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The Lab Press has released the first three books in its new Portable Editions line: Essentials Volume 1, Super Science Volume 1 and Creatures & Corridors. The publisher says the compact books retain the full stories and artwork of its hardcover editions; pricing and exact dimensions were not included in the announcement.
The Lab Press has launched its first Portable Editions, compact versions of three graphic novels from its first year: Essentials Volume 1, Super Science Volume 1 and Creatures & Corridors. The publisher says the books are available now through book and comic shops, adding a smaller, carry-friendly format to its existing hardcover line.
The first release includes Essentials Volume 1, written by Luke Arnold and Chris “Doc” Wyatt with work by multiple artists; Super Science Volume 1, by N. Alessandro K. and M.K. Perker; and Creatures & Corridors, by Brandon Auman and Andrea Mutti. The publisher describes the editions as designed for readers who want to take books with them, while retaining the original stories and art.
The announcement’s central format distinction comes from Editor-in-Chief Dagen Walker: “Our hardcovers are built to be collected, while the Portable Editions are built to be carried. Same full stories, same art, but in a size you can put in your bag and read on the train.” The announcement does not give measurements or explain whether the books differ in paper, binding, or other production details.
The publisher’s press release identifies Essentials Volume 1 as the first title to receive a 12-page preview in Daily Dead’s report. The story follows mathematician Harris Pax, who predicted an apocalypse but failed to stop it. In the aftermath, he encounters survivors trapped in alternate realities filled with imagined worlds and sets out with an ally to restore reality. The press release describes the book as part of a group of titles recognized by several awards programs; those accolades are claims made by the publisher’s announcement.
A Smaller Format for Three Titles
The launch gives readers another way to buy and read three existing Lab Press graphic novels, rather than announcing new stories. For the publisher, it extends the reach of its early catalogue with an edition positioned for portability, while the hardcover line remains part of its publishing plans. The practical difference may matter to readers with limited shelf space or those who prefer to carry a book, though the announcement does not provide enough production information to compare price, durability or size with the hardcovers.
Portable editions can also make an earlier title easier to sample or revisit, but the publisher has not shared sales targets or other measures of expected demand. Wyatt said he hopes the smaller edition of Essentials Volume 1 will encourage more readers to join the series. That is the creator’s stated aim, not evidence of how audiences have responded so far.
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From Hardcovers to Portable Editions
The Lab Press’ release describes the publisher as approaching the end of its second year and says its debut titles have received awards. The new line begins with three books from the press’s first year of publishing, rather than with newly announced titles. Daily Dead published the announcement and an exclusive 12-page preview of Essentials Volume 1.
The publisher says it will continue producing its high-quality hardcover graphic novels. Its press release points to 2027 for additional hardcover releases, including Super Science Volume 2, as well as other titles that have not yet been announced. It also says more waves of Portable Editions are planned next year. These are forward-looking plans provided by the publisher; no specific release dates were given.
““I really like how these new Portable Editions complement the series’ theme of bringing only the Essentials.””
— Chris “Doc” Wyatt, co-creator and co-writer of Essentials
Edition Details Still Unspecified
The announcement confirms the three titles and says the first wave is available now, but leaves several consumer details open. It does not list prices, page counts, dimensions, formats by retailer or whether the portable books use the same materials as the hardcover editions. The publisher also does not name specific shops or provide direct purchase links in the supplied report.
The timing and titles for later Portable Editions are not specified. The press release says more waves will follow next year, but the source material does not clarify how many books will be included or whether all will come from the publisher’s existing catalogue. Award recognition is described in the publisher’s announcement, without a title-by-title list of awards in the supplied material.
More Editions Planned for 2027
Readers can look for the three announced books at book and comic shops, with availability described by The Lab Press as beginning now. The publisher says additional waves of Portable Editions are planned for 2027, but has not identified their titles or release dates.
The press also says its hardcover programme will continue, with Super Science Volume 2 among the releases expected in 2027. The Lab Press has not provided a date for that book or named its other planned hardcover titles. Further announcements will be needed to confirm the schedule and the contents of both lines.
Key Questions
Which books are included in the first Portable Editions release?
The first wave includes Essentials Volume 1, Super Science Volume 1 and Creatures & Corridors.
Are the Portable Editions available now?
The Lab Press says the first three editions are available now through book and comic shops. The announcement does not identify individual retailers.
Do the compact books contain different stories or art?
Editor-in-Chief Dagen Walker said the editions have the same full stories and art as the hardcover books. The announcement does not detail other production differences.
How much do the Portable Editions cost, and what are their dimensions?
The supplied announcement does not provide prices or measurements. Readers will need to check with retailers or wait for more details from The Lab Press.
Will The Lab Press release more Portable Editions?
The publisher says further waves are planned for 2027, but has not announced which titles they will include or when they will go on sale.
Source: dailydead.com
