Tales of the Madman Underground

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOK • This gripping coming-of-age novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the chaotic life of a quirky teen and his misfit friends.

“Darkly comic . . . as troubled, relevant, relatable and hilarious as J.D. Salinger.”—Los Angeles Times

“Rarely will you read something so lovingly vulgar, so fiercely warmhearted, and so exuberantly expansive.”—Booklist, starred review

If this book was a monologue . . . it would be ****ing censored.

Today is Wednesday, September 5, 1973. Welcome to the life of Karl Shoemaker, which includes:

• getting through his senior year of high school
• getting out of Lightsburg, Ohio, hole of the world
• trying to lose his virginity
• five jobs
• a dead father
• a seriously unhinged drunk mother
• a house that is basically a litter box
• his membership in the Madman Underground (a group of kids forced, for no apparent reason, to attend group therapy during school hours)

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