The Ninth Buddha

A riveting thriller of courage, faith, and the unbreakable bond between father and son

As Christopher watched, the mist parted, revealing bit by bit a vast monastery. The great edifice seemed suspended between earth and sky, floating impossibly on a cushion of mist, its topmost pinnacles lost among the clouds.

When his ten-year-old son is taken at knifepoint, former British intelligence agent Christopher Wylam launches a frantic search to save him. Driven by love and desperation, he chases the kidnappers into the treacherous landscapes of India and the snow-covered expanses of Tibet, where his son may be hidden within a secretive Buddhist monastery, believed by some to be a prophesied reincarnation. Alongside the enigmatic and captivating Chindamani, who is neither entirely divine nor wholly human, Wylam must navigate a world where ancient prophecies and modern conspiracies collide—and the stakes are higher than he ever imagined.

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