Wasted $150 on a 'rare' first issue that was a reprint the whole time

I was at a shop in Austin last spring and dropped $150 on what I thought was a genuine first issue of a 90s indie title. The seller seemed real sure it was the real deal, and I got caught up in the hype. Turns out after I got home and looked closer at the barcode and paper quality, it was a second printing from 3 years later. I felt pretty dumb for not double checking the indicia or asking for a magnification tool. The shop wouldn't take it back either since it was marked as-is. Has anyone else gotten burned by mislabeled back issues from dealers?

2 comments

2 Comments

lane.eric25d ago

Lesson learned: always pack a magnifying glass and some shame.

fox.derek25d ago

Wait, did you actually try to use a magnifying glass to start a fire or read tiny print, @lane.eric? Because I've been there, trying to use one for a map in the rain and just ended up with a wet, useless sheet of paper and a bad attitude. How'd that lesson hit you exactly - did you scorch something important or just look like a fool in front of someone? I've packed three different lighters and a ferro rod on every trip since my last disaster, but I still bring a little magnifier just in case the sun decides to cooperate for once. What's the real takeaway here, other than never trusting your gear when you're miles from the truck?