The Barbarians Are Coming

A “fierce, comic” (New York Times) modern classic that follows a Chinese American chef navigating the uneasy terrain between cultural history and personal reinvention.

Sterling Lung grew up in the back of his parents’ laundry, speaking Chinese to his mother, English to his friends, and very little to the father he always seems to disappoint.

Now twenty-six and a graduate of Swarthmore and the Culinary Institute of America, Lung cooks French food for WASPs at a private club, all while observing and attempting to reinvent himself in real time in a world where identity is both inheritance and performance.

David Wong Louie skewers both the immigrant dream and the American appetite for transformation, exposing the absurdities, longings, and contradictions that shape identity in a globalized age. By turns biting and unexpectedly tender, The Barbarians Are Coming is a fearless exploration of assimilation, ambition, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive, precise in its comedy and alive to the fragile negotiations that make a life.

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