After the Plague

Sixteen “uproarious and unforgiving” (The New Yorker) short stories from the New York Times bestselling author of The Tortilla Curtain

“In an age of war where the foe is indistinct and difficult to identify, Boyle has become both the poet and the prophet of our time.”—Los Angeles Times
 
Throughout his literary career, T.C. Boyle, one of the acknowledged masters of the short story, has refined his inventive, modern, and wickedly witty style. These sixteen stories—nine of which have appeared in The New Yorker—address an amazing array of subjects in a range of emotional keys. Some tap today’s headline news, from air range (“Friendly Skies”) to abortion doctors (“Killing Babies”), while others explore timeless themes, from first love and its consequences (“The Love of My Life”) to confrontations with mortality (“Rust”).
 
Combining joy and humor with the dark, intense scenarios that have earned Boyle national acclaim, After the Plague is a gripping ride through narratives that shock, compel, and entertain.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs