The Sidekick

What happens when the sidekick from a rom-com screenplay stumbles into the real world? From the author of One-Star Romance and screenwriter of the Netflix film Don’t Say Good Luck comes a magical love story about a supporting player ready to step into the spotlight.

Lou and Cassidy are characters in a romantic comedy screenplay, living in a glossy New York where grand gestures always work and happy endings are guaranteed. Cassidy is the star, destined for true love. Lou is the loyal best friend, written to deliver pep talks and chase taxis in designer heels.

But when their creator dies before finishing the script, Lou falls into the real world—alone. This New York is louder, harsher, and not to be rude, but are all the people 30 percent less attractive? Then she meets Tom, a grieving widower who has no idea why a woman claiming to be from his late wife’s screenplay is standing in his apartment.

It’s clear that Tom needs a sidekick to help him get back out there. If Lou uses all her skills to find him true love, surely she’ll be sent home. (And when she gets back, she’s going to adopt a cat. She deserves it!)

But then she starts getting to know Tom. And, for the first time, she starts getting to know herself, in all her messy, unscripted glory.

Now Lou faces an impossible choice. She can help the man she’s falling for find love with someone else, and return to a tidy happy ending. Or she can stay in the real world, risking a life and love with no guarantees.

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