The Chinese Horoscopes Guide to Relationships

Are you and your partner always quarreling, for no apparent reason?  Could it be that one of you is a Dragon and the other a Dog?

If you were looking for a creative person to work for you, would it help to know their birth year?  Someone born in the Year of the Monkey would be a strong choice.

Were you born in the Year of the Rooster?  Maybe it's no surprise that your closest friends are a Horse and a Rabbit.

The Chinese Horoscopes Guide to Relationships is a fascinating guide to the secrets of the astrological system that has been practiced in China for years.  By identifying the people in your life--business associates, family members, teachers, friends, lovers, and spouses--through their respective signs, you will gain valuable insight into their personalities and aptitudes, their quirks and proclivities.  More important, you will discover how your own sign and its traits affect how you get along with others born under different signs.  At long last, you will have the astrological explanations as to why you can be so compatible with one person yet so completely at odds with someone else.  

Theodora Lau was born in Shanghai and lived with her husband and two children in Hong Kong before moving to California, where she is presently settled.  She is the author of The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, now in its third edition.

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