PROTOPIAS COLLECTION

THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION was created in partnership with Kathryn Murdoch and Ari Wallach’s Futurific Studios (PBS’s A Brief History of the Future). Together, AWA and Futurific are championing a storytelling model that merges speculative fiction with grounded optimism, highlighting futures that are not perfect but possible. Coined by futurist Kevin Kelly, “protopia” represents a world that’s incrementally better, not impossibly idealized. The collaboration between AWA and Futurific Studios continues to expand this vision across storytelling mediums. THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION collected edition includes all 6 original one-shots and new material. The collected stories and the creative teams behind each include: Polis (Mark Russell & Laci), The Purpose Project (Danny Hogan & Felipe Cunha), Entanglement (Ciara Ni Chuirc, Joshua Lak Kim & Max Von Fafner), Gaya (Kathryn Murdoch, Michael Coast & Keron Grant), AGGIE (Mark Russell & ACO), and Black Moon Ritual (Ytasha Womack & Alitha Martinez).

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