Wartime Measures

A fierce meditation on the intimate costs of state violence—grief, inheritance, and "how to caretake what remains."

Drawing on his own family history, Michael Prior’s third collection examines the legacies of the dispossession, displacement, and incarceration of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War. Here, the landscapes of British Columbia are haunted by both the beauty of Japanese sumi-e paintings and the terror of state violence, while history "flicker[s] through / the slanting thicket / like words whispered / to be misheard / in a classroom game/of telephone."

In language at once sonorous and precise, Wartime Measures asks what can be written "that won't make miniatures of grief," and reckons with questions about authenticity, elegy, generational memory, and the self, measuring the moments when "light” aligns “with shadow, was with is.”

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