How to Identify a Abstract Studio First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Creator-owned publisher (Terry Moore): on Abstract Studio's own floppy issues, the first printing carries no printing statement in the indicia; later printings are explicitly marked (for example, the second printing states 'SECOND PRINTING').
• Collected trade paperbacks and 'pocket book' editions: the copyright/indicia page states the printing and year; a first printing carries no later-printing statement.
• Because runs are small and self-distributed, many issues and collections were reprinted; the indicia printing statement, or its absence, is the key tell.

Notable points & cautions

• Founded around 1994 by Terry Moore to self-publish 'Strangers in Paradise' (the Abstract Studio volume two run, 1994-1996); later published 'Echo', 'Rachel Rising', 'Motor Girl', 'Five Years', and 'Parker Girls'.
• Correction: the original 1993 three-issue 'Strangers in Paradise' miniseries (volume one) was published by Antarctic Press, NOT Abstract Studio. Abstract Studio did not exist in 1993. The first Antarctic Press printing of issue #1 carries no printing statement and lists a print run of 3,000; the second printing states 'SECOND PRINTING'. Do not attribute the 1993 first printing to Abstract Studio.
• Single-creator house with no sub-imprints; all Abstract Studio material carries the Abstract Studio indicia, and printing is determined by the indicia statement or its absence.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Abstract Studio book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Creator-owned publisher (Terry Moore): on Abstract Studio's own floppy issues, the first printing carries no printing statement in the indicia; later printings are explicitly marked (for example, the second printing states 'SECOND PRINTING'). Collected trade paperbacks and 'pocket book' editions: the copyright/indicia page states the printing and year; a first printing carries no later-printing statement.

Does Abstract Studio use a number line?

Collected trade paperbacks and 'pocket book' editions: the copyright/indicia page states the printing and year; a first printing carries no later-printing statement.

Is a book-club edition a Abstract Studio first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded around 1994 by Terry Moore to self-publish 'Strangers in Paradise' (the Abstract Studio volume two run, 1994-1996); later published 'Echo', 'Rachel Rising', 'Motor Girl', 'Five Years', and 'Parker Girls'.

What era does this cover?

This covers Abstract Studio (1994-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.