The points of issue
Hardcover, Pantheon Books, 2000 (ISBN 0-375-40692-1). First printing identified by a complete number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. Collects the David Boring storyline from Eightball #19-21. Issued in dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
The US Pantheon hardcover is the true first book edition; the story was previously serialized in Daniel Clowes's comic Eightball #19-21 (Fantagraphics, 1998-2000). The UK Jonathan Cape edition (ISBN 0-224-06323-5) followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition; the 2002 Pantheon trade softcover and later printings are not the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of David Boring a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Hardcover, Pantheon Books, 2000 (ISBN 0-375-40692-1). First printing identified by a complete number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. Collects the David Boring storyline from Eightball #19-21. Issued in dust jacket.
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 US Pantheon hardcover is the true first book edition; the story was previously serialized in Daniel Clowes's comic Eightball #19-21 (Fantagraphics, 1998-2000). The UK Jonathan Cape edition (ISBN 0-224-06323-5) followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition; the 2002 Pantheon trade softcover and later printings are not the first.
I have a first edition of David Boring — 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.