How to identify a first printing
- US editions, 1999-present: deluxe graphic-novel first printings are identified by the indicia printing statement, with a first printing stating an original date and reprints stating a later printing. Many oversized 'deluxe' editions are discrete reprintings of classic European material, each US printing dated in the indicia.
- Humanoids/DC co-editions (the DC distribution agreement was signed in January 2004 and ran through the mid-2000s): some Moebius and Jodorowsky material was published under this arrangement and carries DC indicia conventions, forming a distinct collectible sub-line. Note that the earlier standalone Humanoids editions began in 1999, before the DC deal.
- The Incal, The Metabarons, and Moebius oversized deluxe reissues (2010s-2020s) exist in multiple competing editions and printings over the decades, so the specific publisher, format, and indicia date must be verified; the same work appears across the DC-era co-editions, standard Humanoids editions, and later deluxe slipcased reprints.
Notable points & cautions
- Parent Les Humanoïdes Associés (France, 1974) published Métal Hurlant; the US arm brings Moebius, Jodorowsky (The Incal, The Metabarons), and Enki Bilal to English. The US company was founded in 1999 by Fabrice Giger, who had acquired the French parent in 1988.
- The Incal has a tangled English-edition history (DC-era co-editions from 2004, standalone Humanoids editions, then deluxe oversized reprints), so edition confusion is common; match indicia plus format carefully.
- Deluxe oversized slipcased editions are the premium collectible format; limitation statements, when signed and numbered, are separate from the printing line.
- The Life Drawn imprint handles literary and non-fiction graphic novels.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Humanoids, H1 (superhero line, historical), Life Drawn (literary/non-fiction), Humanoids/DC co-editions (mid-2000s, historical). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Humanoids, Inc. (Les Humanoïdes Associés, US arm) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. US editions, 1999-present: deluxe graphic-novel first printings are identified by the indicia printing statement, with a first printing stating an original date and reprints stating a later printing. Many oversized 'deluxe' editions are discrete reprintings of classic European material, each US printing dated in the indicia. Humanoids/DC co-editions (the DC distribution agreement was signed in January 2004 and ran through the mid-2000s): some Moebius and Jodorowsky material was published under this arrangement and carries DC indicia conventions, forming a distinct collectible sub-line. Note that the earlier standalone Humanoids editions began in 1999, before the DC deal.
Does Humanoids, Inc. (Les Humanoïdes Associés, US arm) use a number line?
Humanoids/DC co-editions (the DC distribution agreement was signed in January 2004 and ran through the mid-2000s): some Moebius and Jodorowsky material was published under this arrangement and carries DC indicia conventions, forming a distinct collectible sub-line. Note that the earlier standalone Humanoids editions began in 1999, before the DC deal.
Is a book-club edition a Humanoids, Inc. (Les Humanoïdes Associés, US arm) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Parent Les Humanoïdes Associés (France, 1974) published Métal Hurlant; the US arm brings Moebius, Jodorowsky (The Incal, The Metabarons), and Enki Bilal to English. The US company was founded in 1999 by Fabrice Giger, who had acquired the French parent in 1988.
What era does this cover?
This covers Humanoids, Inc. (Les Humanoïdes Associés, US arm) (1999-present (US arm); French parent 1974-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.