Donatello: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ##1
Mirage Studios • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro-Series: Donatello
Writer
Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird
Interior Artist
Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird
Cover Artist
Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird (painted by Michael Dooney)
Publication Date
February 1986
Cover Variant
Regular (A Cover)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A one-shot micro-series focusing on Donatello. The story follows Donatello meeting a reclusive artist named Kirby (homage to Jack Kirby) who possesses a magic pencil that brings his drawings to life. They travel to a fantasy dimension together.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine+ (CGC 8.5)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress ticks, slight corner blunting at bottom right, potential minor surface dirt/smudging due to white cover stock, and light edge wear. Overall well-preserved.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $225; Graded (CGC 8.5-9.0): $250 - $350
Recent Sales
CGC 9.6 copies have sold for $450-$550; Raw Mid-to-High Grade copies range from $175-$250 depending on foxing and spine condition.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if it reaches a 9.0 or higher. A professional clean and press is highly recommended to remove surface debris from the white cover and sharpen the spine, potentially bumping it to a 9.2-9.4.
Notable Features
First appearance of Kirby (the character). Significant early Mirage Studios key. Notable for its painted cover art and Jack Kirby tribute story. High collectible demand due to the popularity of the TMNT franchise.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1986 Mirage first printing. Correct $1.50 cover price ($2.00 in Canada). Presence of signature Mirage 'grainy' newsstand-quality interior paper stock and flat matte cover finish is consistent with the era.