This Was Supposed to Be About Beauty

From the “undeniable, unforgettable” (Kaveh Akbar) Zeina Hashem Beck, a profound new collection of palindromic sonnets that explore the division and correspondence between selves and alternate realities experienced in exile

In This Was Supposed to Be About Beauty, Zeina Hashem Beck once again reinvents the sonnet—this time not as a Shakespearean love poem or a Petrarchan ode, but as a post-colonial vehicle of the immigrant experience. Her chosen form, the palindromic sonnet, bends language to resist the concept of a singular reality, of one world; because for many immigrants, there exist multiple realities: the world where they now live, and the world they left behind. Beck connects these experiences of trial and upheaval with her own move from Lebanon to California, but also with the reinvention of the body in middle age, with motherhood, and with the transformative power of love. From cinema to sea turtles, from San Francisco to Beirut, this collection calls out a world that doesn’t make space for multiple realities, and yet simultaneously creates a world within itself which makes that existence possible.

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