The Forgotten

Honors the people of color who fought for freedom at the first battle of the American Revolution.

A picture book in verse for ages 7-10 by award-winning author and illustrator Ray Anthony Shepard and R. Gregory Christie.

We, the patriots of Color, / will tell you what we did / on day one / of the American Revolution / to quench our thirst for Liberty.

On April 19, 1775, the first battle of the American Revolution began in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. Enslaved men, women, and children were among the first to answer the call, fighting for freedom far beyond that of British rule: the end of their bondage.

Ray Anthony Shepard and R. Gregory Christie imagine the voices of the people of color, both soldiers and civilians, who fought courageously on that day—in a war for liberty that delivered it unequally. Told in verse and illustrated with Christie's iconic art, these six gripping stories spotlight a vital contradiction and overlooked chapter of the American Revolution—one that demands to be remembered.

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