Fantagraphics
MAGNIFICENT AFRICAN ADVENTURE
MAGNIFICENT AFRICAN ADVENTURE
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ABOUT
Is life a stage, and do we just follow a script? Can we rewrite our roles, or must we play along according to the instructions of others? The two stories in this volume, An Author in Search of Six Characters and Days of Wrath, take place in Africa, which author/artist Milo Manara views as the bearer of insight and hope for the rest of the world. Turning Pirandello’s “Six Characters in Search of an Author” on its head, Manara sets our favorite inept, globe-trotting hero-naif, Giuseppe Bergman (Manara’s comics alter ego), off on another quest for adventure. An off-panel director hands out scripts and then disappears. (Are we watching a play or are we in it?) Dedicated to playing his role, Giuseppe is confused when others assert themselves and send the entire scenario spinning out of control. His sexy co-star, Lulu, cast as a bimbo, rewrites herself as the hero, leading us to ponder deeper matters, such as whether we possess true free will or we just think we do. (But watch out! Just when you think the answer is in sight, Manara flips the script once again.) Giuseppe Bergman’s second African adventure begins with Chloe, a winsome nymphet who asks many questions — about the facts of life (and the fictions, too). Is she really that innocent? Or is she just drawn that way? Manara allows his characters to break the “fourth wall” as Chloe beckons us into an erotic, exotic Fellini-esque romp revolving around young Giuseppe’s determination to return a kidnapped child to her tribe. His real motive? To break free and become the hero of his own story, rather than remain the hapless plaything of an omniscient narrator. Part tongue in cheek, part philosophical exploration, Manara lets Chloe wink in and out like a mischievous Tinker Bell, pushing events forward only to then pull them back — as Giuseppe Bergman struggles to make sense of it all and become the hero he needs to be. Artist/writer/creator Milo Manara skewers adventure comics and narrative convention itself in this absurdist, sophisticated satire. The Magnificent African Adventure, two complete stories in one volume.
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STANDARD, PRIMARY, DM AND VARIANT COVERS
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.
PRODUCT TYPES
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