TMNT #1- authentic?
 

I just received a TMNT #1 and, having never seen one up close before, I'm trying to make sure it's authentic. It has the Gobbledygook ad and everything, but my only suspicion is that the cover is made with a little bit of a heavier stock than the usual TMNT covers and it's got a slight "texture". However, I know #2 was produced with a different kind of cover paper than the rest too. Does anyone know if this is just how it is? Here are some pics.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...045e459186.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...fbf38ff77d.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/upl...a12efaffde.jpg

Hmmm. Unfortunately, the Gobbledygook ad does appear to be "off."

Here's mine (click for bigger):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/243/4...c1055620ac.jpg

Notice that the right edge of yours appears to be trimmed.

The fail safe is actually in checking the inside front cover. Look at the address at the bottom of the page. Third printings were most often used for counterfeiting and the one thing never taken into account by the counterfeiters is that Mirage had changed addresses by the time the 3rd printing came out.

Dan has summed all of this up nicely at ninjaturtles.com here.

Drats..I may have been had...I guess that's what I get for taking chances..
The inside front cover has the correct address though. This is either a first printing or counterfieted from one, since is has the ad, and everything is right. Maybe I should ask Dan about it.

Well, if everything looks about right, you may simply have a "restored" (or as some in the business of selling "restored" books as "unrestored" books may call "enhanced" :evil:) book.

This is actually quite common with key books, and TMNT #1 certainly qualifies as a key from the Copper Age. If it was trimmed, there may also be some color touch to further "enhance" the book. There may be other resto work as well. But while it may be a restored book, it still might be a an original book. As this is a book you are probably looking to keep, you should be ok. (as if you were to resell it, and you disclosed the resto work, you would most likely get LESS than an unrestored book in similiar grade)

Anyways, sorry to hear about this. Hope it works out for you.

Well, if it's got the right address that's at least a good sign. Wouldn't hurt asking Dan about it, though. *crosses fingers for you*

Thanks guys, I'm about 50/50 on it, I'll ask Dan to be sure...

Yea shoot him email and then let us know how it goes...good luck!

Where did you obtain the copy? eBay?

Yeah, I did. Paid about $270 shipped. If it's real, that's a steal. If it is a counterfeit it's really well done. I've emailed Dan about it.

Well, that is a really good price. Good luck Mr. P. Honestly, other than the cutting of the back page, I'd say your ok.

Well, according to Dan's response, this is probably legit.

he says (snips):
"Many of the first and second printings were trimmed poorly, so the covers being slightly trimmed isn't unusual.

a lot of forgers actually bleach out "third" and write in "first".

Without actually holding it in my hands, I cannot guarantee it - but from what I can see in your picture, I'd say it's the real McCoy. "

So I'll take it as that. Perhaps the next time I go to a con I'll bring it to compare to a dealer's copy. Thanks for the responses guys!

Sounds legit man!

Enjoy your first edition!

Ok I will..except I've already read it about a hundred times! Oh well...

If you happen to see another good deal like that on ebay, please give me a heads up. I still do not have a first edition #1 and would like to add one to my collection.

Good news! Congrats on this purchase!!!

Great news man. And looks like you scored a pretty nice deal to boot!

ok...I was really surprised to win this one as I had only bid up to 300 on it. Unfortunately, I don't see deals like this very often. The pics and description were not the best on this, which probably deterred bidders. Most of the time it goes for 500+, way out of my range.

Yeah, i'd like to spend around $300. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Yeah, I think if you wait long enough you'll find it eventually. You just have to have patience. My next venture is a Hulk #1, which will be no easy task. For $300, I'd probably have to buy a coverless copy.

Well your timing is bad because the new Hulk movie is coming out in June, so prices are going to be inflated.