Editing Print Runs
From LOTR-TCG Wiki
The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
Latest revision | Your text | ||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SplashImage|print run 1U12 closeup.jpg|A comparison of the different print runs of {{Card|1U12}}. Left to right: First edition, second printing, A-revision errata.}} | {{SplashImage|print run 1U12 closeup.jpg|A comparison of the different print runs of {{Card|1U12}}. Left to right: First edition, second printing, A-revision errata.}} | ||
''Not to be confused with [[Reprints]], which are when a card is re-issued in a later set with a new [[Collector's Info]].'' | ''Not to be confused with [[Reprints]], which are when a card is re-issued in a later set with a new [[Collector's Info]].'' | ||
When cards were printed, [[Decipher]] ordered them in large batches called '''Print Runs'''. Additional print runs beyond the first were a rarity, but when they did happen the opportunity was seized to fix typos, incorporate [[Errata]] and [[Clarifications]] into the game text of cards, remove obsolete helper text, and at the very least alter the print run mark in the lower right-hand corner of the card to indicate the card had been reprinted. | When cards were printed, [[Decipher]] ordered them in large batches called '''Print Runs'''. Additional print runs beyond the first were a rarity, but when they did happen the opportunity was seized to fix typos, incorporate [[Errata]] and [[Clarifications]] into the game text of cards, remove obsolete helper text, and at the very least alter the print run mark in the lower right-hand corner of the card to indicate the card had been reprinted. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
Line 14: | Line 8: | ||
== Identifying Print Runs == | == Identifying Print Runs == | ||
For the initial run, all cards had a little {{T|1}} mark next to the copyright line in the very bottom right-hand corner of the card, to indicate "1st Edition". On subsequent print runs, this mark is removed | For the initial run, all cards had a little {{T|1}} mark next to the copyright line in the very bottom right-hand corner of the card, to indicate "1st Edition". On subsequent print runs, this mark is removed, making 2nd and 3rd etc print runs indistinguishable. If a card had its text altered from the original print run, then instead of no mark, an A would be put for the first revision, and B for the second revision, and so on. Only {{Card|The Mirror of Galadriel}} ever received a B mark, as it was the only card to get multiple errata in a short period of time while also being part of three print runs. | ||
<gallery widths=250px heights= | <gallery widths=250px heights=500px> | ||
first edition zoom.jpg|A first-edition printing, with the {{T|1}} mark to the right of the copyright line. | first edition zoom.jpg|A first-edition printing, with the {{T|1}} mark to the right of the copyright line. | ||
second edition zoom.jpg|A second (or third) printing, with no mark. | second edition zoom.jpg|A second (or third) printing, with no mark. | ||
Line 23: | Line 17: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== Fellowship | == Fellowship of the Ring Print Runs == | ||
Set 1, [[Fellowship of the Ring]], had 3 print runs: the initial print run, a second [[Starter Deck]]-only print run, and then a third print run just for cards included inside the [[Fellowship Draft Pack]]. | Set 1, [[Fellowship of the Ring]], had 3 print runs: the initial print run, a second [[Starter Deck]]-only print run, and then a third print run just for cards included inside the [[Fellowship Draft Pack]]. | ||
For this reason, not every [[Common]] or [[Uncommon]] card can be found as a non-first-edition. The only ones to be reprinted were those that were included in the [[Starter_Decks/Fellowship_Block#FOTR_Aragorn_Starter_Deck|FOTR Aragorn Starter Deck]] and [[Starter_Decks/Fellowship_Block#FOTR_Gandalf_Starter_Deck|FOTR Gandalf Starter Deck | For this reason, not every [[Common]] or [[Uncommon]] card can be found as a non-first-edition. The only ones to be reprinted were those that were included in the [[Starter_Decks/Fellowship_Block#FOTR_Aragorn_Starter_Deck|FOTR Aragorn Starter Deck]] and [[Starter_Decks/Fellowship_Block#FOTR_Gandalf_Starter_Deck|FOTR Gandalf Starter Deck]], and the specifically-chosen draft fodder inside the [[Fellowship Draft Pack]]. [[Rare]] cards were reprinted for the 3 random rares included in Starter Decks, and then again as the single random Rare in the Draft Pack. | ||
