what does it mean when a comic book does not have a barcode printed anywhere on it?

what does it mean when a comic book does not have a barcode printed anywhere on it?
and it’s not from free comic book day

Is it considered a misprint?
Is it likely an illegitimate copy?
Does increase or decrease the value?
Or does it mean anything at all?

Best answer:

It may be an illegitimate copy, or it may be intended for promotional use, or other circulation outside of the general public (usually just within the publication company). Might be a test printing. In any case, all it means is that it isn’t intended for sale in stores.

Not sure if subscription comics lack the bar code since I’ve never subscribed to a comic, but alot of subscription magazines have no bar code so it’s a possibility.

It probably doesn’t change the value any if it’s a legit printing.

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1 Comment for what does it mean when a comic book does not have a barcode printed anywhere on it?

  • 1. sailortinkitty  |  August 8th, 2011 at 9:28 am

    It was quite normal for Subscriptions and Mail Orders to not have Bar Codes.

    Some Magezines and Comics took this opertunity to put other things in the spot from time to time. This some times included instant win games.

    Manga wannabe Comics and Comics that were transfered to Comic Format from Manga use to lack their Bar Code.

    Adult Comics use to Lack Bar Codes as well. They’d rather these be out of the sight and reach of Children. This would force employees in stores to deal one on one with people interested in buying them.

    There are also limited prints that may lack Bar Codes because they had high hopes or no hope for the Comic. They either expect it to die or sale out instantly– makeing it high in value. These do not have a large number of the comic printed at the beginning.

    There are also Special Edition Comics. These come in Boxes or Plastic that has the Bar Code for the indivual Comic or for a Set. These can be Reprints– being that it’s not the first time the Comic was released but this Printing is intended to be sold in these sets. These can also be in the boxes of Figure or Figurines. The Super Hero Barbies Dolls and She-Ra Dolls are good examples of Comics that came inside boxes or special sets where they did not require Bar Code.

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