Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Mirage Years 1984-1987--IDW Classic Collections

Go back to where it all started in this pocket-sized collection that includes the first 10 issues of  Eastman & Laird’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the four Micro-Series one-shots by Mirage Studios in one convenient-to-read book!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles burst onto the comics scene in 1984 and made history! Now is your chance to read the first 10 issues, plus the Raphael, Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Leonardo Micro-Series one-shots by co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Presented as they first appeared in black and white, new readers can experience the comics that started the phenomenon while longtime fans can revisit the series in an all-new format!

Along with Eastman and Laird’s early work, see the first work of Michael Dooney, Ryan Brown, Jim Lawson, and Steve Bissette, who would become longtime contributors to the TMNT series.

This IDW Classic Collection presents readers the chance to see where the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles phenomenon started in a convenient 6 x 9 format!

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs