The Only Story

Whether you’re an only child or just feel different sometimes, this charming, dynamically illustrated book reminds us that we’re all the “only one” of something—and that sharing experiences means we’re never alone.

Pepper is an only child. That means her house is quieter than her friends’, and she spends lots of time with grown-ups. It also means she gets her bedroom all to herself, and she gets asked one question over and over again: Do you know how to share? Being the only child can get lonely. But when Pepper takes a look around, she discovers that she is not alone in feeling lonely. From the only one who feels shy to the only one who can limbo, from the only kid on wheels to the only one who just moved to town, everyone has something that makes them the Only. With a running narrative and spirited illustrations sprinkled with clever thought bubbles throughout, this insightful exploration from Susanna Chapman will not be read only once.

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