The Biker Girls

Pakistani artist and activist Shehzil Malik’s empowering picture book celebrates girls carving out the right to ride bikes, in a society where it’s traditionally been only allowed for boys.

Zoey has never ridden a bike, as most people in her part of the world feel it’s strictly for boys. So when Sophie and Maya invite her to ride with them in the park, and offer to teach her how, she’s beyond excited. And once she gets the hang of it, she falls in love with the feeling of flying on her bike. But when the girls decide to leave the security of the park and venture into the city, it does not go smoothly—the people are not used to seeing girls riding bikes! Could Zoey’s dad be right that it’s not safe for girls to ride? Or is there something the friends can do to challenge the status quo about girls on bikes?

Inspired by the author’s experiences, this empowering story shows that while the rights some of us might take for granted aren’t enjoyed by everyone, change is possible!

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