The Joie Journal

Find your joie or joy with this guided journal that brings a Parisian perspective to your everyday life and allows you to tap into the things that bring you gratitude and happiness, from the author of Joie.

While the French may have a reputation for grumpiness, they let nothing get in the way of their joie. They also know joy is not a feeling but something you cultivate. In fact, Parisian author Ajiri Aki reminds us that joy can be found anywhere—you only need to seek it out. Much like a gratitude or mindfulness practice, pursuing joy can put you in a calmer, happier state of mind, by helping you focus on the little things that make you happy in the moment.

Choose one of the twenty-five challenges, make a plan to follow through, and then use the prompts to reflect on the joy that activity brought you. Whether it’s buying yourself flowers, hosting a small gathering, or taking a trip down memory lane, this journal offers small, actionable ways to bring more joy into your life. Once filled, it becomes a reminder of your own joie de vivre that you can look back on whenever you need a boost.

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