Variant Covers
Lab Press
Essentials TP Vol 01 (The Lab Portable Edition)
- Final order cutoff
- Mon, Sep 21, 2026
- Cutoff passed — limited copies
- Release date
- Wed, Oct 21, 2026
Description
Presenting the very first original graphic novel from The Lab Press, now in The Lab Portable™ Edition! Adapted from the previously published premium hardcover slipcase edition, The Lab Portable™ Edition offers this complete, unabridged graphic novel in a smaller, paperback format—the same acclaimed story and artwork, now more accessible than ever. The Lab Press's debut publication, Essentials Vol. 1 won the IBPA's Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book, along with several other indie publishing honors. Printed Word Reviews called it 'a mission statement for what high-tier independent comics can achieve,' while Kirkus Reviews praised it as 'a lively and richly entertaining adventure into alternate realities.' In a world shaped by human minds, the greatest threat is what we refuse to face. Earth has collided with an alien dimension. Reality is no longer stable—it fractures, reshapes, and bends to the minds of the few survivors left behind. Essentials Vol. 1 follows scientist Harris Pax as he navigates a world where human thought creates entire realities, and survival depends on confronting the illusions people build to avoid the truth. With the help of two alien 'guides'—Buttons, inhabiting a dead woman's body, and Cog, trapped in a toy robot—Harris races to find survivors before the same forces that shaped their worlds destroy them. Blending large-scale science fiction with psychological and philosophical stakes, Essentials explores what remains of identity, truth, and meaning when reality itself can no longer be trusted. Glenn Fabry, Jason Howard, Vince Locke, DaNi, Andrea Mutti, and M.K. Perker
Credits & details
- Writer
- Luke Arnold Chris Doc Wyatt
- Interior artist
- Various
- Cover artist
- Jason Howard
- Publisher
- Lab Press
- Format
- Trade Paperback
- Pages
- 168
- Age rating
- Teen+
- Cover Price
- USD $9.99
- ISBN
- 9781964226293
Essentials TP Vol 01 (The Lab Portable Edition)
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Flexible bundling
Get your orders weekly or build a Holdbox to save on shipping costs.
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Secure Packaging
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Top tier customer service
Unrivaled dedication to your collecting experience.
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Worldwide Shipping
We ship to collectors from around the world with preferred rates.
Frequently asked questions
What are the policies on pre-orders?
Superhero Empire product screening strives for products to be roughly 9.2 NM- or better based on our assessment unless otherwise stated (item grades are subjective). Minor manufacturing defects may be present. Our goal is to get everyone the best quality book possible but limited supply from distributors may prevent us from our dream of getting everyone 9.8 candidates every time.
Preview artwork may differ from actual comic cover when produced by the publisher. Products ordered prior to release are allocated and may have limited availability. If damages or allocation result in a shortage of inventory, customers will be notified and refunded.
Purchasing of retailer incentive or exclusive covers without meeting the incentive requirement will result in product cancellation and a refund will be issued.
Shipping & Holdbox
Choose to ship as soon as your completed order arrives, or add it to your Holdbox and ship later with your existing orders. Pick-up is available for holdbox or upon release.
Returns and Refunds
Returns are not accepted due to the nature of the products being sold. Every item sold is inspected, screened and packaged with collector standards in mind. If for some reason there is an issue with your order, contact our team and we will find a solution.
When will I get my order?
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location. Orders with pre-sale items will ship when all items are released and processed. Hold box orders are shipped upon customer request and delivery times will vary based on selected carrier.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is calculated based on your location and the items in your order. Hold box or combined shipping can be arranged. The final shipping cost for hold boxes are determined when the shipment is requested at the customer. Cost for combined shipping is at the customer's expense.