The King of Quizzical Island

Gently absurd and delightfully entertaining, this rhyming tale of a curious king on a singular search evokes the playful tradition of Edward Lear.

The king of Quizzical Island
Had a most inquisitive mind.
He said, "if I sail to the edge of the world,
I wonder what I'll find?"

When his wily old Wizard and Whispering Witches can’t answer the king’s question, he makes up his quizzical mind to find out for himself. And so, in a ship made of wood from the Tea-Bag Tree — and despite the fears of his faithful that he’ll fall off the edge — the king sets off on a wondrous adventure across a topsy-turvy world. Fresh, funny, and imaginative black-and-white drawings by David McKee illustrate Gordon Snell’s rhythmic text in a tale that begs to be read aloud.

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