The Reclusive Consort of the Rikan Empire, Volume 1

A must-read for fans of Apothecary Diaries, The Reclusive Consort of the Rikan Empire is a gender-bending isekai fantasy set in a Chinese-style world where our main character climbs the ranks as a court official by solving mysteries and hiding her identity...by dressing as a man!

The reclusive consort took only five years to climb up the ranks and become a court official. Leading a double life, the consort dresses as a man to solve all of the many challenges the empire faces! But her true identity behind both masks is a Japanese woman called Saya who had been transported into this Eastern-themed world, where black is considered the color of nobility. Bored of the luxurious and uneventful life of a consort, she dresses up as a man and sneaks out of the harem to work as a court official! She'll have to hide both her hair color and identity while she navigates the royal court and the dangers that threaten the nation.

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