The first Tenth comic published by Image Comics is technically a 4-issue mini-series released in 1996–1997. However, many comic book databases—including CLZ, ComicVine, and other collector systems—categorize this mini-series as “Volume 1” rather than calling it simply a “mini-series.”

This happens for a few reasons:

1. Database Standardization

Most comic catalog systems treat any first published storyline—whether mini-series or ongoing—as Volume 1 of a title.
This keeps the numbering system consistent when later series or ongoings are added.

2. Avoiding Confusion With Later Series

After the mini-series ended, Image Comics launched a full ongoing series of The Tenth beginning in 1997.
To keep the order clear, many databases label:

Mini-Series → Volume 1

Ongoing Series → Volume 2


Even though Image Comics never officially used “Volume 1” or “Volume 2,” this system prevents later issues from being misfiled.

3. Uniform Organization for Collectors

Collectors prefer having everything grouped under volumes rather than mixing “Mini,” “Series 2,” “Reboot,” “One-Shot,” etc.
Using “Vol. 1” for the mini-series keeps everything:

numerically ordered

easy to sort

consistent with most apps and inventory tools



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⭐ How CANDM Merchandise Handles It

To maintain consistency across my entire comic database:

I list the original 4-issue mini-series of The Tenth as “Vol. 1.”

This matches the way most modern collector systems organize the title.

The ongoing 1997–1999 series is listed as “Vol. 2” in my catalog for clarity.