The Adventures of Natsuko

A comic romance set in the snowy north, from one of Japan’s most revered novelists. Available in English for the first time.

Unimpressed by her marriage prospects, 20-year-old Natsuko Matsuura decides to pack it in and enter a convent. But en route to an abbey in the far north of Japan, she meets a young man on a mission, Tsuyoshi Ida, who makes her think again. Travelling together across the wilderness of Hokkaido’s forests in search of the man-eating bear Tsuyoshi has sworn to kill, they find themselves increasingly drawn to one another. With Natsuko’s mother, grandmother and aunt in pursuit, and revenge to be had, the stage is set for an improbable story about the hopes and disappointments of young love, the demands of family, and one very scary bear.

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