The Difference in Comic Book Collected Editions Formats!

Today I take some of my viewers' suggestions and talk about the different formats of Comic Book Collected Editions (UPDATED). I go over the difference of Omnibus, Absolute, Hardcovers, Deluxe Editions, Trades, Library Editions and some obscure big books. Everything from Marvel to DC to some popular formats from independent publishers. I also talk about the discontinued formats. I hope the video is helpful to those new to collecting collected editions and used as a refresher course to those of us that have been collecting the editions for a long time.
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[@Chandasouk]

This is more valuable than a college degree

[@AABB-bm9kk]

This is why I call him the Uncanny Professor Omar ✌️😀

[@colbywhite4975]

CAP

[@kamikaze5528]

I was waiting for this. Thanks, Omar! "Omnibus" just means "collection of previously released material". It has nothing to do with trim size or cover hardness. You could have a TV show release a omnibus Blu-ray for example. That said, it would be nice if the publishers got together and decided on a proper nomenclature for all the different formats.

[@SteezyL]

We do in the uk, we have a soap opera called Coronation street, that has an omnibus show, that airs all that that’s episodes back to back at the weekend

[@ComicCrossing]

yes but the fact that the 2 biggest american comic publishers have a standard format called "omnibus" is what muddies the waters for people.

[@turtleanton6539]

​@@ComicCrossingyes indeed😮

[@hughmcgown]

it seems like it will just become a standard through audience expectations, it should just scale up like this: 1. Floppy/TPB/HC/Compendium 2. OHC/Deluxe 3. Omnibus/those Giant ones like Sin City(are they this size?) 4. Absolute/Definitive 5. Library Edition/Artists Edition/is there another name they use? That should be it really, I think maybe they shouldnt use any of those names if theyre not following their expected sizes, or maybe at least height wise, width is not an issue really.

[@MarcoDeMicheli.]

4:17 I hope you're not just talking about Fall of the Mutants but also Avengers by Hickman, I really need both!

[@dawgs7496]

The DC Black Label collected editions like Batman: Damned, Harleen and Wonder Woman: Dead Earth are also uniquely shaped examples with their extra width.

[@Tyler-Clark]

Those are called Prestige Editions and yeah that format is awesome.

[@dawgs7496]

@@Tyler-Clark That confused me because when I think of DC Prestige Editions, I think of a couple books from when I was a kid called "Catwoman: Defiant" and "Penguin: Triumphant" that were standard sized but had more pages and used card stock covers and higher quality paper. I had to look it up to determine the difference and apparently DC is calling the newer Black Label format "Prestige Plus" to account for both the higher quality plus the wider size.

[@TheRealJameson505]

You rock Omar! That Patreon Video today was hilarious. 😂

[@DaiKatana14]

Nice one, thank you very much Omar! But one thing (or several) I'd really like to see is a discussion about paper (thickness), build and binding quality (what is the best type of binding) in a direct comparison from different publishers... Who offers the best overall editions in that regard, was there dip in production quality of the reprints when compared to older versions (DC/Marvel/Imag) and also the printing quality of some new editions (from all publishers) in general? You guys have such large collections of comics and are in a position (since you get stuff from big publishers) to give us your unique insight in these topics but we don't see it basically at all or very rarely. It's not just about the size and price of the editions that matters, but the overall best package we can get as new buyers and/or collectors especially in long-term because we want to keep these hc deluxe/omis/absolutes for a long time...

[@brucej2150]

Damn Omar when you were our guest host Last Monday on The Amazing Collected Edition show on Big Herm collectibles channel we should have just had you share this video. This is a awesome video to explain collected editions. Now I just need to “borrow” this to play on our monthly show …

[@_The_Worst_]

Sweet...🤘🏼🤪 I'm always glad to become more educated...💯✔️

[@thatKONNORguy]

I REALLY miss the DC archives, they were beautiful books with those embossed logos on the hardcovers. Man I wish they'd bring them back.

[@Datoxxl]

Always refreshing to watch. This kind of videos never get old!

[@kevinvo5487]

I love the epic and complete collection line by Marvel. Probably the best format to read

[@themangoman9315]

Yeah it's the best way to read a run without paying 100 bucks for an omnibus

[@hawkeye1970s]

I prefer omnis, especially with the bigger format on the spine (I love the image of Cap on the 1st Brubaket volume). But it depends, as well. I've got 100 Bullets in OHCs and wouldn't replace them with the 100 Bullets omni. The OHCs are easier to read.

