{"product_id":"the-walking-dead-1-cgc-universal-grade-9-8-rare-black-mature-readers","title":"The Walking Dead #1 — CGC Universal Grade 9.8 (Rare Black \"Mature Readers\")","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSecure the ultimate modern holy grail with this scarce, highly coveted Black \"Mature Readers\" Variant of The Walking Dead #1, professionally certified and encapsulated by CGC as 9.8 Near Mint\/Mint. Written by Robert Kirkman with iconic interior art and covers by Tony Moore, this milestone 2003 issue marks the historic first appearance of Rick Grimes, Shane Walsh, Morgan Jones, and Duane Jones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Black \"Mature Readers\" Variant (The True First State):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike the more common white-text version, this copy features the rare black \"Mature Readers\" text on the cover. During the initial press run, the printer realized the black text was difficult to read against the dark background and stopped the presses to switch the plate to white text. Estimated to comprise roughly only 10% of the total print run, this initial \"first state\" printing is significantly scarcer and commands a major premium among elite collectors over the standard white variant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Highlights:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eRare Black Label Variant: Features the scarce black \"Mature Readers\" cover text from the initial press run before plates were changed to white.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Milestone Issue: The legendary first issue of Robert Kirkman's apocalyptic masterwork that launched a global pop-culture franchise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFirst Appearances: Features the debut of core characters including Rick Grimes, Shane Walsh, Morgan Jones, and Duane Jones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTop-Tier Certification: Graded 9.8 (NM\/MT) by CGC (Certified Guaranty Company).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSecure Holder: Encapsulated in a tamper-evident CGC universal slab with certification number \u003ca href=\"tel:1174295001\"\u003e1174295001\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItem Specifications:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ePublisher: Image Comics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eRelease Date: 10\/03 (October 2003)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eIssue: #1 (Rare Black Label \"Mature Readers\" Variant)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCreative Team: Robert Kirkman (Story), Tony Moore (Art \u0026amp; Cover)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eGrade: CGC 9.8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCertification Number: \u003ca href=\"tel:1174295001\"\u003e1174295001\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Crossroads Collectibles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44880809361459,"sku":null,"price":3999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/1130\/3475\/files\/9FC470F0-97AA-4E3B-8376-AFED21B4269E.jpg?v=1789677369","url":"https:\/\/crossroadscollectibles.com\/products\/the-walking-dead-1-cgc-universal-grade-9-8-rare-black-mature-readers","provider":"Crossroads Collectibles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}