Sticks

Award-winning author of Hope Was Here delivers another heartwarming tale where a young pool prodigy overcomes challenges with the help of family, friends, and a pet pig.

“Micky’s authentic voice draws readers right into the story.”—Kirkus Reviews

Mickey has a dream—pool. After all, pool is in Mickey Vernon’s blood. His family owns the neighborhood pool hall, and his dad was a champion nine-ball player. That’s why Mickey knows that he will win the Junior Nine-Ball Championship. All he has to do is beat Buck Pender. The problem is, Mickey’s three years younger than Buck, who could eat him for a light snack.

Mickey knows he can’t do it alone. With ace player Joe Alvarez as his coach, and his best friend Arlen and his pet pig Mangler standing by him, can Mickey beat the odds?

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