Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first appeared in TMNT #1, published by Independent in 1984. That places it in the Copper Age.
Why this issue matters
Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird's black and white independent debut became one of the most unlikely, enduring franchises in comics, spinning off into toys, cartoons and film.
Key facts
TMNT #1
- Character: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Publisher: Independent
- Cover year: 1984
- Era: Copper Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Go deeper
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reading order
- How Much Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 Worth? UK Guide How much i
Other first appearances from 1984
- Usagi Yojimbo Albedo Anthropomorphics #2, 1984
- Nightwing Tales of the Teen Titans #44, 1984
More Independent firsts from the Copper Age
- The Crow Caliber Presents #1, 1989
- Tank Girl Deadline #1, 1988
- Bone Bone #1, 1991
- Sandman (Gaiman) Sandman #1, 1989
- Akira Akira #1, 1988
- Lone Wolf and Cub Lone Wolf and Cub #1, 1987
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.