The Ballad of X-ray and Koko

The story of a girl named X-Ray, her pet chicken, a life-changing queer crush, and her journey to finding the place she belongs from the Lamba Award-winning graphic novelist behind Calling Dr. Laura.

Xenia, nicknamed X-Ray, loves just one thing in this world. Her pet chicken (and best friend) Manicotti. So when her mother’s new boyfriend threatens to get rid of Manicotti, there’s just one thing for X-Ray to do. Fake her own death and live life on the run with Manicotti. But when the two get separated in the wilds of Oregon, X-Ray thinks all is lost. Until she meets Koko, that is. Together they’ll go on an adventure that will see them crashing funerals, playing talent shows, fighting bullies, and, above all, saving Manicotti.

Inspired by so many children’s classics—think Matilda and David Copperfield, A Little Princess and A Series of Unfortunate Events—that feature either feature mean adults or a world where children have to survive on their own, The Ballad of X-Ray and Koko movingly explores similar themes of agency, disappointment, and resilience. Nicole J. Georges’s at once wry and heartfelt voice and her spirited illustrations bring to life an unforgettable cast of characters in X-Ray, Manicotti, and Koko.

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