What is the difference between a single issue comic and a trade paperback?

A single issue comic, also known as a 'floppy,' is typically a monthly publication containing about 20-30 pages of story and art, often with a staple binding. A trade paperback (TPB) is a collection of several single issues that tell a complete story arc or a series of related issues, bound together in a book format with a soft cover. TPBs are generally more durable and convenient for reading a full story.