Amazing Heroes 187 1st Space Usagi January 1991

Amazing Heroes 187 1st Space Usagi

January 1991

Though not a TMNT character, Usagi Yojimbo, created by Stan Sakai, has had quite a few crossover adventures with the Turtles and was even published by Mirage for a time. In this particular issue of Amazing Heroes, we get many insights from Stan about his creation and the first appearance of Space Usagi, a comic and upcoming Netflix series. While there are two Space Usagi appearances in the TMNT Mirage comics, issues 46 (April 1992) and 47 (May 1992), this appearance predates both issues by at least 1 year. Expect this issue to heat up fast, and remember you saw it here first!

Bud Plant Update 76 TMNT October 1985

Bud Plant Update 76 October 1985

In this catalog we find an ad for not one, but two TMNT products—TMNT and Other Strangeness, their first RPG game, and the 2nd set of Dark Horse Miniatures figures featuring Splinter and Shredder. 

New England Comics Catalog 14 Fall/Winter 1988

New England Comics Catalog 14 Fall/Winter 1988

In this issue, the TMNT is not only featured on the cover and in a spotlight on page 3, but also given an entire spread with looks at the toys, some of which were not yet released at the time this catalog was printed. The note below the figures listing reads: figures of Rocksteady, Bebop, April and a Clan Foot Soldier have been announced but have not been released yet. The vehicles, however, do have release dates, ranging from August (Cheapskate) to October (Technodrome). And a listing for Albedo 2 for a steal at $125!

TMNT American Comics Catalog #11

 TMNT American Comics Catalog #11

This rare catalog not only has tons of TMNT merchandise listed for sale but also has an amazing cover and spot illustrations throughout by fan-favorite artist Adam Hughes! 

New England Comics Catalog 13 circa 1987-1988

New England Comics Catalog 13 circa 1987-1988

This rare catalog features an image of the 1st TMNT issue on the cover (upper right) and again on page 33. Here we find a list of TMNT books, graphic novel collections, posters, games and more. There's also a reprint of the cover of the 1st issue of Usagi Yojimbo on page 35 for the UY completists out there! (More early Usagi appearances to come)

Comic Shop News 189 1991

 Comic Shop News 189

This issue features a 'toon version of Leonardo on the cover and an activity page with Michaelangelo and the logo on the back fold. Much like Comics Buyer's Guides, Comic Shop News issues can be tough to find because they were discarded by most everyone who had them, and with the popularity of the Turtles, this one can be especially so.

Comics Buyer's Guide 1326 April 1999

 Comics Buyer's Guide 1326 April 1999

This issue is notable for a few reasons. For one, the cover sports a reprint of both the original 1st issue of the Mirage comic and the Archie TMNT Adventures cover, as well as a pic of creators Eastman and Laird. On the inside cover, we get a rarely seen photo of the duo with Cerebus creator Dave Sim. An interior spread chronicles the Turtle history up to this point in time (1999), with a reprinting of the first full-page ad Eastman and Laird ran in the Comics Buyer's Guide #547. And finally, a Peter David "But I Digress..." article about his involvement in trying to bring the TMNT comics to Marvel's Epic line. There's also a fun anecdote about how he was given a free copy of the 1st Mirage issue, which the store owner where he acquired it probably now regrets!