The Trouble with Nowadays

A Crusty Curmudgeon and Charter Member of The Society to Put Things Back The Way They Were, bestselling author Cleveland Amory offers the last word on everything that has made a shambles out of modern life.
 
Servants: “I have often wondered where all the good, old-fashioned servants have gone. They must be somewhere, they couldn’t have all died.”
 
The Government: “The only difference between the Republicans and the Democrats is that the Republicans are socialists and the Democrats are communists.”
 
Women: “The day I put ‘Ms.’ on a letter of mine, it’ll be either to someone else’s mistress or the Bureau of Msing Persons.”
 
Children: “Remember, children are, no matter how much we detest them, the you and me of tomorrow.”
 
Foreign Affairs: “Every damn president since I can remember has been so in love with foreign policy that they’re just like a schoolboy with a new girl.”
 
Religion: “Nowadays Sunday is just one more excuse to do whatever you damn please.”

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