Tongue

A curious and vulnerable exploration of the cultural, medical, and religious history of the human tongue alongside a personal reckoning with speech and silence

“As I enquire into the hidden, the taboo, the absences, there is a kind of power in making this record, in choosing what gets stored and excluded.”

Deep in the archives at the University of Cambridge, Kathryn Crowcroft is intent on discovering the untold story of the human tongue, fascinated by its integral role in defining us as a species. She explores portrayals of the organ as sacred and sinful, traces the long history of tongue removal as punishment, and reads about the tongue’s unique pattern as a potential biometric tool.

But as she delves deeper into scientific and literary documents from centuries past, they begin to conjure memories of her own, transporting her into the silence between herself and her mother, and the never-discussed events that shaped her past. Between library stacks and text messages, she begins writing a secret second manuscript, a work of personal and intellectual reckoning—a sensitive articulation of the truths we learn to lie for, as well as those we dare to speak.

The result is a hybrid of fascinating cultural history and fierce memoir that speaks to urgent conversations about gendered violence, intergenerational silence, and the politics of testimony.

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