The Peace Corps Volunteer's Handbook

THE PEACE CORPS MAY BE “THE TOUGHEST JOB YOU’LL EVER LOVE,” BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEARN THAT THE HARD WAY.

The Peace Corps Volunteer’s Handbook is both your guide and your companion. Learn from the experiences of outstanding former Volunteers, while cataloging your own experiences with the Peace Corps from the very beginning of your service to the end.

Designed to be with you each step of the way—from applying to Peace Corps, starting your service, adjusting to your host country, and making your way home again—this handbook combines the best parts of a guidebook with all the creativity of a personal journal.

This is the handbook every Peace Corps Volunteer wishes for, something no one has provided before—a chance to set down on paper all the amazing experiences the Peace Corps has to offer, right next to the memories of the Volunteers who came before. What are you waiting for?

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