If you would like to read Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, you are not lost for options. TMNT #1 has been reprinted many, many times since it premiered in May, 1984. Mirage printed it ten times as single issues, IDW has printed it or permitted its printing many, many times. In this blog article I will go over the strengths and weaknesses of various printings and collections in which TMNT #1 appeared and give you my recommendations.
Before we begin, let me give some statistics for TMNT #1. The story and art was solely by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The story is 40 pages long, contains about 2,200 words and has a pair of two-page spreads. In addition to the four Turtles it introduces Splinter, Shredder/Oroku Saki, Hamato Yoshi, Oroku Nagi and Tang Shen. The Purple Dragon Gang and the Foot Clan make their first appearances. The TMNT's origin is told and the T.C.R.I mutagen canister is part of that origin. When TMNT #1 was first printed the comic only had the forty story pages within its covers, the inside front cover gave the credits, special thanks, dedication and legal information, the inside back cover had an advertisement. DuoShade toning, using a special paper where lighter and darker patterns could be brought out with chemical developer to simulate grayscale, was employed.
None of the estimated or actual prices given below factors in taxes or shipping.
I. Mirage-Era Printings (1984-2009)
TMNT (First Printing)
- 3,275 Copies, May 1984
- Magazine Size, 40 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Newsprint
TMNT #1 1st Print often goes for five figures. It is generally not wise to use these for reading unless money is no object, wisdom suggests they should be graded and encased in a slab. This is definitely the most expensive way to read TMNT #1. Fortunately you can obtain an excellent facsimile of the 1st Print for far less money (see below). The Ad is for Gobbledygook #1-2.
- 6,250 Copies, June, 1984
- Magazine Size, 40 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Newsprint
The 2nd Print fixes a few errors from the 1st Print but otherwise should look identical because the same photostatic negatives were used to produce both printings. The printings are almost impossible to distinguish by cover alone, opening the book is a must to see the Second Printing indication on the inside front cover. It usually goes for over a grand, even ungraded, so it is not the safest way to read TMNT #1. The Ad is for TMNT T-Shirt Iron-Ons (Dover NH address).
- 35,000 Copies, February, 1985
- Magazine Size, 40 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Newsprint
This print has darker and less splotchy DuoShade than the 1st-2nd Prints, fixes some errors but introduces new errors and reintroduces the biggest one from the 1st. It still can go for over 500 dollars, so it is not the best thing to read. The cover is almost identical but has a pinkish hue and three extra drops of blood in the middle T of "TURTLES" in the title. The indication this is a third printing is on the inside front cover. The Ad is for TMNT T-Shirt Iron-Ons (Sharon CT address).
Reprinting the First Issue of TMNT/Fourth Printing
- 60,000 Copies, November, 1985
- Comic Book Size, 48 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman & Laird Color Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Newsprint
- November, 1986
- Trade Paperback, 128 Pages
- Eastman Coloring
- Eastman Graphic Novel Cover
- Steve Lavigne Lettering
- Glossy Paper
Published by First Comics in the U.S. and Canada and Penguin Books in the U.K., collects TMNT #1, #2 (and most of) #3 and introduces the short stories "New Comic Day" and "Night Life". Went through at least five printings. The first colorized version of TMNT #1, using Blue Line Coloring. Can often be found in decent shape for $20. This printing replaces Eastman's original lettering with Steve Lavigne's. The text is identical except for two minor changes but various punctuation and emphasis effects (words in bold or in outline letters) are changed.
