The Center Holds

Experience Larry Hama and Mark Bright’s visionary series collected in a single volume for the first time!

In a world where superheroes have become commonplace, heroes are required to join a union or else face serious financial liability for the damage caused during battles.

Enter the Superheroes’ Union: A team-up of genius Scyber, psychic Lakshmi, the mysterious Keeper, and child prodigy Nekkotron, among others, as they battle villains and bureaucracy alike.

If saving lives wasn’t tough enough already, they’ve got their own worries with a constant stream of villains rising up to challenge them, an inhuman, secret underground prison–all while maintaining the delicate balance between heroics and destruction!

Enter a groundbreaking universe from celebrated creators Larry Hama and Mark Bright, exploring the very nature of what it means to be a hero, and presented here for the first time in a softcover edition!

Collects The Center Holds #1-4.

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