The McSweeney's Joke Book of Book Jokes

A hilarious collection of the best book-related humor from the humor-laden archives of McSweeney's Internet Tendency. 

As John Hodgman says in this book's introduction, “We all know that books are funny. First, they are made of paste and cloth, which is funny, as is the fact that people still buy and read them.” Open McSweeney's Joke Book of Book Jokes and be regaled by such sketches, lists, letters, and spoofs as:

Postcards from James Joyce to his Brother Stan
Winnie-the-Pooh is My Coworker
Ikea Product or Lord of the Rings Character?
Popular Children's Fairy Tales Reimagined Using Members of My Family
The Very Unauthorized Biography of Steven Seagal
Chuck Norris Erotica
John Updike, Television Writer
Jane Eyre Runs for President
Cormac McCarthy Writes to the Editor of the Santa Fe New Mexican
Holden Caulfield Gives the Commencement Speech to a High School
Letters from Odysseus's College Roommate

And many dozens more.

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