WINDOWPANE

Originally published in 2018, Breakdown Press are delighted to return Windowpane, Joe Kessler’s stunning collection of progressive narrative comics, to print. Winner of the Angoulême International Comics Festival Prize for First Comic Book, this is a showcase of the cartoonist’s mastery of form and colour, a one-man-anthology of short-narrative, experimental, sometimes-allegorical comics. This beautiful new edition, printed by offset lithography, is the perfect backdrop for Kessler’s quietly disconcerting, hallucinogenic work. It is a visual delight that showcases the unrestrained talent of one of the UK’s most exciting cartoonists. “Windowpane is likely to be the best-looking book you will hold this year. ” - The New Statesman “This was one of the best comics I read in 2012 by an artist who uses the means of reproduction as a powerful storytelling tool. ” - The Comics Journal

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