The Ties That Harm

A groundbreaking work of investigative reporting on sibling abuse, a pervasive yet overlooked engine of lifelong trauma, that revolutionizes how we understand the origins of harm and the path to healing

Sibling abuse is the most common form of family violence, yet few recognize it, few professionals are trained to address it, and most survivors struggle for decades without the language to voice what they endured. In The Ties That Harm, journalist Lauren Krouse—drawing on extensive reporting and her own lived experience—exposes this vast, overlooked crisis and its lifelong consequences, and offers avenues for healing.

Through survivor stories, expert interviews, and a clear-eyed examination of the cultural myths that enable denial, Krouse reveals how patterns of domination, fear, and emotional harm between siblings shape mental health, relationships, and family systems long into adulthood. Blending memoir, investigation, and a roadmap for healing, The Ties That Harm sheds light on this overlooked aspect of domestic violence and charts a path toward recognition, accountability, and change.

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