[@2bored2care23]

Im simple, I see Hickman's Avengers and ask "IS THERE A REPRINT COMING???" XD

[@omninomnom9970]

I'm still waiting on word of a Vol. 5 the Complete Collection TPB to round up that epic story!

[@joppehi]

@@omninomnom9970 isnt there an avengers time runs out complete collection?

[@joppehi]

I’m craving for that reprint

[@omninomnom9970]

@@joppehi Nope. That's the thing I'm looked out for. I've got the complete collections vols. 1 to 4 in TPB. I'm hoping there'll be a vol. 5 complete collection with the entire Time Runs Out story. I don't fancy shelling out for 4 five issue volumes to complete my collection

[@joppehi]

@@omninomnom9970 yeah, I feel you, but there also is a time runs out complete collection running where vol 4 left off all the way to secret wars. The inside is even like the other 4 CCs, I guess only the spines don’t match😂

[@georgegolston5417]

Great Info! Much appreciated. I’m using this to explain to my wife how much space my collection is going to take.

[@Rodimusprimerib]

Thank you for this very informative video Omar! Gotta call image a let them know to get in line with this “omnibus” “compendium” size craziness

[@stephentheshywarrior2759]

Super useful video for newer readers.👍

[@peterx1957]

OMG Omar my brain hurts! LOL.Thanks for this video. To throw in another spanner, the most recent collected editions of Dynamite's "The Boys" 6 volume TPB series are called an 'Omnibus' edition, but they're the size of a Marvel Complete Collection. Those taller books such as the Marvel Treasury Editions are even too tall for the add-on top section of an Ikea Billy. Absolutes just fit in there too. It's crazy how some companies have their own terminology for collected editions. Wouldn't it be simpler just to have a universal terminology among the comic book publishers, so that Omnibus, HC, TPB, OHC, Absolute/Library, Compendium all mean the same thing between publishers? I guess the competitive side means they want to one-up the competition to make their books stand out. Your video goes over and above the call of duty as usual Omar. Thanks again mate. Love your work. Stay safe. Cheers 👍😊

[@sannyv3st]

Awesome video Omar! 😊

[@cammoore___]

And then you have the British Marvel Panini-published Omnibus, which is just a pretty large Trade Paperback.

[@Karmix03]

As for the word "omnibus", in the publishing world (not only comic books), the term can be used for basically any kind of collected, previously published material. I found this definition: An omnibus edition or omnibus is a creative work containing one or more works by the same or, more rarely, different authors. Commonly two or more components have been previously published as books but a collection of shorter works, or shorter works collected with one previous book, may be an omnibus.

[@NearMintCondition]

Or a bus in Latin American countries :)

[@Karmix03]

@@NearMintCondition that too! hehe

[@critiquegeek7987]

The only collected editions I buy are in the Absotrade Deluxbrary Compendibus format

[@manoitin2208]

I like that too

[@SAM-ru4vx]

Giant size premium hardcover

[@ALEXXDOO2]

I like big books I cannot lie. Great video

[@fil27010]

I'm really waiting for that "Breaking News: Fall of the Mutants Omnibus" that will literally break the world of KZbin!

[@joppehi]

Watch at 04:20 ;)

[@fil27010]

I'll believe it when I see the video ;)

[@dogmd7]

Your patience has paid off!

[@fil27010]

@@dogmd7 one day later, still the same hype

[@arachwalker1]

Thank you for the video. Keep it up. There are some lines you may have missed that have been long discontinued. There was a line that was smaller than the GN line: I have three small trade paperbacks of Emma Frost and Mini Marvels: Secret Invasion from the mid to late 2000s. I also have a couple of what-I-think are GN-HC; Wolverine: Tales of Weapon X and Wolverine: Worst Day Ever (which was half a prose novel and half standard comic fare) - both released in 2009. Another line with the same dimensions as GN-HC was the GN-HC with DVD containing the motion comic. I have Spider-Woman: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Iron Man: Extremis both released in 2010. I know these lines are very niche but these lines were officially solicited at the time. Do you remember them?

[@juhaniseppala]

I love the Epic Collections. I really hate the huge Omnibus editions since they are way too heavy to read while holding in your hands while sitting comfortably.

