signed-firsts

Optic Nerve Issues: A Collector's Reference

Approx. 1 min read · 5 May 2026

Optic Nerve is Adrian Tomine’s anthology series, initially self-published as minicomics (issues #1–4, 1991–1994) before being picked up by Drawn & Quarterly (issues #5–present). Tomine began the series while still in high school, and the progression from teenage minicomics to mature literary work is documented across the series’ run.

Key Issues

#1–4 (self-published, 1991–1994): Minicomic format. Extremely scarce. $50–$200 each. #5 (D&Q, 1995): First D&Q-published issue. $15–$40. #6–8: Early D&Q issues, developing Tomine’s mature style. $10–$25 each. #9–12: Shortcomings serialization. $10–$20 each. #13–14: Later issues with increasingly sophisticated narratives. $8–$15.

Collecting Strategy

The self-published minicomics (#1–4) are the most valuable and scarce. Tomine printed these in tiny runs during his teenage years, and few surviving copies are in fine condition. Complete runs from #1 are the goal for serious Tomine collectors.

Signed Issues

Signed self-published issues: $75–$300
Signed D&Q issues: $15–$40