The following cards all received an A (or B) version as a result of one of these print runs: | The following cards all received an A (or B) version as a result of one of these two print runs: | ||
* {{Card|Axe Strike}} | * {{Card|Axe Strike}} | ||
Line 62: | Line 56: | ||
== The Two Towers Print Runs == | == The Two Towers Print Runs == | ||
While the [[Fellowship Draft Pack]] was unplanned, the [[Towers Draft Pack]] was planned from the start and so excess [[Rare]] cards were printed up-front, meaning that none of those were ever reprinted. As before, the draft-specific runs of [[Common]] and [[Uncommon]] cards were reprinted. | |||
While the [[Fellowship Draft Pack]] was unplanned, the [[Towers Draft Pack]] was planned from the start and so excess [[Rare]] cards were printed up-front, meaning that none of those were ever reprinted. As before, the draft-specific runs of [[Common]] and [[Uncommon]] cards were reprinted | |||
The following cards all received an A revision: | The following cards all received an A revision: | ||
Line 74: | Line 66: | ||
* {{Card|Derndingle}} | * {{Card|Derndingle}} | ||
* {{Card|Streets of Edoras}} | * {{Card|Streets of Edoras}} | ||
== Battle of Helm's Deep Print Runs == | == Battle of Helm's Deep Print Runs == | ||
{{SplashImage|product 05 booster box variants.jpg|The 3 BOHD booster boxes produced. Foreground: Target exclusive square box. Upper left: first printing. Upper right (with yellow sticker), second printing.|500px}} | {{SplashImage|product 05 booster box variants.jpg|The 3 BOHD booster boxes produced. Foreground: Target exclusive square box. Upper left: first printing. Upper right (with yellow sticker), second printing.|500px}} | ||
[[Battle of Helm's Deep]] was the first set that was sold within retail stores, specifically at Target. When time came to stock it, Target objected to the rectangular form factor of the booster box, so Decipher quickly made a square variant and repackaged already-printed boosters into the new boxes. Demand was high for the set, and because | [[Battle of Helm's Deep]] was the first set that was sold within retail stores, specifically at Target. When time came to stock it, Target objected to the rectangular form factor of the booster box, so Decipher quickly made a square variant and repackaged already-printed boosters into the new boxes. Demand was high for the set, and because 40% of the supply was being redirected to Target instead of local game stores, there was a shortage that quickly led to boxes going for $600 a box on eBay. | ||
Decipher scrambled to make a second printing to meet demand, shipping the [[Rare]] and [[Foil]] [[Uncut Sheets]] that they were planning on using for prizes back to the printers to be utilized. The new printing thus contained first edition foils and many first edition [[Rare]]s (although some Rare cards ended up needing to be printed). To differentiate the new box, a yellow circle sticker was affixed by the printer. | Decipher scrambled to make a second printing to meet demand, shipping the [[Rare]] and [[Foil]] [[Uncut Sheets]] that they were planning on using for prizes back to the printers to be utilized. The new printing thus contained first edition foils and many first edition [[Rare]]s (although some Rare cards ended up needing to be printed). To differentiate the new box, a yellow circle sticker was affixed by the printer. | ||
Line 98: | Line 83: | ||
* {{Card|Sam, Nice Sensible Hobbit}} | * {{Card|Sam, Nice Sensible Hobbit}} | ||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
{{Quote | {{Quote | ||
|source=Jim Colson, avid collector and former [[Rider of Rohan]]. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1465106970387398/posts/3141951439369601/ | |source=Jim Colson, avid collector and former [[Rider of Rohan]]. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1465106970387398/posts/3141951439369601/ LOTR-TCG Facebook post here.] | ||
|text=[I was] asked about the rarity of the Beta/Revised/reprint/2nd edition version of the BOHD booster box. I will explain the nature of this rarity. | |text=[I was] asked about the rarity of the Beta/Revised/reprint/2nd edition version of the BOHD booster box. I will explain the nature of this rarity. | ||