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed they are

[@Karmix03]

Great video! Very informative

[@northlakeghost]

Heya, can someone explain why the epic collections have a hard stop? Newbie to collected volumes here and not quite sure I get why.

[@stephanberger3476]

First thought: Again?? Next: oh, it's updated. Ah who am I kidding, I'm watching it.

[@jermo1470]

Hi do you collect anything marvel?

[@AkRogueToe]

Thanks for doing the video.

[@strong8705]

Omni bus is for stackers. When I read, I prefer to hold the weight of one page ;) The rest of pages are a menace anyway. I shouldn't have put this so lightly? This is a heavy, serious problem that works for books too. Make 10 volumes in soft cover, not 400+ pages in one book - ever!

[@Sehlat]

Thanks for the overview, Omar! I have read that Marvel Masterworks editions were sometimes Trade Paperbacks between 2009 and 2015. Is that correct? Using DC terminology, I usually prefer Omnibus editions or oversized Deluxe Hardcovers. If the art is incredibly detailed or they have large extras like maps (like with Multiversity or Dark Nights: Death Metal), I sometimes buy Absolute Editions.

[@montycircus7705]

Came here to find out what the hell Marvel Gallery Edition is. As they are as huge as DC's Absolutes, I know to avoid them! Thank you!

[@turtleanton6539]

Such a very nice and informative video. Thx u omar😊

[@NearMintCondition]

My pleasure 😊

[@failure5864]

Found it! Thank you!

[@dronesaur4328]

For favorite collected edition, I've gotta go with the DC Absolutes. I wouldn't buy most books in that format, because they're very pricey, but it's worth it for a series you genuinely love. Omnibus would then be my runner-up pick. The biggest book in my collection is the Marvels Monster Edition, which is definitely a beast.

[@mrmoon1045]

I wish they still made dc archives

[@juanmanuelpardoavellaneda2153]

Great vídeo..... How do you protect your books in the shelves?

[@iwittges]

I need Indie recommendations! I seem to prefer them over regular ones!!!

[@newspooiechannel]

Nice video. Those Marvel Essential collections... closest thing we get to those now are the Savage Dragon Archives. And speaking of sizes, was Marvels the only "Platinum" edition they released?

[@jackl1964]

Purchased Harrow County library edition volume 1 and loved it. However, I cannot for love nor money get volume 2 and 3. Gutted as got proper sucked in to the story and loved the design of the library editions... One day 🤞🏼

[@nicktroisi6347]

I’ve always collected my comic books in Trade Paperback form, but, now that I have a new job and are making a bit more money I’m starting to collect omnibus’. I think also that its getting harder to find tpb’s and if I do they are very expensive/very popular and also the fact that the Omni’s are very good quality whereas my tpb’s are not. They crease and my main problem is the corners fold which annoys me. But I just bought my first omnibus, Green Lantern by Geoff Johns which I’m very exited to read.

[@tom3151]

Showing of that Hickman avengers omnibus a bit there Omar a secret hint maybe?

[@mikedestazador5116]

Hey bro, muy buen video y muy educacional, gracias

[@NearMintCondition]

De nada, hermano.

[@travisqpender]

so... will a publisher print only one or the other between Standard HC and Oversized HC? I notice many sellers seem to only list "HC" and don't always provide specific trim details. Is there a good resource to use when researching this prior to purchasing? For example, can I safely assume that the Inhumans (Jenkins) HC is oversized as there is a TPB edition? Thx for any help. Appreciate your content.

[@HelloNewz]

Hey Pal!

[@ComicCrossing]

What edition of the True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys was that? Always been interested in the series and wanted a good way to collect the whole thing.

[@Soervin]

Me sitting with my trade paperback, 9 issue, 204 page "Deadpool kills the Marvel Universe Omnibus" wondering what kind of an abomination I have in my hands

[@theartistformerlyknownasje6358]

😍

[@bradleightallen]

Why haven’t you done an overview of the “the sixth gun” gunslinger editions!? PLEASE 🙏!!!!

[@baloonia1]

My right ear really liked listening to this video.

[@NearMintCondition]

Did it not come through in stereo? That’s really odd

[@EmanWazz]

i hope in the future publishers start having a more standard size for these collected editions it gets frustrating. lol

[@ramtruth3]

I know is to each his own, but what is your favorite version compared to omnibus v masterworks? Today I am excited to say I bought the IDW TMNT 1-15 , finishing the infinity gauntlet Omni , and thinking of getting all the Hulk Omni. Your channel has been very helpful.