Book Vol. 1 1st Printings)
- Hardcover, 562 Pages / Trade Paperback, 560 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Color Dustjacket Cover / Laird Black and White Cover
- Lavigne Lettering
- White Paper
Collects TMNT #1-11, Raphael #1, Michaelangelo #1, Donatello #1 & Leonardo #1. TMNT #1. Some TMNT #1 pages have a rougher look to them compared to the prior editions. No errors from the 4th Print have been fixed. DuoShade has been made even less splotchy than the 3rd-4th Print. The handwritten page numbers have been removed from corners of the panels and printed in a generic font on the bottom of the page. Limited to 1,000 (Hardcover) and 5,000 copies (Softcover), you can find the hardcover for under $1,000 on a good day and likewise the softcover for under $100. These also have unique introductions from Eastman and Laird and biographies of both. The Hardcover has a Certificate of Authenticity and gold lettering on the book cover underneath the dustjacket. The hardcovers are individually numbered and have a signed sketch of a Turtle from Eastman and Laird.
- 55,000 Copies, August/November 1988
- Comic Book Size, 48 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman & Laird Sepia-tone Cover
- Lavigne Lettering
- Newsprint
A new cover adorns this printing, using the natural sepia tone of DuoShade. Presentation identical to the Limited Edition Hardcover and Softcover apart from the book dimensions. The margins are extra thick as a result. Can go for $70-80 in decent condition. The inside front cover has an illustration of the Turtles celebrating their Fifth Printing. A short story, "Not One Word", is also included and runs to the inside back cover.
- March 1990
- Trade Paperback, 544 Pages
- DuoShade
- A.C. Farley Cover
- Lavigne Lettering
- White Paper
Collects the same stories as the TMNT Limited Edition Hardcover and Softcover, presentation identical apart from the book dimensions and this version lacks the extra material of the those. Can be had for around $70-90.
.webp)
- August, 1992
- Trade Paperback / Hardcover, 62 Pages
- DuoShade Sepia-tone
- Eastman Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
Released as a trade paperback and as a limited (to 500 copies) edition hardcover. Presents the original artwork in the DuoShade's natural sepia tone. No errors, least splotchy DuoShade application. Usually goes for over $100. Printed on glossy paper stock. Includes a multi-page introduction from noted science fiction author Harlan Ellison and early sketches after the story.
- 3,000 copies, May 2005
- Comic Book Size, 40 Pages
- Digital Screentone
- Laird Cover (Black & White)
- Laird Lettering
- Bright White Paper
This version eliminates the DuoShade in favor of digitally-applied screentones. The dialog has been re-lettered and revised by Laird. There are punctuation differences and changes to text emphasis. Laird's cover was originally used for TMNT #50 (with Eastman's touch-ups and coloring). Errors remain due to inking touchups performed after photocopying TMNT 1's pre-toning artwork. Inexpensive, usually goes for $20. Recollections were provided by Laird and Ralph DiBernardo, who hosted the convention where TMNT #1 premiered in May, 1984. The bright white paper seems far more resistant to yellowing than newsprint.
.webp)
- March, 2007
- Comic Book Size, 44 Pages
- Digital Screentone
- Eastman Cover (Front Cover Only)
- Laird Lettering
- Bright White Paper
Story presentation identical to Special PBBZ Limited Edition, the only other time this presentation was printed. Much more expensive than that one, north of $100. Remainder consists of ads.
- May, 2009
- Comic Book Size, 48 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Bright White Paper
No errors, uses DuoShade which is slightly splotchier than 3rd-4th prints but better contrast than 1st-2nd Prints. A bit pricey, around $30-40. Separate recollections were given by Eastman and Laird at the beginning and ads are at the end.
- July, 2009
- Trade Paperback, 608 Pages
- DuoShade
- TMNT #1 Panel Front Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- White Paper
Collects TMNT #1-11, Raphael #1, Michaelangelo #1, Donatello #1, Leonardo #1 & Fugitoid #1. Presentation identical to the Free Comic Book Day Edition. Hovers around $100-$150. Includes several pages historical notes on the development of the early Turtles (with some inaccuracies).
- November, 2009
- Comic Book Size, 40 Pages
- Lavigne Coloring
- Laird Cover (Color by Lavigne)
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
The second colorized version of TMNT #1, using Photoshop. Last Mirage publication of TMNT #1. $50-60. Introduction by Dan Berger.
