IDW Publishing will release a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 facsimile in August 2026, recreating the landmark 1984 debut of the iconic comic series. The facsimile will restore the original oversized Mirage format with 44 black-and-white pages, priced at $6.99. A foil cover edition will also be available for collectors and longtime fans.

The $500 Tax Refund That Launched a Phenomenon

Originally limited to about 3,000 copies, TMNT #1 began as a gritty indie parody and became a pop culture phenomenon. Creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird self-published the issue in May 1984, funding it with Eastman's $500 tax refund and a $700 loan from his uncle. The comic drew attention with its oversized magazine-style format, cheap newsprint, and a wraparound cover by Eastman.

According to the report, the first printing of TMNT #1 is highly valuable today due to its limited initial run and massive later demand. The facsimile edition aims to bring fans back to the sewers of New York City, providing a faithful representation of the legendary first issue.

An Echo of 1984's DIY Spirit

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 facsimile is notable for its restoration of the original oversized Mirage dimensions, roughly 7⅜" x 10⅞". Unlike other reprintings, this edition will maintain the original format and content, including the inside cover dedication to Frank Miller and the ad for Gobbledygook.

As the report says, the creators' DIY approach and the comic's unique presentation set it apart from other publications of the time. the facsimile edition aims to capture that original spirit, offering fans a chance to experience the comic as it was first intended.

Who Will Get Their Hands on the Facsimile?

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 facsimile will be a limited edition, with about 3,000 copies available for purchase. this limited run adds to the exclusivity and collectibility of the edition, making it a highly anticipated release for fans and collectors alike.

However,the report does not specify how the limited copies will be distributed or if there will be any special criteria for purchase . This leaves open questions about the accessibility of the facsimile edition for fans who may not be able to secure one of the limited copies.