[@treasey8655]

I love your channel

[@NearMintCondition]

Much love back to you!

[@bdav1967]

Mighty Marvel Masterpiece seems to be the best bang for the buck

[@HipHopHappens]

11:44 the black and white essentials look really cool. they ought to ponder bringing those back more thoroughly p_o

[@tau7788]

How much issues does an Admantium usually contain, is it more then an omnibus or compendium, I really want to know the answer

[@jnramage]

i didn't see where you mentioned little white omnibuses that dark horse and idw used to print older stuff.

[@TJMartinek]

Omar, I have a question. I have a bunch of comics that are in PDF. They were never published in paperback (some are just really rare, some are unique niche one off's, and some were just done by friends). Is there anywhere I can go that will print them in Omnibus quality and then bind them all together in one book? I've done some searching and so far I haven't found anything.

[@NearMintCondition]

You can try a printer, but copyrighted material can be so weird. Some people will not print anything with marvel or dc characters.

[@stephentheshywarrior2759]

I actually prefer the absolute editions compared to omnibus. They seem to be built better imo. I still like omnibus though.😯

[@dizzygunner]

i feel like the publishers calling their books omnis, but are basically the same size as a TPB, know EXACTLY what they are doing to get people do buy them thinking they're getting a bargain on amazon, nearly fell for it myself, until i seen paperback and the page count.

[@wtrollkin]

Anyone else remember the 1975-1980 era Marvel treasury editions? They had 4 reprinted stories in each. Big books (10.25 x 0.25 x 13.38 inches) for $1.50!

[@Terraglitch]

Hi Omar, question! You said the Jim Lee XXL sized editions have not been discontinued? Do you know what the next one will be? :o

[@NearMintCondition]

I’ve not heard, but I was told more were In the works.

[@Terraglitch]

@@NearMintCondition Cool I’m curious! :) Oh have you made an Lock&Key versions comparison yet? (Maybe good for around when the new season starts?)

[@astraynoir5640]

Hey Omar do you know if the new moon knight omnibus will also use the new spine designs ?

[@saltified]

I wish you a merry Christmas

[@StanslaMichael]

What does S&N Edition stand for

[@marcspectororamijakelockle7232]

They should have an industry standard, where omnibus, compendiums, deluxe etc. means the same. I know it's not comic terms, but to be less confusing :) and the "only" thing I was waiting for in the video was how big those treasury/whatever editions from marvel are compared to an absolute. Anything bigger than an absolute is a no buy for me, if you can't fit it in the book shelf, why print the book imo? Already have my sixth guns lying above the shelf and never want that again. And to preferred collection, i like the library editions from dark horse and omnibus from dc and marvel, but 800-1000 pages is enough for me, more than that and the books become more or less unreadable. Absolutes are nice but a bit pricey for my taste, but there are some I still want, though.

[@user-kz9ot4zv5e]

A company like Image would never agree to an "industry standard." Their whole premise has always been to thumb their noses at the industry.

[@AngusJo]

The term Omnibus can really be very misleading. Dynamite and Dark Horse in particular, have several formats with this name. Some are more hardcover with 5-10 issues in them. Others are again oversized. Would like to see the Omnibus term more standardized.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I bought the Superman versus Muhammad Ali comic (the biggest one) but I don't know what format that is.

[@TheComicBookReport]

How do you generally read Omnis? I love them but sometimes they are a bit cumbersome

[@stephentheshywarrior2759]

I put them on a pillow and read. I agree though i struggle to read them sometimes especially in bed.🤷

[@TheComicBookReport]

@@stephentheshywarrior2759 I agree 100%, pillow isn’t a bad idea. I typically have to lay it flat and recline sideways to read or lay it down on a table. Such great formats but not an easy night read

[@brucej2150]

I use a cookbook holder

[@dawgs7496]

On a lap desk or next to me on the couch, and of course always with the jacket off.

[@TheComicBookReport]

I enjoy hearing the variety of different ways people are tackling reading these monsters ha :)

[@BillySpenc]

the weird one for me is black label it's a short fat boy,but I love him.

