Strokes of Genius 7

There is something almost magical about looking at a two-dimensional surface and experiencing a visceral sense of depth and dimension. In this 7th edition of the celebrated Strokes of Genius series, 120 of today's best artists share successful approaches to creating that wondrous illusion of space--from a tight, shallow place that reflects the emotional state of the model, to wide open vistas that seem to go on forever.

Inside you'll find:

   • 135 inspirational drawings in charcoal, pencil, pastel, colored pencil, pen and ink, scratchboard and more
   • An exciting diversity of styles and techniques, presented in subject-themed chapters: portraits, landscapes, animals, still lifes and figures
   • Practical artist-to-artist advice, insights and anecdotes you won't find anywhere else
Books on art theory put forth concepts like contrast, edges and perspective. Strokes of Genius brings those theories to life, showing how today's artists put them to work. Each drawing is a unique, real-world lesson on how to manipulate value, light, shadows, details and more to evoke a feeling of depth and invite the viewer in.

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