batman Difference between 1st and 2nd prints of The Dark Knight Returns #2 (Dark Knight Triumphant) 0

[ksmartin]

Hi everyone, 

How can I tell if it is a "true" 1st print of The Dark Knight Returns #2 when it is slabbed? (since the 2nd print was not labelled as a 2nd)

I did some research and found that one can tell the difference by comparing the grey color tone of the "inside front cover" and the "first page".

If it is of the same or matching grey color, then it is a 1st print (from overstreet comic book guide). However, it is indeed a 2nd one if the "inside front cover" has a darker grey color.

But the problem is, if it is slabbed, does anyone know if we can still tell the difference by judging the cover color tone? (There is a theory that the "true" 1st print (the one with the same grey color characteristics), always has a more red cover color tone and doesn't looked faded at all.

Really appreciate it if someone knows the answer to this. Would be great to know if someone actually bought those books around 1986.

Many thanks

Edited April 27, 2020 by ksmartin
typo

[ksmartin]

9 hours ago, Bax77 said:

It doesn't say it on the label?

This one is a little different. There was a printing error for the 2nd print back in the day (no label / notation of “2nd printing” wording). Therefore, some 2nd prints are indeed graded as 1st, cause CGC are also unable to tell the difference which I also got confirmation from them. So I am asking if anybody bought this issue back in 1986, and knows the legitimate way to distinguish between 1st and 2nd print.

[Semicentennial]

I thought the only way was like you mentioned, comparing the inside front cover with the first page.  I don't think there is any way to tell just by looking at the cover.

[shadroch]

The difference is obvious to anyone looking at the inside cover. I have no idea why anyone from CGC would say they can't tell the difference. It was noted almost from the time the book was released.  If CGC allowed second prints to be slabbed as first prints, that is inexcusable.

Edited May 3, 2020 by shadroch