The points of issue
First collected edition, Fantagraphics, October 1985, an oversized softcover trade paperback collecting Love and Rockets (1982 magazine series) issues 1 and 2. The original 1985 edition was titled simply Music for Mechanics (also styled Love and Rockets: Book 1); the 'Vol. 1' numbering belongs to the later reissue program. A first printing carries no later-printing statement on the indicia/copyright page; a December 1986 second printing followed and is noted as such.
Is this the true first?
The self-published Love and Rockets number 1 (1981) and the Fantagraphics Love and Rockets magazine number 1 (1982) are the true first appearances and the key collectibles. The 1985 book is the first trade collection of that material.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. The original 1982 Fantagraphics Love and Rockets number 1 is the key issue and exists in many printings, distinguished by printing notes in the indicia.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Love and Rockets, Vol. 1 (Music for Mechanics) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First collected edition, Fantagraphics, October 1985, an oversized softcover trade paperback collecting Love and Rockets (1982 magazine series) issues 1 and 2. The original 1985 edition was titled simply Music for Mechanics (also styled Love and Rockets: Book 1); the 'Vol. 1' numbering belongs to the later reissue program. A first printing carries no later-printing statement on the indicia/copyright page; a December 1986 second printing followed and is noted as such.
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 self-published Love and Rockets number 1 (1981) and the Fantagraphics Love and Rockets magazine number 1 (1982) are the true first appearances and the key collectibles. The 1985 book is the first trade collection of that material.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. The original 1982 Fantagraphics Love and Rockets number 1 is the key issue and exists in many printings, distinguished by printing notes in the indicia.
I have a first edition of Love and Rockets, Vol. 1 (Music for Mechanics) — 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.