Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1: printings explained
Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Oct 11, 2026 · 1 min read
Short answerTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was printed at least five times by Mirage Studios between May 1984 and 1985, and the printings look alike at a glance. Only the first printing, of about 3,000 copies, is the high-value key. Later printings state the printing in the indicia and are collectible in their own right at much lower prices. Read the indicia before you buy, and grade or authenticate a claimed first printing.
The printings
| Printing | Date | Approximate run | How to identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | May 1984 | about 3,000 | No printing statement |
| Second | June 1984 | about 6,000 | "Second printing" stated |
| Third | February 1985 | larger | Stated |
| Fourth | 1985 | larger | Stated |
| Fifth | 1985 | larger | Stated; later Mirage reprints continue the pattern |
Eastman and Laird printed the first run with borrowed money and sold it by mail and through a handful of shops. Demand from the comics press led to reprints within weeks; the second printing was ordered before the first sold out.
Why the first printing is worth so much
It is the first appearance of a global franchise, it was printed in tiny numbers by two unknowns, and it is the defining key of the 1980s independent boom. Because it is a black-and-white magazine-sized book on newsprint, high grades are scarce; the market values complete copies in any grade.
Counterfeits
The first printing has been counterfeited. Known counterfeits differ in paper, print quality and cover stock. Any raw copy offered as a first printing should be authenticated; a slab from CGC or CBCS states the printing on the label.
Later printings as collectibles
The 1984–1985 printings are affordable ways to own the book, and signed copies with a witnessed signature from Eastman or Laird are popular. The copy in the store is a 1985 printing in CGC 9.6 with a witnessed signature, listed with its printing stated.
See First appearance of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, What is a Signature Series comic? and the Mirage Studios publisher page.
Written by the Rare Comics Collectors grading team. Spotted an error or have a question this guide does not answer? Tell us.
