Top Secret

Covering tools, techniques, gadgets, gizmos, history, and famous agents, alongside types of spying and the roles involved, Top Secret explores the devices and strategies used by spies from dead drops with hidden documents inside, to the most sophisticated machines straight out of sci-fi movies. Follow the footsteps of famous spies through the ages to reveal their inventive and amusing gadgets, including night vision goggles and bugging devices hidden in plants and cocktail olives…then discuss the best disguises, secret identities, and aids on offer to crafty secret agents.

Lively and varied designs take readers through all of the areas of spying from national and international agencies such as the FBI and MI5, to business spies, internet spying, and personal spying devices used for data gathering. Sections on history as well as gadgets and technology, interspersed with fun tips for would-be secret agents to practice on their friends, make it no secret why this book is a winner.

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