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What is a First Print Book and How to Recognize?
In the realm of collectibles, especially in the world of comics, books, and limited edition prints, the term "First Print" holds significant allure and value. But what exactly does it entail?
A "First Print" refers to the initial batch of copies produced for a particular item, whether it's a comic book, a novel, or an art print. These copies are the very first to roll off the presses, often representing the purest form of the work as envisioned by its creators. They hold a special place in the hearts of collectors for several reasons:
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Authenticity: First prints are the closest you can get to the original release. They capture the essence of the work without any subsequent alterations or modifications that might occur in later print runs.
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Historical Significance: Owning a first print means owning a piece of history. It's a tangible connection to the initial release and the cultural context surrounding it.
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Collectible Value: As the earliest editions, first prints are typically the most sought-after by collectors. Their scarcity, combined with their historical and cultural significance, often results in increased value over time.
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Potential Investment: While we can't predict the future, first prints of iconic works have a track record of appreciating in value, making them not just a passion but also a potential investment opportunity.
At 1stPrint.net, I take pride in curating a selection of first prints across various genres, ensuring that collectors have access to these prized editions. Whether you're a seasoned collector looking to expand your portfolio or a newcomer eager to start your collection, explore my range of first prints and unlock the magic of owning a piece of history.
How to recognize a First Print book?
First and foremost, it's important to note that the Japanese date system is always displayed in the following format: "Year, Month, Day."
To ascertain whether a copy is a first edition, you need to locate the page where the printing date is indicated and verify the following:
If "第1刷発行" is stated, it denotes a First Print.
If somethings like "第3版発行" is mentioned, then it indicates a third print.
But the date of the First Print should always be mentioned above or beside it.
Let's see with real pictures examples to understand it :
"Berserk" Volume 1 First Print Manga
"Captain Harlock" Volume 1 Third Print Manga
It is important to understand how the Japanese dating sytem works too.
The Japanese dating system is based on the reigns of the emperors. Here are the main eras used in modern Japan:
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Showa Era 昭和 (1926-1989): The Showa Era commenced with the reign of Emperor Hirohito. It covers the pre-World War II period, World War II itself, and the post-war reconstruction of Japan. Showa is often associated with Japan's militarism and expansionism during the war.
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Heisei Era 平成 (1989-2019): The Heisei Era began with the reign of Emperor Akihito. It is characterized by economic growth, technological advancements, and significant social changes in Japan. This era saw Japan's economy become one of the largest in the world.
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Reiwa Era 令和 (2019-present): The Reiwa Era started with the ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the throne. Reiwa means "beautiful harmony" in Japanese and is seen as a symbol of hope and renewal. It is still ongoing as of now.
In the Japanese dating system, years are often referred to by the name of the era followed by the year within that era. For example, "Heisei 30 (平成30)" refers to the 30th year of the Heisei Era, which corresponds to 2018 in the Gregorian calendar. This system is commonly used in official documents, newspapers, and other formal contexts in Japan.
Let's see some examples with pictures of First Print books with this dating system:
"Baki" Manga use Heisei dating system (平成12 = 2000)
"Captain Harlock - Deluxe Edition" use the japanese number system
平成四年六月三十日 (Heisei 4, June, 30th)
I hope that these explanations have been helpful to you.
So, are you looking for a particular series? You're in the right place!
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Formats Explained
Bunkoban (文庫判)
Width 105mm x height 148mm
This is a compact postcard-sized manga book, also called pocket size. Many of the papers are thin, so they don't take up much storage space and are easy to carry.
Shinshoban (新書判)
Width 112mm x height 174mm
This size is common in boys' and girls' comics. The size is the size of a boy's or girl's hand, making it easy to read. It is slightly taller than Bunkoban pocket size formats.
B6
Width 128mm x height 182mm
This size is common among young men and women's comics. It is slightly larger than the Shinshoban format, making it easier for adults to read. Many of them are particular about the cover material and binding, and many of them are beautiful to display.
