The Rogue Wave

A stunning debut chronicling a Japanese family’s life on the windswept coast of central California and the tragedy of their forced removal and incarceration during World War II

A young woman walks down a snowy sidewalk in a Midwestern city. It is 1944, the country is at war, and this is not her home. Rather, she returns in memory to her upbringing on a wild and astonishingly beautiful piece of land: Point Lobos, California.

There, it is the 1930s. And while her family’s commitment to their new country is unshakable, their private rituals are Japanese—ways of bathing and cooking, her father’s sumi-e painting, and a profound respect for nature’s gifts and its dangers. Indeed, dangers await—an unimaginable murder, the suggestion of love, and lack of opportunity all ignite her first consciousness of race. And then comes the towering wave that will sweep away everything she knows—the mass removal of Japanese Americans, stripped of their rights and transported to prison camps in the spring of 1942.

Told with tenderness and rage, The Rogue Wave recounts the losses every family feels, but also the senselessness of history not every family is lucky enough to escape. In this unforgettable American journey, Melia di Kodani paints a powerful portrait of an era whose injustices mirror those of our own.

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