The Moncler "Comic Strip" (or cartoon) featuring the iconic washing instructions bird is one of the most recognizable features of an authentic jacket. For years, collectors used it as the primary way to spot a fake.
However, as we move into 2026, the game has changed. Counterfeiters have started scanning original cartoons to create near-perfect replicas. In this guide, we’ll break down the technical details and explain why a perfect cartoon might still be hiding a fake jacket.
1. Does Every Moncler Have a Cartoon?
Before you panic because your jacket is missing the comic, remember: The lack of a cartoon does not always mean it’s a fake.
Select models and specific collections, such as the Longue Saison and Doudoune Legere, are designed to be ultra-lightweight and do not include the comic strip. However, for mainstream models like the Maya, a missing cartoon is a major red flag, as almost all Mayas include one.
2. Material & Saturation: Matte vs. Shiny
One of the easiest ways to spot a low-to-mid-tier fake is the "eye test."
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The Sheen: Authentic Moncler cartoons are printed on a specific fabric with a matte finish. Replicas often use a cheaper, synthetic fabric that looks shiny or reflective under light.
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The Saturation: Fakes often have colors that are too deep, too vivid, or "off-tint." While authentic colors have varied slightly over the years, they never look neon or overly saturated.
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Durability: Surprisingly, authentic cartoons are known to fray at the edges over time. If your cartoon is "peeling" or the ink is wearing off like a cheap sticker, it’s a fake. Authentic ink stays crisp, even if the fabric frays.
3. The Shape: The 2010 Rule
The corners of the comic strip tell a story of the jacket's age:
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Pre-2010: Square corners.
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Post-2010: Slightly rounded corners. Red Flag: Any jacket produced after 2010 with perfectly square corners on the cartoon is a guaranteed counterfeit.
4. The Rise of the "Scanned" Superfake
As of 2020, a large percentage of high-end fakes feature "perfect" cartoons. Counterfeiters now use high-resolution color scanners to print directly onto matte fabric. At this point, the cartoon has become a secondary detail in authentication. You cannot rely on the comic strip alone to prove a jacket is real.
Need more help?
Don’t leave your investment to chance. While a comic strip might look perfect to the naked eye, the experts at Legitique see what scanners miss. From micro-stitching patterns to the exact weight of the hardware and the latest 2026 security features, we provide the definitive answer on your item's authenticity.
Start your proffesional authentication with us and wear your piece with total confidence.
