The Antarcticans

Beyond Antarctica's penguins and icebergs lies a world few people ever see.

When Matty K. Jordan first visited Antarctica in 2014 as a tourist, he thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Instead, it inspired him to pursue a career he never imagined, sparking an obsession that has brought him back for ten more visits.

Much of his time on the frozen continent was spent at New Zealand’s Antarctic research station, Scott Base, on a glaciated volcanic island 3,500 km (2,175 miles) from the nearest city. There, Matty experienced both 24-hour summer daylight and four months of nonstop night as one of the few people to spend a full winter in Antarctica.

Through breathtaking photography and stories from his 500+ days on the Ice, Matty offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to work in the harshest environment on Earth. From supporting scientific research and encountering extraordinary wildlife to exploring the continent’s history and remote landscapes, The Antarcticans reveals the remarkable people, places, and experiences that define life on the Ice.

More than an adventure, this is a story about following unexpected dreams, discovering resilience through adversity, and finding community in the most unlikely place. Whether you dream of visiting Antarctica or are simply curious about what life is really like on the Ice, The Antarcticans offers a temporary escape from everyday life into one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.

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