XOGENASYS, Volume 1

The future has grown into a decadent, overcrowded gang-ridden cesspool. If you’re not living uptown, you might as well be dead. Such is the case of Darius Smith, an artistic youth living in the hood, doing his best to avoid trouble and live life. Unfortunately, Darius has a hidden talent — he’s an explosive fighter! This makes him the target of several gangs and pits him in many brawls, landing him in the sight of the honorable Timothy Mustafa, a powerful prince.

XOGENASYS is a successful gladiator sport fought with powered exoskeletons, and as the owner of one of the most successful teams in the country, Mustafa wants Darius to become his newest fighter. Can Darius become the next champion? Or will he fall like so many before him?

"This is an underdog tale, and one that is effectively told; it feels reminiscent of a sports biopic with narrative. Something about the execution of this story feels raw and relatable. It might be the expressiveness in the art, or the way the dialogue matches how real people speak to each other. Regardless, XOGENASYS Volume 1 is a rousingly successful debut for Noir Caesar–I am fully invested for the ride and eagerly awaiting more." — Marion Pena, The Comics Beat

"Draper-Ivey’s artwork gears toward gritty black-and-white with striking action scenes. It’s a slow burn, but readers will easily root for the underdog protagonist as he battles his way out of poverty. Fans of shonen manga will line up for the next volume [of XOGENASYS]." — Publishers Weekly

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