The Word Pirates

A ravenous band of pirates who eat words for breakfast gobble up the world's greatest stories. But never fear--the Word Wizard and the children she reads to are on the case!

Pirate Captain Rottingbones and his crew need breakfast. But these pirates can't have just any ordinary breakfast...no, they need nice, fresh WORDS. And where better to get them than stealing them straight off the pages of all kinds of books?

But when Captain Rottingbones and his cronies go after the Word Wizard and her extra delicious words that they steal from her extra juicy stories, they've finally gone too far...because not only does the Word Wizard believe words are precious things that belong in stories, but she also has a weapon stronger than any sword--a mighty pen.

Susan Cooper, author of the acclaimed Dark Is Rising fantasy series, teams up with renowned illustrator Steven Kellogg to create a swashbuckling adventure that celebrates the power of reading.

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year

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