A few comic book questions....
 

Is Mirage the first comic book line to come out for the TMNT? And whats up with Archie and Image, how are they all different and what is the "true" one? Also, how many are there of the "true" one and where do you buy them? Thanks.

Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman got idea of the TMNT in 1983. In 1984, they published first TMNT book with their own money. They did all the art in their own home, hence the name Mirage studios. No one could accept how popular the book would become.

So all other TMNT than Mirage are made by License sold by Mirage, So Mirage is the "true" TMNT. I hope that Answered your question.

Let's see here...

Volume 1: Mirage, in black & white, 62 issues, between 1984-1993
Volume 2: Mirage, color, 13 issues, 1993-1995
Volume 3: Image, black & white, 23 issues, 1996-1999
Volume 4: Mirage, black & white, 8 issues so far, bi-monthly, continues years after volume 2, and removes volume 3 out of continuity.

Archie: Started as an adaption of the cartoon, but went its own ways, and is in its own continuity.

For which of them that are "true", check this thread.

Here's something that kinda' confuses me. If the Image series isn't part of the continium, then how come it's Volume 3 of 4? Wouldn't the Image series be it's own entity, and the 3 Mirage Volumes be 1-3?

Well it is Volume 3. Unlike archie, it continues the Mirage story line. But it isn't part of the "official continyity" any more.