Let the Dead Bury the Dead

An urgent, immersive alternate history set in an imperial Russia on the brink of disaster, following a surprising cast of characters seeking a better future as Saint Petersburg struggles in the wake of Napoleon’s failed invasion.

Saint Petersburg, 1812. Sasha, a captain in Russia’s imperial army, returns home in the wake of Napoleon’s defeat to his lover, Grand Duke Felix, the disgraced second son of the tsar. Their reunion is interrupted by the arrival of Sofia, a mysterious outsider Sasha suspects may possess strange powers. Felix, insisting that Sasha's old-fashioned superstitions belong in fairytales, takes Sofia into his confidence. On her incendiary advice, Felix confronts his father about the people’s suffering in the war’s aftermath, to disastrous results, setting him on a collision course with a vocal group of dissidents: the Koalitsiya.

Meanwhile, the Koalitsiya plot to gridlock Saint Petersburg with a citywide strike. One of their lieutenants, Marya, also falls under Sofia's spell and, allied with Felix, finds herself in the middle of a battle. As Sofia’s beguiling influence grows and rising tensions threaten the tsar’s peace, Sasha, Felix, and Marya must choose between their ideals and the people they love. Allison Epstein intercuts this exuberant alternate history with fractured retellings of Eastern European folk stories that are equal parts deadly dark and slyly illuminating. Vividly written and deeply immersive, Let the Dead Bury the Dead reminds us that the concerns of the past aren't quite as far behind us as we like to believe.

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