours over magazines inspecting the local beauties of Bombay who look nothing like her. Her days feel enchanted when she meets a young English officer who shares her love of the movies. When Estelle reveals her most guarded secret, the engagement falls through. And so, she decides to throw practicality aside and pursue a career on the screen.

Estelle reinvents herself as the elusive, vampy Merle Oberon. She spends her days falling in love again and again for the camera, then spends her nights waltzing along the red carpet in gorgeous gowns. Long days under studio lights cement Merle’s place as a household name. But Merle’s celebrity is conditional. Only her mother, disguised as her maid, knows the truth behind Merle’s picture-perfect smile.

The day comes when Merle is nominated for an Oscar, making history unbeknownst to anyone around her. But away from the headrush of fame, Estelle finds herself anchorless in the world of glitz and glamour, continuing her necessary façade long after the director yells cut.

Searing, delightfully atmospheric and wholly mesmerizing, Starlet is impossible to forget.

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