misterspock wrote in DMG 1st Print Alpha, Beta, and Gamma:Check the textures too on the covers between the beta (red "flame on!" ) and the gamma ("flame off!"). Are they different? I have one with the red that seems different in texture (smoother) than the gamma.I have probably like 10-15 more copies to check in boxes...
SimperingToad wrote in DMG 1st Print Alpha, Beta, and Gamma::salut: Hey all,Long time no post.If I'm seeing what I think I am (and it's not easy to see), the 'flame' deal appears to be a printing flaw, where a color or two from the four (CMYK) inks did not print for whatever reason (bad negative, dust, etc.). This can happen at any time during the print run, and when caught, usually means stopping the press and fixing the problem. Not really indicative of a print run, just a flaw.It might be interesting to run a straight edge below the Reference line. If it is anything like my copy of the revised printing, the 'E' is merely visually higher, but in fact, it is aligned. Run a ruler along the bottoms of all 'E's. The difference in background and/or a black plate a smidgen out of registration would be my guess. Again, SOP for printing.Cover material would be more significant, among other things.
Gnat the Beggar wrote in DMG 1st Print Alpha, Beta, and Gamma:No need for a ruler, as the E is clearly out of line with the rest of the type on that line; See scan below...[ Image ]
Gnat the Beggar wrote in DMG 1st Print Alpha, Beta, and Gamma:I have seven first print DMGs:Only one of my copies has a mis-aligned E in REFERENCE and none of my copies has a RED DOT below the "N" in GAMEMASTERING as described above.I would like to see some additional close up shots of the RED DOT and of the mis-aligned E.As for texture of the cover, they all seem pretty much the same to me, some have more wear.BLUE FLAME One copy = DMG 1st Alpha - This copy does not have the last "E" in REFERENCE mis-aligned, NO red dot below the "N" in GAMEMASTERINGRED FLAME Three copies = DMG 1st Beta - This copy does not have the last "E" in REFERENCE mis-aligned, NO red dot below the "N" in GAMEMASTERINGNO FLAME Two copies = DMG 1st Gamma - This copy does not have the last "E" in REFERENCE mis-aligned, NO red dot below the "N" in GAMEMASTERINGNO FLAME One copy = DMG 1st Gamma - This copy has the last "E" in REFERENCE mis-aligned, NO red dot below the "N" in GAMEMASTERINGNo need for a ruler, as the E is clearly out of line with the rest of the type on that line; See scan below...[ Image ]
Melnibonean wrote in DMG 1st Print Alpha, Beta, and Gamma:Hi Everyone,I would be interested to hear from Gnat and Dwarf if the cover of their blue flame copies are of the texture I have described above: more of a 1st Print Monster manual where you can see the grid type pattern and feel the stringy texture. I believe I can see it in Dwarf's copy but it is definitely something that is hard to see in a photo. Scott
Melnibonean wrote in DMG 1st Print Alpha, Beta, and Gamma:Hi Everyone,First of all. Thank you for your posts. I really appreciate it. There appear to be some common conditions that are here and some additional irregularities. One additional criteria that may or may not help is the cover material. I would be interested to hear from Gnat and Dwarf if the cover of their blue flame copies are of the texture I have described above: more of a 1st Print Monster manual where you can see the grid type pattern and feel the stringy texture. I believe I can see it in Dwarf's copy but it is definitely something that is hard to see in a photo. Scott
Melnibonean wrote in DMG 1st Print Alpha, Beta, and Gamma:Hi Gnat. Thank you very much for the reply. Up until now, my sample set has only been about 8 copies of the DMG. I am excited that you have so many first prints. Is there any way to scan the front covers of the DMGs especially the word REFERENCE on your blue flame copy and the word GAMEMASTERING on your no flame copies? You can see the red dot if you go to the tome of treasures link in my first post. I think you may be missing that. I am surprised that you do not have a single red dot on your no flame copies. The texture difference I have found most noticeable in the blue flame copy but it is quite possible that cover materials did not necessarily match up with these abnormalities on the printing of the cover. Thanks again. Any photos are greatly appreciated.Cheers!ScottBy the way. It did appear in Tome of Treasures that the red dot condition seemed to be erratic. I thought that maybe those were blue flame copies that they had not noticed the blue flame before.