So As many of you know the BOHD boosters were some of the first Decipher was able to get into the major Retail chain network. I saw them at Target and a few other locations, on the shelves next to The sports cards and Yu-Gi-Oh packs. But this required a 're-packaging' required by the major retail vendors. So you find that BOHD was also packaged in a 'square' box configuration. (Can provide pics if needed). So when Decipher ordered BOHD, they ordered the Same basic quantities that they had previously ordered in relation to other print runs. HOWEVER, what they failed to consider is that a large percentage went to the Retailers in the alternate packaging format (square boxes). This had an unintended consequence. When it came time for LCS (local card shops) to re-order BOHD, there was none to be had. Decipher didn't print any less, they just changed the way they flowed thru the supply chain. instead of 100% headed to LCS, now only 60% went to them. So Decipher had a problem. There was DEMAND for BOHD from the LCS and they wanted to sell more. So they had a way to do that.... PRINT MORE! That is what they did. They did take advantage of errata and other gameplay changes when reprinting BOHD, and to protect the collectability of the original limited 1st edition run, they corrected game texts and added a revision letter (A), and REMOVED the 1st Edition Symbol from every card reprinted. So now 100% of that reprinted supply went to the Regular Supply Chain for the LCS. Decipher didn't bother to reprint the boxes so they asked the printer to put a yellow Dot, on the packaging to indicate that revision cards were contained in the identical packaging box. | So As many of you know the BOHD boosters were some of the first Decipher was able to get into the major Retail chain network. I saw them at Target and a few other locations, on the shelves next to The sports cards and Yu-Gi-Oh packs. But this required a 're-packaging' required by the major retail vendors. So you find that BOHD was also packaged in a 'square' box configuration. (Can provide pics if needed). So when Decipher ordered BOHD, they ordered the Same basic quantities that they had previously ordered in relation to other print runs. HOWEVER, what they failed to consider is that a large percentage went to the Retailers in the alternate packaging format (square boxes). This had an unintended consequence. When it came time for LCS (local card shops) to re-order BOHD, there was none to be had. Decipher didn't print any less, they just changed the way they flowed thru the supply chain. instead of 100% headed to LCS, now only 60% went to them. So Decipher had a problem. There was DEMAND for BOHD from the LCS and they wanted to sell more. So they had a way to do that.... PRINT MORE! That is what they did. They did take advantage of errata and other gameplay changes when reprinting BOHD, and to protect the collectability of the original limited 1st edition run, they corrected game texts and added a revision letter (A), and REMOVED the 1st Edition Symbol from every card reprinted. So now 100% of that reprinted supply went to the Regular Supply Chain for the LCS. Decipher didn't bother to reprint the boxes so they asked the printer to put a yellow Dot, on the packaging to indicate that revision cards were contained in the identical packaging box. | ||
Line 116: | Line 94: | ||
So what is more rare? Well the Revised print run was a significantly smaller print run. But the demand was soft despite the supply chain changes. So what remained sealed, while much more rare, was... 2nd edition/reprinted BOHD. So in hunting sealed product, it is easier to find Reprinted BOHD vs 1st Edition, because most of 1st edition was opened and used for gameplay/collections. So while it 'seems' BOHD revised is about the same to acquire sealed, it is certainly not the same total production run as 1st edition. IIRC it was only about 20-25% of the original print run. | So what is more rare? Well the Revised print run was a significantly smaller print run. But the demand was soft despite the supply chain changes. So what remained sealed, while much more rare, was... 2nd edition/reprinted BOHD. So in hunting sealed product, it is easier to find Reprinted BOHD vs 1st Edition, because most of 1st edition was opened and used for gameplay/collections. So while it 'seems' BOHD revised is about the same to acquire sealed, it is certainly not the same total production run as 1st edition. IIRC it was only about 20-25% of the original print run. | ||
