The National Geographic Story

Featuring showstopping photographs, behind-the-scenes tales, and rarely seen artifacts, this newly revised and updated retrospective captures the history of National Geographic from its earliest days as a scientific club to a global storytelling institution.

Exploration. Science. Discovery. The National Geographic Society has shared all of this and more for the last century and a half—and yet the celebrated yellow border of its magazines, television channel, books and social media still means what it did in 1888: a celebration of the “world and all that is in it.”  

The National Geographic Story is the epic tale of a fledgling academic club that became the world's preeminent scientific and educational institution. In these pages, more than 500 vivid photographs portray the people who pushed the frontiers of adventure to create the organization of today. 

From a mountain lion framed against the iconic Hollywood sign to an innovative exploration of slave shipwrecks around the world, the story of National Geographic continues to unfold with achievements on the cutting edge of space exploration, wildlife studies, mountaineering, photography, and archaeology. This lavish book celebrates that enduring spirit, and reveals just how much we've learned about our wild and wonderful world.

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