Defunkd

[Collie]

Long time trying to determine whether this is the only surviving, oldest piece of 2000AD comic-paid-for merchandise in existence.
Bought by me in 1977 (see original comic picture) and NEVER worn.
Recently had the Prog 18 comic signed by Dave Gibbons, who drew the artwork (Apologies, rubbish picture and need to re-do)
Picture of Prog 20 shows the only other time they advertised the T-Shirts.
I have confirmed with Rebellion, who own 2000AD, that they do not have one, but they are interested in maybe displaying it next year for the comic's 50th anniversary.
If anyone knows of another, I would dearly love to know.
Col.

[jimmyj]

Oh wow thanks for sharing, love this kinda stuff. What a relic.

I did a quick search, couldn't find a trace of it anywhere!

You ordered away for it when you were a kid?

[Collie]

Hi,
Yes, I was 12 years old, and who knows why, but I never wore it.
It may be the only surviving example of the first paid-for merchandise in comic history.
Add to that, it is museum-grade quality; it is unique.
Back then it was very early in the comics history (Judge Dredd was not even a T-Shirt option) and £2.45 was a lot of money for a child in 1977.
That, and the fact that it is a poor-quality transfer that would never survive several washes, means it never survived.
I appreciate you trying to search for other examples, but several auction houses have drawn a black as well.
Col.

[jimmyj]

Hi,
Yes, I was 12 years old, and who knows why, but I never wore it.
It may be the only surviving example of the first paid-for merchandise in comic history.
Add to that, it is museum-grade quality; it is unique.
Back then it was very early in the comics history (Judge Dredd was not even a T-Shirt option) and £2.45 was a lot of money for a child in 1977.
That, and the fact that it is a poor-quality transfer that would never survive several washes, means it never survived.
I appreciate you trying to search for other examples, but several auction houses have drawn a black as well.
Col.

Yeah how the heck did you not wear it! Smart little guy. I did notice the sort of yellow frame and thought it might be a transfer. T-shirt collectors generally shy away from them because of what you mentioned, they don't withstand the test of time. But in this case, it's mint, and it's more an item a comic collector would want it over a t-shirt guy.

What's the brand on the tee btw?

[Collie]

The T‑shirt is branded Monte Cristo.
Monte Cristo was a UK garment manufacturer active through the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for producing 100 % cotton shirts for promotional and licensed runs. They supplied small‑batch print jobs for companies like Jupiter Designs, which handled the official 2000 AD merchandise.