The independent comic scene has exploded during the Modern Age. Books such as The Walking Dead, Ice Cream Man, Y: the Last Man, and Invincible are a few comic series that are heralded as of the most valuable comics out there currently. All of the comics mentioned have either been placed on television or optioned to be on tv. Despite the exposure to the small screen, independent comics heat up due to the fan base of collectors. Collectors and fans generate the demand for the books and in return, the value of the books increases. One comic series that has not received the "option" news from exploding to unprecedented highs is Saga.
Saga is a space fantasy series written by Brian K. Vaughn and illustrated by Fiona Staples. The series is currently ongoing since 2012. The first issue is by far the most valuable book in the series. Thus, it is important to know and identify the many printings of Issue #1.
Saga: An Introduction
To start off, the general rule in a comic series is that the first issue tends to be the most valuable book altogether. Factors that make this possible are due to this issue introducing the mainstay characters of the series. As I have mentioned in past blogs, the first appearance drives the value of a comic book. Issue one introduces Alana, Hazel, Marko, The Will, and Prince Robot IV. These characters are staples in the series and make up the fabulous story of the series.
Saga #1 (First Print)
Thus, Saga #1 is the issue that fans and collectors will want to collect. Firstly, issue one became so popular amongst everyone that it spread to five printings in all. In addition, it also included a special Diamond Retailer Summit variant that was provided to individuals prior to the annual Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) in 2012.
Out of the regular printings, the 1st print of Saga #1 is the most valuable one to obtain. The first print is identified by the orange lettering on the title of the series, Saga. The cover notates the main characters of the story. The current Fair Market Value (FMV) of a graded 9.8 is currently selling for $450. Just with many white background covers for books, it is very difficult to obtain in high grades. Though being the book is from 2012, many modern collectors might have bagged and boarded the issue when it was released.
Saga #1 (Second Print)
The second printing of Saga #1 is notated differently from the first printing by two factors. The color of the title of the series, Saga, is colored in black and the word "Second Printing" is noted right below the price of the issue. The current FMV of a 9.8 graded copy for the second print is currently selling for $190. It does not have the same value as the first print, but it is still a coveted print to own. Lastly, the value of the second print is lower since it was pretty much expected to come after how popular the first print sold out.
Saga #1 (Third Print)
The third printing of Saga #1 retains all the same features of the second print except for two things. The color of the title of notated with a light blue color. In addition, the wording of "Third Printing" is mentioned right below where the price of the issue is located. The current FMV of a graded 9.8 copay is selling for $170.
Saga #1 (Fourth & Fifth Prints)
It is unbelievable that this first issue reached a fourth and fifth printing. The fourth print is identified by the word Saga in a clear white coloring but surrounded with orange on the outside. It is also notated with the wording of "Fourth Printing" below the price of the issue. The fifth printing follows the same pattern as the fourth print, but with a light brown coloring on the background of the word Saga. It also notates the wording of "Fifth Printing" below the price of the book. The current FMV for the 4th and 5th print for a 9.8 graded copy is showing $270 and $90 respectively.
One Last Variant...
I felt like saving the best for last. The Diamond Retailer Incentive variant is the most valuable issue for the series, let alone issue #1. One important reason driving the value of this variant is the estimated low print of 500 copies in existence. It is highly unlikely you will see this book in dollar bins or in your comic shops for an inexpensive price. The background of the issue is completely different from printings #1-5. It sports a zoomed-in focus on the three main characters of the story and depicts many different colors that make it hard to miss. The current FMV of a graded 9.8 copy is highly-priced at $2,500! This is a nice variant to have, but I do feel it is more than likely out of the price range for many collectors.
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