Comics
First edition or not? You’ve probably heard that a first edition Hergé was sold for over €10,000 by an auction house... Amazing! However, before trying to sell your comic books on Delcampe or through an auction house, it’s important to know if you really have a first edition or not…
What does “first edition” mean? The term “first edition” refers to the first printing of a comic book. In the case of Tintin, it’s hard to keep track of the editions because there have been so many of them! When a comic book is published, the first print run (first printing) is determined by the publisher based on feedback from salespeople who visit points of sale (book stores, supermarkets, etc.).
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The print run, based on the comic book and its expected success, is generally between 3,000 and several hundred thousand books. Obviously, a first edition of a comic book written and drawn by unknown artists will not be published in the same quantities as the latest Asterix! But, let’s get back to our first editions. Many comic book collectors don’t simply go out and buy
a copy of a comic book at their local supermarket. They want a first edition and are willing to pay the price. They will only buy the comic book in question if it’s in very good condition. For example, a first edition Tintin comic book in very poor condition (very damaged, torn pages, etc.) will only command a few euros, whereas new it will be worth €10,000!
