The Babylon Line

An electrifying new play by Tony Award–winning playwright Richard Greenberg, The Babylon Line opens at Lincoln Center Theater on December 5, 2016.

A thirty-eight-year-old writer from Greenwich Village, Aaron is painfully aware of his failures as an artist when his desperate need for a job forces him to commute along the Babylon Line to Levittown to teach. What awaits him is a classroom of varyingly unwilling students, some who attend because their preferred course was full, others who are attentive enough but sit silently at their desks—and all of whom have yet to set pen to paper. Over the course of the semester, Aaron’s adult pupils write increasingly more honest life accounts and stories, and cracks begin to appear in their small-town community. A particularly bold and troubled student, Joan, strikes up a rapport with Aaron that threatens to become something more, as the pair bond over their failing marriages and creative frustrations. In the end, we observe the life-changing effects of artistic expression as Greenberg maps out the rest of each of the characters’ lives, full of triumphs and newfound joy that can be traced back directly to those few weeks in a classroom in 1967.

Richard Greenberg's intelligent, nuanced, and perceptive dialogue has been described by the New York Times as "exquisite . . . sparkling gems that [he] delivers with gratifying frequency." One of America's most loved and frequently produced playwrights, Greenberg has  wisdom that runs deep, and his humor and charm make his work destined to be read and performed for generations to come.

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