Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Mirage Years 1987-1990--IDW Classic Collections

Go back to the original comics that started it all in this pocket-sized collection that continues the series by co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird!

This second installment collects issues #11–23, #27, #28, and #29, presented in their original black and white. The Turtles, April, and Casey head to Northampton after their climactic battle with the Shredder, establishing an iconic location in TMNT lore that would forever be used in multiple iterations of the comics and movies!

Included are issues by Eastman and Laird and the first full issues by Michael Dooney, Mark Martin, Eric Talbot, Mark Bodé, Jim Lawson, Steve Murphy, and A.C. Farley.

This IDW Classic Collections compendium presents readers the chance to see where the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles phenomenon started in a convenient and economical 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