The Boxer and the Spy

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Spenser novels comes a gripping young adult thriller in the heart-pounding world of boxing.

“Undeniable appeal to teen readers.”—School Library Journal

His name was Jason Green . . . and he was dead.

When a shy high school student’s body is found washed up on the shore of a quiet New England beach town—an alleged suicide linked to steroids—fifteen-year-old boxer-in-training Terry Novak isn’t sure what to think. Something just doesn’t add up. Artsy and withdrawn, Jason wasn’t exactly the type to be doing ’roids. So Terry, with the help of his friend Abby, decides to do some investigating on his own. It doesn’t take long, though, before they learn that asking questions puts them in grave danger and that survival is going to be a fight. . . .

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