II. IDW-Era Printings (2012-present)
Hereafter IDW or its licensees would publish TMNT #1. IDW published all the following unless otherwise noted. I cannot go through every version. Many of these do not differ in their interior content but only in their cover artwork. I can evaluate some of the major releases:
TMNT: The Ultimate Collection Vol. 1.webp)
.webp)
- January 10, 2012 / November 7, 2017
- Hardcover / Trade Paperback, 312 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Hardcover Cover / Eastman Trade Paperback Cover (New Cover Art)
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
Collects TMNT #1-7 & Raphael #1. TMNT #1's presentation identical to Free Comic Book Day. TMNT Black & White Classics Vol. 1 is another IDW compilation which should reprint this presentation. Hardcovers go for around $50, softcovers for $20 but can be read online with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. The Hardcover is large at 8.4" x 12" and a bit heavy (3.4 pounds). Story annotations provided by Eastman and Laird for each story.
TMNT Color Classics #1 (Vol. 1).webp)
.webp)
- May, 2012
- Comic Book Size, 40 Pages
- Tom Smith's Scorpion Studios Coloring
- Eastman Front Cover (Color by Tom Smith's Scorpion Studios)
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
The third and final colorization of TMNT 1 #to date, using Photoshop over DuoShade, originally released as a single-issue comic. This colorization has been reprinted in several compilations. The TMNT Color Classics Vol. 1 trade paperback is perhaps the best value way to read this in print as it collects TMNT 1-7, Raphael 1 and Michaelangelo 1 and it can be bought for around $20.
TMNT #1 Insight Editions Mini-Comic
- June 24, 2014, March, 2018 & July 2, 2024
- Mini-Comic Book Size (6" x 9"), 40 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Front Cover (Color by Tom Smith's Scorpion Studios)
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
Included in a pocket on the inside back cover of TMNT: The Ultimate Visual History (2014, 2018 and 2024 editions) published by Insight Editions. Smaller dimensions than a regular-sized comic (a typical comic is about 6.625" x 10.25"). 2018 version's cover uses matte finish versus glossy finish of 2014 & 2024. Based off new scan of original artwork. While the cover reproduces the original wraparound Eastman artwork it is missing a little bit in the middle because the two parts of the cover do not align as they should. Can be bought off Amazon for $50. Credits, Dedication, Legal Section and Ad from 1st Printing reproduced.
- August 8, 2017
- Hardcover, 144 Pages
- Layouts, Inks & Sepia-toned DuoShade
- Eastman Front Cover (Color by Tom Smith's Scorpion Studios)
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
Coffee-table book sized (9.25" x 12.25"), reprints scans of TMNT #1's layouts, inked pages and DuoShade boards in their original size (8" x 12"). Three versions of the story are included. DuoShade presentation is based off new scan of original artwork. Difficult to find under $100. Contains an introduction from Eastman and a section with early sketches and ads at the end.
.webp)
- June 19, 2019
- Magazine Size, 40 or 44 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
Came in a box set with magazine-sized reprints of TMNT #2-4 & Raphael #1. Not true facsimiles of their magazine-size originals, most of them include modern ads and lose the columns, letters and old ads. Presentation identical to Free Comic Book Day. Over $100 for the complete set.
- October 18, 2022
- Hardcover, 832 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Front Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
Collects TMNT #1-14, Raphael #1, Michaelangelo #1, Donatello #1, Leonardo #1, Fugitoid #1, Tales of the TMNT #1-5 & "D'Ants Fever". Presentation identical to Free Comic Book Day. Usually goes for $75 on Amazon, weights just over 5 pounds. About 7.5" x 11". Tales #2, 3 & 5 are missing the DuoShade used when they were originally published. A trade paperback version has been announced for July 2027.