Shirokuban (四六判)
Width 128mm x height 188mm
This size is common among young men and women's comics. Slightly larger than B6 size, it is the standard size of books currently in circulation.
A5
Width 148mm x height 210mm
This size is also called "wide format" by some publishers. In many cases, successful works are also published as A5-sized "complete editions." You can read manga with a power that is not available in Shinsho format/B6 format.
Kikuban (菊判)
Width 150mm x height 220mm
Larger than A5 size, it is often used in books for children, such as educational comics and picture books.
B5
Width 182mm x height 257mm
It is the same size as manga magazines such as Weekly Shonen Jump. The larger the paper, the softer it feels, giving it a unique feel when turning the pages. You can often see it in doujinshi as well.
AB
Width 210mm x height 257mm
The size is slightly smaller than A4 size. It is often used in art books, illustration books, photo books, magazines, etc.
A4
Width 210mm x height 297mm
Often used in art books. Many of the prints are of high quality, and even the finest details of the illustrations are reproduced. It is rarely used in comics, but some illustrated books and doujinshi are printed in A4 size.
FAQ
- How are the books packaged to prevent damage during shipping?
At 1stPrint.net, I take pride in ensuring that your orders are meticulously prepared for shipping.
Each book is carefully wrapped in bubble wrap to safeguard it during transit. I then nestle them snugly within a sturdy cardboard box, providing an extra layer of protection to ensure your items arrive safely at your doorstep.
With my commitment to careful packaging, you can shop with confidence, knowing that your purchases will be handled with the utmost care from my shelves to your home.
- Do you offer order tracking services?
Shop with peace of mind knowing that your orders are shipped with tracking for added security.
Once your package is on its way, I'll send you a confirmation email with all the details you need to track its journey to your doorstep.
With real-time updates and transparency every step of the way, you can rest assured that your purchase is in good hands.
Your satisfaction is my priority, and I am here to ensure a smooth and worry-free shopping experience from checkout to delivery.
- What are the shipping fees?
Shipping is Free!
I want to ensure your parcels reach you in a timely manner. Please note that I ship packages Monday through Friday. For same-day dispatch, kindly ensure orders are placed before 2:00 PM Japan time.
Please be informed that shipping services are suspended on Japanese public holidays. Additionally, there may be brief periods where parcel dispatch is temporarily halted, although purchases will still be accepted. During such times, a temporary unavailability message will be displayed on the website to inform customers.
- I'm hesitant since I'm new to your store. Are there any potential risks in making a purchase?
At Retrotaking, my commitment to exceptional service and customer satisfaction has earned me this prestigious status.
With a track record of reliability and positive feedback from our valued customers, you can trust that your shopping experience with me will be nothing short of excellent.
Explore my collection with confidence, knowing you're dealing with a trusted seller who prioritizes your satisfaction above all else.
- Why has my order been canceled?
However, despite efforts to synchronize our inventory across platforms, there may be rare instances where an item is sold on eBay before our system can update its availability on the website. This process typically takes up to 30 minutes.
Rest assured, if your order is canceled due to this circumstance, a full refund will be issued promptly.
I understand the importance of providing a seamless shopping experience and apologize for any disruption this may have caused.
Should you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach me for assistance.
- What are the policies regarding customs fees?
At 1stPrint.net, I strive to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers.
While the likelihood of customs fees is minimal, in the rare event that they occur, it's important to note that any associated fees will be the responsibility of the buyer.
I want to ensure full transparency in transactions, and as such, I cannot accommodate requests for the boutique to contribute towards these fees.
Rest assured, I am committed to providing clarity and support throughout your shopping journey, and I am here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Shop confidently with 1stPrint.net, where your satisfaction and peace of mind are my top priorities.
- What are the terms of the return policy?
I have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it.
To start a return, you can contact me at 1stprint.net@gmail.com.
If your return is accepted, I’ll provide you with instructions on how and where to send your package, and you'll be responsible for covering the return shipping costs. Items sent back to me without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact me for any return questions at 1stprint.net@gmail.com or use the contact form.