The points of issue
First complete one-volume collected edition, Kitchen Sink Press, 1998, gathering the ten-issue series (issues 1-10, Tundra then Kitchen Sink, 1990-1996) into a single hardcover of roughly 500 pages. First printing identified by the Kitchen Sink 1998 indicia with no later-printing statement. A signed and numbered limited hardcover, issued in a slipcase with an audio CD of McKean's music bound in and signed by McKean (limited to 1000 copies), is a distinct collectible state alongside the standard trade hardcover.
Is this the true first?
The single issues (Cages 1-10, 1990-1996) are the true first appearances of the work; the 1998 Kitchen Sink one-volume is the first complete book edition. Later NBM (2002) and Dark Horse (2010) collected editions are 'first thus.'
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Confirm the Kitchen Sink Press 1998 imprint for the first complete edition; distinguish the standard trade hardcover from the signed/numbered slipcased state with CD.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cages a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First complete one-volume collected edition, Kitchen Sink Press, 1998, gathering the ten-issue series (issues 1-10, Tundra then Kitchen Sink, 1990-1996) into a single hardcover of roughly 500 pages. First printing identified by the Kitchen Sink 1998 indicia with no later-printing statement. A signed and numbered limited hardcover, issued in a slipcase with an audio CD of McKean's music bound in and signed by McKean (limited to 1000 copies), is a distinct collectible state alongside the standard trade hardcover.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The single issues (Cages 1-10, 1990-1996) are the true first appearances of the work; the 1998 Kitchen Sink one-volume is the first complete book edition. Later NBM (2002) and Dark Horse (2010) collected editions are 'first thus.'
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Confirm the Kitchen Sink Press 1998 imprint for the first complete edition; distinguish the standard trade hardcover from the signed/numbered slipcased state with CD.
I have a first edition of Cages — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.