How Can You Tell If A Dark Horse Comic Is First Print?

If you open the comic (or most comics) there is a little spiel on the bottom of the page (usually the page with the storyline title) which gives some company/copyright and some print details. This varies from company to company. Dark Horse has their publication info on the reverse side of the cover. Hope this helps.

How can you tell if a comic is first or second print?

The fifth and final number tells you the printing, with 1 meaning the issue is a first printing. The information important to readers, regarding; issue number, printing type (regular or variant) and whether the issue is a first, second, third printing is all contained within the last 5 digits of the issues barcode.

What is a first print comic?

All comics when they are initially released are considered to be first prints. Sometimes an issue will sell out quickly and the publisher will go back to the press and publish a second, third or even fourth printing of a popular comic book.

How do you tell what year a comic book was printed?

The indicia “small print” on the first page or inside front cover of most comics also tends to contain the proper Title of the publication, the Issue Number, and other helpful information such as the publisher name and date of publication.

How can you tell a first print?

Identifying the First Edition of a Book
The publisher may actually state the words ‘first edition’ or ‘first printing’ on the copyright page. Another common method of identification is the number line – that’s a line of numbers on the copyright page. Usually, if a one is present in the line then it’s a first edition.

What is the difference between 1st edition and 1st printing?

A first edition is the first printing of a book. It’s true that a first edition may have one or more printings and that a second edition will normally be noted only if there are actual changes, usually major, in the text. But for a collector, a first printing is the only true first edition.

Are reprint comics worth anything?

While it might not be obvious, comic reprints, especially from Marvel, are worth money. On average, they can be worth anything from 5-20% of what the original comics are selling.

Are second print comics worth anything?

On average, most 2nd print comics are not worth anything. However, in cases where the 2nd print contain first appearances of characters, they can be worth something. In some, 2nd print can be more expensive than 1st prints.

How do you tell if a comic is a variant?

The fourth digit of the code is “2” this tells us that my comic is a variant. Regular comics always have a “1” assigned to them. Any other number tells you that your comic is a variant. The last digit in my barcode is “1” this tells us that this particular comic is a first print.

Is first printing better than first edition?

For the most part, the first edition of a book is more meaningful to the world of book collectors than it was to the publisher who printed it. That’s because the first printing only represents a portion of the total number of copies of a book that the publisher hopes to sell.

Does first printed mean first edition?

A book can go through several print cycles, sometimes with edits that add in author notes or additional material, so the book in its original form – during its initial release (or first printing) to the public – is what is generally defined as a first edition by collectors and sellers.

Are first editions more valuable?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that very few first editions are actually valuable. A book’s market price is dependent on many factors, including condition, scarcity, and demand.

How can you tell what edition a book is printed?

Look at the Copyright Page

1. Look for the text that states the edition of the book. The copyright page is usually found on the back of the book’s title page.
2. Check when the book was copyrighted and when it was published.
3. Use the Number Line to Determine the Print.

What does it mean when a comic book doesn’t have a barcode?

REPEATING THE INITIAL QUESTION: Why Do Some Comics Not Have Barcodes? THE ANSWER: To distinguish returnable newsstand copies from direct-sold non-returnable copies, Marvel placed logos instead of bar codes on direct edition comics of this era.

How can you tell if a book is rare or old?

How to Identify a Rare Book

1. Check for Anything Unusual and Special.
2. Look for Signatures.
3. Figure Out if It’s a First Edition.
4. Look for Limited Editions.
5. Examine the Printing Date.
6. Check for Anything You Personally Collect.

How do you tell if a picture is a print or original?

Prints have a clean straight edge, often created by the plate used to create the work. Looking at the surface of a painting with a magnifying glass is one of the best ways to spot a print. Often a high quality cell phone can take photos which reveal a great deal, especially when using different “filters”.

Are Numbered prints more valuable?

As far as print run numbers are concerned, the rule is simple: the smaller the number the bigger the value. First impressions in the print run usually reach higher prices since they are considered to be the closest to the artist’s original idea.

How can you tell if a book is a first copy?

Check the pages of the book, whether they are of good quality or not, whether they are in order or not, whether any pages are repeated or missing. Check whether the logo of the publisher is mentioned on the spine and the cover or not. Check whether the contents of the pages are properly aligned or not.

Is 1st edition better than limited edition?

They generally differ from first editions not only because they are printed in purposely small numbers; limited editions are often published on higher quality paper, with more luxurious bindings. They may also include the author’s signature or supplementary illustrations.

Why are first editions so valuable?

Book collectors value first editions because it’s the closest one can get to the author’s intent. The author is usually more invested and involved in the first printing process because it’s the first time their work is born and introduced to the world.

Is a second printing still a first edition?

However, to most booksellers and collectors, a “true” first edition is both the first typeset version of the book AND the first printing. If the publisher sells out of the first run and goes back for another printing, that second printing is not considered true first editions, even if the copyright page says it is.