TMNT Vol. I #01 1st Printing 40th Anniversary Reproduction (TMNT: A Collection)
- May 4, 2024
- Magazine Size, 40 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Newsprint
Published by TMNT: A Collection using the original photostatic negatives to TMNT #1 1st & 2nd Printings. A far more affordable way to experience TMNT #1 as it was first experienced in 1984. Copies are priced by condition. Buy it here. Has an introduction by Rich Horn, producer of this edition but retains the original Dedication, Legal Section and Ad of the 1st Print. (See TMNT 1st Print for its cover)
.webp)
- August 26, 2026
- Magazine Size, 40 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Newsprint
The source for this version appears to be the scan of original DuoShade boards previously used for the Artisan Edition and the Insight Editions Mini-Comic with damage to the artwork shown from the original scans fixed. Retailed for $6.99. Retains the original Dedication, Legal Section and Ad of the 1st Print.
- October 18, 2022
- Hardcover, 552 Pages
- DuoShade
- Eastman Front Cover
- Eastman Lettering
- Glossy Paper
Presentation identical to Free Comic Book Day. This book is slightly smaller than a standard comic book at 6" x 9". Collects TMNT #1-10, Raphael #1, Michaelangelo #1, Donatello #1, Leonardo #1. Currently priced at $13.99. Prints full covers (except for Raphael #1's back cover) before each issue.
Recommendations
The glossy black cover paper of TMNT #1 1st-3rd Printing and any similar cover will show fingerprints after handling it unless you wear gloves or wipe away the fingerprints with a microfiber cloth. Cotton gloves are best to handle these copies.
Collections and trade paperbacks weigh heavy in the hands compared to a single comic book. However they are often printed larger than a regular comic. Thick trade paperbacks can sometimes swallow up artwork of two-page spreads in the margins. As they contain other stories it is easier to grab a single book versus multiple issues.
In the pre-digital era of printing, it has been claimed that no two printings are alike. Before high quality scanners and digitizing became available, comic book art was photocopied or reproduced by photographic transfer. In the 1980s Mirage was frequently making corrections or changes to TMNT #1 as it was reprinted and colorized. Over time old errors were fixed but some new ones crept in. No printing of TMNT #1 is free from error until 1992's Special Deluxe Edition.
In terms of colorizations, my overall favorite is the first colorization by Eastman. This was done by hand with old-school blue-line colorization. The later colorizations use Photoshop, they do not have the same hand-colored feel. The IDW colorizes over DuoShade, something which Mirage never did. As this was the first time I was introduced to TMNT #1, I have nostalgia for Eastman's version, which had the tacit approval of Laird. Fortunately a copy of TMNT Book I can often be found for $20 these days. TMNT Entity did a thorough run-down of the three in an article on his blog. I think he might be a little hard on Lavigne (second colorization) and a little too forgiving of Tom Smith's Scorpion Studios (third colorization) but his points are well-made.
The PBBZ edition is useful as a "what-if", as in what might TMNT #1 looked like if Eastman and Laird did not use DuoShade. It relies on the photocopied inked artwork prior to DuoShade being applied. Screentones were much more commonly applied for toning to black and white comics back in the 70s and 80s compared to DuoShade.
If you want TMNT #1 as it was available on day one, get the 2024 TMNT: A Collection facsimile reproduction and save yourself a fortune. It can be had for $15.00 in good condition. Be advised this version reproduces all the errors found in TMNT #1's 1st Printing. I cannot recommend IDW's recent Facsimile edition mainly because the contrast of the inking leaves much to be desired.
TMNT Artisan Edition might be the best overall presentation of TMNT #1 because it includes the original layouts and pre-shaded inks as well as presents the complete story with high quality scans of the original DuoShade boards. These scans are raw, unlike those of the 1992 Special Deluxe Edition, but they are close to the size of the original boards (8" x 12"). Both are expensive.
The recently released TMNT: The Mirage Years 1987-1990 is undoubtedly the best value for money, even if it is slightly smaller than a regular-sized comic. 14 comics for $14.
.webp){kind=link}
No comments:
Post a Comment