When You See Us: The Mysterious World of Aquatic Insects

Think that mosquito you just swatted is nothing more than a pest? This poetic text and gorgeous artwork offer a closer look at the life cycles of aquatic insects. Prepare to be amazed!

When you see us,
think of what we were
and what we became.

Hiding underneath leaf fronds or nestled along the muddy floor of a pond are the eggs of numerous aquatic insects. They’re not always easily observable, or even identifiable, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Their transformation is rapid, extreme, often hidden from the human eye—and truly incredible. Once you take a close-up look at these dramatic life cycles, from minuscule larvae to wondrous insects, you’ll find it impossible to look at a dragonfly, a mayfly, a diving beetle, or even a mosquito the same way again. Katherine Hocker’s lyrical narration and Svabhu Kohli’s lush, inviting illustrations bring a renewed appreciation for aquatic insects that are often considered a nuisance, while detailing just how integral they are to our ecosystems and habitats. Back matter offers additional details on the insects, including what they eat, where they live, and how they move.

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