Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-26821149-20150726013742/@comment-4651179-20150726020702

In the 70s, the comic distribution method known as direct market was first created. This method allowed retailers to bypass existing comic distributors and buy them directly from the publisher (in this case Marvel Comics).

This method was used by comic book shops, which started appearing in the 70s, as well. The comics bought through the direct market are known as "Direct Editions," while the comics brought by grocery stores, department stores, gas stations, book stores, etc. are known as "Newsstand Editions."

The only difference between these two types of editions resides in the barcode. Nesstand Editions contain the barcode, while Direct Editions contained another thing on its place, Spider-Man's face (like in the case of Incredible Hulk #250), or some little tidbit (like an advertisment for a character's anniversary).