Just a side note on values of BOHD 1st Edition. I recall that during the 'shortage' that 1st Edition boosters of BOHD spiked up to $600 a box! (this also added to Decipher's decision to reprint BOHD) People started to hoard them thinking they were going to continue to spike up in value. When the reprints hit the street... Demand for 1st Edition Tanked... and the value also totally tanked. So that is why some of them are still out there.}} | Just a side note on values of BOHD 1st Edition. I recall that during the 'shortage' that 1st Edition boosters of BOHD spiked up to $600 a box! (this also added to Decipher's decision to reprint BOHD) People started to hoard them thinking they were going to continue to spike up in value. When the reprints hit the street... Demand for 1st Edition Tanked... and the value also totally tanked. So that is why some of them are still out there.}} | ||
Line 123: | Line 99: | ||
{{Quote | {{Quote | ||
|source=Jim Colson, avid collector and former [[Rider of Rohan]]. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1465106970387398/posts/3141951439369601/ | |source=Jim Colson, avid collector and former [[Rider of Rohan]]. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1465106970387398/posts/3141951439369601/ LOTR-TCG Facebook post here.] | ||
|text= | |text= | ||
''Hey guys, so I was opening some loose HD boosters tonight and I realized all of my rares are 1st edition but rest of cards are not. So apparently they had plenty of extra rare sheets as well as foils when they reprinted the set?'' | ''Hey guys, so I was opening some loose HD boosters tonight and I realized all of my rares are 1st edition but rest of cards are not. So apparently they had plenty of extra rare sheets as well as foils when they reprinted the set?'' | ||
Line 132: | Line 108: | ||
{{Quote | {{Quote | ||
|source=Jim Colson, avid collector and former [[Rider of Rohan]]. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1465106970387398/posts/2694289180802498/ | |source=Jim Colson, avid collector and former [[Rider of Rohan]]. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1465106970387398/posts/2694289180802498/ LOTR-TCG Facebook post here.] | ||
|text= | |text= | ||
OK, I had posted about the Battle of Helms Deep, Reprints, and got a lot of questions, so I thought I'd clarify some collecting points. LOOKING CLOSELY at the Lower Rightmost Corner of the Card: In the first set of 3 cards shown below (Gimli) you have a 1st Edition Card next to a Reprinted card (New Copyright Date with no symbol) next to a Revised Card with an "A" alpha signifying a change to the game text. (See "Zoomed-in" Picture of the lower right Corner of the card with the copyright information) | OK, I had posted about the Battle of Helms Deep, Reprints, and got a lot of questions, so I thought I'd clarify some collecting points. LOOKING CLOSELY at the Lower Rightmost Corner of the Card: In the first set of 3 cards shown below (Gimli) you have a 1st Edition Card next to a Reprinted card (New Copyright Date with no symbol) next to a Revised Card with an "A" alpha signifying a change to the game text. (See "Zoomed-in" Picture of the lower right Corner of the card with the copyright information) | ||
Line 149: | Line 125: | ||
And from my posting about Helms Deep. 100% of the Base Set was reprinted. Not the starters, Not the foils. So no Starter Premiums were reprinted. That post was buried in Kreg Miller's thread about a complete box collection, missing a Beta and commercial reprint versions of Helms Deep sealed boxes. | And from my posting about Helms Deep. 100% of the Base Set was reprinted. Not the starters, Not the foils. So no Starter Premiums were reprinted. That post was buried in Kreg Miller's thread about a complete box collection, missing a Beta and commercial reprint versions of Helms Deep sealed boxes. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Product Table}} | {{Product Table}} |