The Beginner's Guide to Being a Wizard

Attention, aspiring wizards! Grab your wands, capes, and geckos and dive into this hilarious and clever how-to guide by award-winning author-illustrator Keith Negley.

So you want to become a wizard? Excellent choice.

Magic, like everything in life, takes practice and patience. It's important to know that you will make mistakes. For example, you might accidentally turn your friends into fish, or yourself into a turnip. This is all normal. Remember, magic is more about wondering than knowing. Also explosions.

This handbook covers everything from essential materials--a stick (not too pokey); a cloak (a towel works fine); a hiding place; and snacks--to spell casting, duels, and did we mention snacks?

In turns hilarious and thoughtful, this how-to guide sparkles with just as much wisdom as it does magic.

“Wizard enthusiasts of all ages will be tickled. Pure magic for the wizard-curious." – Kirkus Reviews

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