This Is a Theater

Raise the curtain on the third book in John Schu’s celebrated This Is Our World series—an exciting introduction to the magic of the theater.

Whether you’re on the stage crew, a performer, or a member of the audience, this follow-up to This Is a School and This Is a Story offers an exhilarating homage to the people of all ages who make up a theater’s beating heart. Inviting readers in through the stage door, where costumes, scenery, songs, and rehearsals take shape, author John Schu and illustrator Jaime Kim peek out at the rows of velvet seats where attendees are ushered in as anticipation builds. The view returns to the young actors in the wings, who are experiencing all the expected jitters and worries—but remind themselves that they’ve practiced well together and will soon be rewarded with rapt attention and applause. In a story with appeal for both newbies and those who have already caught the theater bug, this lyrical look behind the scenes at opening night is certain to spark enthusiasm and provide reassurance.

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