is your tmnt 1 first print real? How to spot a fake and protect your comic book investment!

Alright, let me tell you about this whole Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 comic book thing. I’ve been digging into it for a while, and it’s a wild ride. So, I wanted to get my hands on a first print of TMNT #1, that’s the holy grail for us collectors, you know?

First off, I did some reading. Found out that the original run of these comics was way back in 1984. It was a small operation, only about 3,275 copies. It wasn’t your usual comic book size, more like a magazine, and printed on cheap paper, all black and white. You gotta love that old-school feel!

So, I started hunting. I checked out all the usual spots, online auctions, comic book stores, you name it. But here’s the kicker – there are tons of reprints and fakes out there. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, a really expensive needle.

I learned that you gotta look at the barcode, that’s the key. The last five digits tell you the issue, the printing, and the cover. I became a barcode detective, squinting at those tiny numbers like it was the most important thing in the world. And to think that this little code holds the secret to whether you’re holding a piece of history or just another reprint.

Spotting the Fakes

• The cover color is a big deal. The first and second prints have a deeper red than the later ones. It’s subtle, but once you know, you know. I spent hours comparing pictures, training my eye to spot that difference.
• Then there’s the inside back cover. The first print has an ad for another comic called Gobbledygook #1. If that ad’s not there, you’re not holding a first print. Who knew a little ad could be so important?
• The paper quality matters too. It should feel like old newsprint, kinda rough and yellowish. If it’s too smooth or white, that’s a red flag. I started feeling the paper of every comic I came across, much to the amusement of the store owners.

I also learned about these special editions, like the color misprint. Apparently, it’s super rare and worth a ton. I kept dreaming of stumbling upon one of those, but no luck so far. And then there’s the store exclusive second print, only one per store as a thank you. That’s another one to keep an eye out for.

It’s been a real adventure, this whole comic book hunt. I’ve learned a lot, met some interesting people, and spent way too much time staring at barcodes. I may not have found my first print yet, but I’m not giving up. It’s all about the thrill of the chase, right? And the stories you gather along the way. This whole experience has been a story in itself, a real-life treasure hunt. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be the one bragging about my rare find. Until then, the search continues!