The Art of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

An oversized full-color hardcover art book chronicling the development of the celebrated return of the beloved S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.

When the Chornobyl power plant mysteriously exploded again in 2006, deadly anomalies emerged from the troubled landscape to threaten humanity. Now stalkers—mercenaries who enter the irradiated zone to recover valuable artifacts with supernatural abilities—must fight for survival against the horrifying mutated monsters that lurk in the ruins of Chornobyl.

GSC Game World and Dark Horse Books present The Art of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a stunning volume featuring an in-depth look at the first-person shooter survival-horror game. See what dangers await you in the Zone!

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