Terrifying True Tales

Some scary stories are more than just tall tales. This spine-tingling collection of TRUE terrors and haunting legends is perfect for Halloween—and thrills and chills all year long.

This book is not for the faint of heart…but for those brave enough, a bone-chilling, globe-trotting adventure awaits.

Filled with gripping photography and mind-boggling facts that reveal the history and science behind the curiosities of our world, PLUS a foreword written by bestselling author and king of creep R.L. Stine, this book is ideal for storytelling by flashlight around a campfire, throwing into a backpack to share at a sleepover, or—if you dare—reading alone under your covers. (But reader beware: Don’t forget to check under the bed before turning the page…)

In these pages, you’ll:

• Roam the crumbling, skull-filled catacombs of Paris
• Come face to face with an island full of real dragons
• Hear haunting stories from history—from the “vampire epidemic” in New England to an epic (and gruesome) ship mutiny off the coast of Australia
• Puzzle over unsolved mysteries, from UFO sightings to whole cities that have simply … vanished
• Shiver at modern retellings of classic scary stories and urban legends—and learn the truth behind the terror.

Want more spooky stories? Check out National Geographic Kids’ other collections: Don’t Read This Book Before Bed and That’s Creepy!

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