Zap Comix: A Quick Guide to Identifying Printings

Zap Comix: A Quick Guide to Identifying Printings

If you are a fan of underground comic books, then you have probably heard of Zap Comix. This iconic comic book series was created by the legendary artist and writer Robert Crumb in the 1960s. It was known for its irreverent, satirical, and often controversial content.

But if you are new to the world of Zap Comix, it can be challenging to identify which printing you have. After all, this series has been reprinted numerous times over the years, and each printing can have slight variations in its cover, content, and even size.

If you want to be sure that you have an original copy of Zap Comix, you need to know what to look for. That’s where this quick guide comes in. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to identify Zap Comix printings and distinguish them from later reprints and bootlegs.

So whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious reader, you won’t want to miss this guide. We’ll cover everything from printing information to cover variations and insider tips on how to spot a fake. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the Zap Comix series and how to identify original copies of this iconic underground comic book.

Zap Comix How To Tell Which Printing
“Zap Comix How To Tell Which Printing” ~ bbaz

A Quick Guide to Identifying Printings of Zap Comix: Comparison and Opinion

Introduction

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Zap Comix is a highly-acclaimed underground comic book series that spawned during the 1960s counterculture. It features the works of Robert Crumb, Spain Rodriguez, S. Clay Wilson, Gilbert Shelton, and other notable artists. One of the challenges that comic book collectors face is identifying the printings of Zap Comix. This guide aims to assist both novice and seasoned collectors in differentiating the different editions of Zap Comix.

Types of Zap Comix Printings

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Zap Comix has several types of printings, including first, second, third, and fourth prints with and without variant covers, as well as reprints and foreign editions. Each type has unique characteristics that collectors must look for.

First Printing

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The first printing of Zap Comix is the rarest and most valuable edition. It has Zap Comix No. 1 on the front cover, and the artists’ names are listed vertically on the back cover. It is also the only edition that has an advertisement of Haight-Ashbury and a yellow border on the cover. The first printings were released in 1968, and there were only 5,000 copies produced.

Second Printing

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The second printing of Zap Comix has second printing on the front cover, and the artists’ names are listed horizontally on the back cover. It was released in 1969, and there were only 10,000 copies produced. The second printing also has variant covers that collectors can look out for.

Third Printing

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The third printing of Zap Comix has third printing on the front cover, and the artists’ names are listed horizontally on the back cover. It was released in 1970 and had 20,000 copies produced. The third printing also has a variant cover with a red background instead of the usual blue.

Fourth Printing

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The fourth printing of Zap Comix has fourth printing on the front cover, and the artists’ names are listed horizontally on the back cover. It was released in 1971 and had 20,000 copies produced. The fourth printing also has a variant cover with a yellow background instead of the usual blue.

Reprints and Foreign Editions

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Zap Comix also has reprints and foreign editions that collectors should be aware of. Reprints have lower values than the original printings, but they can still be valuable depending on their rarity and condition. Foreign editions, particularly the French and German translations, are highly sought after by international collectors due to their limited availability.

Comparison Table

Edition Front Cover Back Cover Printing Year Number of Copies Produced Special Characteristics
First Printing Zap Comix No.1 with yellow border Artists’ names listed vertically 1968 5,000 Advertisement of Haight-Ashbury
Second Printing Second printing Artists’ names listed horizontally 1969 10,000 Variant covers available
Third Printing Third printing Artists’ names listed horizontally 1970 20,000 Variant cover with red background
Fourth Printing Fourth printing Artists’ names listed horizontally 1971 20,000 Variant cover with yellow background
Reprints Similar to original printings Similar to original printings After 1971 Various Can have lower values than original printings
Foreign Editions Similar to original printings with translated titles Similar to original printings with foreign text Various Various Sought after by international collectors

Conclusion

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Zap Comix is a valuable addition to any comic book collection, but collectors must be diligent in identifying the different printings. By understanding the unique characteristics of each edition, collectors can make informed decisions and avoid overpaying for some editions. The comparison table provides an easy reference guide for collectors. Zap Comix represents an era of free expression and counterculture, and its value goes beyond just its rarity and condition.

Zap Comix: A Quick Guide to Identifying Printings

Thank you for taking the time to read our guide to identifying printings of Zap Comix without a title. We hope that this guide has been able to provide some helpful tips and insights into identifying the various printings of this iconic comic book series.

Zap Comix has been a staple of American counterculture since its first publication in 1968. It challenged societal norms and sparked controversy with its provocative content and rebellious attitude. These characteristics have contributed to the enduring popularity of the series, making it a highly sought after collector’s item among comic book enthusiasts.

Whether you are a long-time Zap Comix fan or are just discovering the series for the first time, understanding how to identify the different printings can be a valuable tool in building your collection. With this quick guide, we hope that you will now be able to confidently navigate the world of Zap Comix printings and enhance your appreciation of this groundbreaking series.

People Also Ask about Zap Comix: A Quick Guide to Identifying Printings

  1. What is Zap Comix?
  2. Zap Comix is a comic book series that was created by Robert Crumb and published by Apex Novelties in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is known for its underground, counterculture themes and satirical content.

  3. How can I identify the printings of Zap Comix?
  4. The first printings of Zap Comix have the letters APEX in the lower right-hand corner of the back cover. Second printings have a small 2ND PRINTING stamp on the inside front cover. Third and fourth printings have a small 3RD PRINTING or 4TH PRINTING stamp on the inside front cover, respectively. Fifth printings have a small 5TH PRINTING stamp on the inside front cover and also have the letters APEX removed from the back cover.

  5. Are all issues of Zap Comix equally valuable?
  6. No, the value of each issue depends on various factors such as the printing, condition, and rarity of the issue. First printing issues are generally the most valuable, followed by second printings, and so on. Issues that are in near-mint condition are also more valuable than those that are in poor condition.

  7. What is the significance of Zap Comix in the history of comics?
  8. Zap Comix is considered to be one of the most important and influential comic book series of all time. It was one of the first comic books to challenge the mainstream and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the medium. Its success paved the way for the underground comix movement and helped to establish comics as a legitimate form of artistic expression.