Trade paperback

From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.

A trade paperback can refer to any book that is bound with a heavy paper cover that is generally cheaper than the hardcover but more expensive than the regular paperback version.

In comics, a trade paperback specifically refers to the periodic collections of the regularly published issues, usually capturing one or two story arcs in the series. These usually span anywhere between 8 and 14 individual issues, and are usually published about two months after the release of the last issue collected by the paperback.

Additions

A trade paperback will usually feature some additional artwork, such as alternate cover art, not released in the standard issues.

Omissions

A trade paperback will not feature fan mail, special foil or embossed covers and any promotional materials.

Readers

As the trade paperback versions are slightly cheaper than buying the individual comics and presented without any advertisements at all, many comic book fans choose to hold off on purchasing the individual issues and only follow the stories when they come out in trade. Another benefit of the trade paperback version is that it will be carried by larger suppliers, such as Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble; older story arcs can be found in trade paperback long after they are readily available in issues, as well.

Collectors

Unlike the individual issues, the trade paperback has almost no collector's value, and will probably not appreciate in value, as the releases of the trade paperbacks are not restricted, and more could be printed at any time.

See also

• Graphic novel