[@supersimie908]

Hi Omar, great summary of all the different editions! Curious though about your use of the word "long" rather than "width". Is this an Americanism? Long can be used to describe "tall" people but not "fat" people - therefore suggesting height not width. Just throws me every time you say it and i need to know why! Lol!! Perfect grammar otherwise! Astonishing Melanie would be very happy!

[@NearMintCondition]

Ah... yes, I know my brothers and sisters from Europe like when I say width than longer. :) Muchas gracias buddy. So Width. :)

[@robertmarquez8883]

Jesse, Tulip and Cassidy.

[@jmv1969]

I refuse to buy Omniboos because I'm waiting for collected editions the size of me.

[@mohammedazam6562]

you mean omnimen, an omnibus the size of a man

[@larryankenmanjr1719]

TPB, Singles, And Epic

[@EngineerLume]

Dear IDW Are you ok? Do you know that people expect words to have meanings that are somewhat consistant? Signed, a very concerned reader

[@zulgazulga1727]

I personally prefer normal trades for comics and omnibus for manga

[@teflonrobg]

What is a Gallery Edition?

[@Comicsnculture]

Marvel have started releasing paperback omnibus books like the immortal hulk and Hawkeye books

[@andyking8524]

They are made by panini

[@NearMintCondition]

Exactly what Andy King said. Those are published outside of the US by someone other than Marvel.

[@omninomnom9970]

You generally see them down as "Marvel UK/Panini". On a side note, seeing Panini as a publisher of Marvel books always makes me smile because here in the UK, Panini are best known for publishing the football sticker books as well as the Disney animation sticker books, back in the day :)

[@hamzadawud]

I was gonna say, Devil Dinosaur definitely isn't wider than an oversized hardcover. I feel like it was only made into an omni for the insane Kirby fans. For example, I'll probably buy it if I ever find it at a good price, lol.

[@hamzadawud]

P.S. Speaking of Kirby, the volumes of Absolute Fourth World will absolutely not fit into my Kallax shelf, but I still want them.

[@hamzadawud]

P.P.S. You should've showed that enormous Eternals book that's like twice the height of an omni, lol.

[@dawgs7496]

@@hamzadawud I have Absolute Fourth World in my Kallax shelves and can confirm that it fits.

[@hamzadawud]

@@dawgs7496 Oops, I guess my math was a bit off. Thanks for the info!

[@Qwarky]

It is really annoying DC calls the new softcover collection of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen an "omnibus" and then the hardcover version just has an extra "Jubilee Edition" subtitle to it. But DC whyyy are you announcing Top 10 as a softcover compendium and not as a hardcover omnibus? whyyy

[@hunterdaniels2894]

Sigh… Omar out here with Fall of the Mutants again.

[@clubgrubbug]

Are the DC omnis printed on the same garbage paper as this new The Last God book? If so I need to cancel the J.H.Williams Batwoman one I have on pre-order. The Last God is terribly dissapointing compared to the digital version.

[@Tyler-Clark]

Wider*... longer/length refers to its height and I know, I know, old habits die hard lol

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you sir.

[@nelsoncarvalho6338]

That's not even a hint. You're literally telling us a fall of the mutant omnibus is coming. LOL maybe an Avengers by Hickman reprint is coming too

[@NearMintCondition]

Did I? What makes you think I wasn’t talking about a new printing of Incredible Hercules?

[@nelsoncarvalho6338]

@@NearMintCondition That's definitely a fakeout for the Thor Epic A Kingdom Lost reprint

[@csarmore]

I guess we will never see a Black Panther Omnibus 😢

[@fingerprints2983]

If world is ending next Tuesday, then you are right. But..It should happen before second movie is realeased. Atleast two Omnis are coming.

[@mattthompson3371]

If you watch his Saturday Live Streams, you would know the answer to this.

[@diegocorrea9327]

what the hell IDW

[@themangoman9315]

I just buy what I can afford

[@NearMintCondition]

Great way of doing it.

[@joppehi]

Stop teasing us with Avengers by Hickman and Fall of the mutants, I’m getting crazy

[@NearMintCondition]

I’m teasing Hercules!

[@tannerheslet5347]

I feel like you’ve done this same video multiple times, am I crazy?

[@garnon]

This is an update :)

[@Dale_V]

Publishers want you to but it all …FOMO!

[@NearMintCondition]

lol.