The Jellyfish King

The author of Panther and The City of Belgium returns with another unconventional coming of age story.

A child is born and slowly opens his eyes to a cruel world. His mother is dead and his father has retreated into himself. Seeking the approval of his father, the child begins to draw: to create, to document what he sees. This awakens his father from his grief and he begins to educate his child in the ways of the world. Our hero is educated in the arts and sciences and survival skills and is taught to beware of the outside sinister forces at play behind everything. Every pattern is a code, every acquaintance a betrayer waiting to be exposed.

Brecht Evens returns with a lucid detailed shining bildungsroman that looks deep into the heart of generational trauma, miseducation, and conspiracy-minded thinking. Page after page of complicated brilliant tableaus mixing symbols modern and ancient unfold revealing an ever complex and sinister world. Evens is a master at mixing humour and horror in what will surely be the year’s most gorgeous and transfixing graphic novel.

Translated by François Vigneault and Brecht Evens

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