The Awakening and Other Stories

RICHARD CORBEN’S LEGENDARY UNDERGROUND WORK COLLECTED AND RESTORED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE AWAKENING AND OTHER STORIES!

Dark Horse Comics continues its archival program with The Awakening and Other Stories, a new volume in the Richard Corben Library devoted to the artist’s most haunting and imaginative science fiction work.

Few creators shaped the visual language of dystopian comics like Richard Corben. With his unmistakable painted technique, three-dimensional figures, and luminous color, Corben built futures that feel tactile, strange, and uncomfortably plausible. This collection focuses on his darker visions, stories depicting ecological disaster, technological overreach, and human folly.

Drawn from Corben’s groundbreaking underground comics (from the legendary anthology Slow Death) and later independent comics, the volume showcases his gift for blending sharp social satire with pulp adventure and existential unease. These are not sleek utopias or remote galaxies but flawed futures populated by ordinary people, grotesque mutants, malfunctioning machines, and moments of surprising tenderness. Corben’s science fiction has always been less about technology and more about the consequences of humanity's actions.

Featuring an introduction from science fiction author Jeff Vandermeer (Annihilation, Authority), the book also highlights Corben’s rich creative partnerships with his friends and frequent collaborators, including writers Jan Strnad (The Last Voyage of Sindbad, Mutant World) and Bruce Jones (Rip in Time). In addition, readers will find Corben’s distinctive visual interpretations of classic prose science fiction by authors such as Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles).


Collects Going Home, Encounter at War, The Wreck of the Katerra-Dan, Donneman's Bluff, Planetoid, A Sound of Thunder, Flys, How Howie Made It in the Real World, A Dumb Story, Heirs of the Earth, The Awakening, Mangle, Robot Mangler, Melton's Big Game, Bug, Night of the Monkey, Garbage Man.

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