Comic Collector – Are You Interested To Become One?

So you want to become a comic collector? Perhaps it’s the vivid colors, clean lines and creativity of the comic book art that draws you in. Or perhaps it’s the compelling story lines, the delving into science fiction fantasy combined with character development that draws you in. Maybe you’re an aspiring artist studying Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. You go to the comic book convention every year, so why not collect too? Most comic collectors are, in fact, die-hard, devoted fans. Comic book collection values range from a few dollars over face value to six-figures, so the financial side of things depends upon the condition, rarity and issue. If you decide to collect, then you should be in it for pleasure and a sense of community, more than for business.

If you’re a comic collector who already has a decent comic book collection, then you will need methods of preserving your treasures. High humidity, temperature fluctuations, lighting, poor air circulation, pets, dirt and mold can all hurt your precious comics if you’re not careful. Therefore, it is recommended that you store your gems within PET film, polyethylene or polypropylene storage bags. Some collectors prefer corrugated plastic boxes to give added protection against moisture damage. The newest way to protect comics is with submitting your comic books to the Comics Guarantee LLC, where your comic book collection will be inspected for flaws, graded and sealed using Barex, a plastic polymer in a process called “slabbing.” However, acid-free backing boards and mylar sleeves are said to be just as good for storage by many critics. It’s really all up to the individual. To fetch top dollar on your collection, you’ll need to know the rating and condition of your collection, through the CGC.

There are many places where a collector of comic books can buy or sell a comic book collection. Buyers can check comic book stores, the publishers’ websites (Marvel, DC Dark Horse, IDW), www.ebay.com, www.craigslist.org, www.milehighcomics.com, www.g-mart.com, www.comics-db.com, www.mycomicshop.com, www.amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. As can be expected, sellers can also unload their collections at many of these same places. At www.comicshoplocator.com, you can find a place to trade-in your old stash for quick cash, although this isn’t the way to make the best money. Auction houses are sometimes good, particularly if you have a full collection of a comic book series. You can find some at www.comics.heritageauctions.com, www.morphyauctions.com and www.christies.com. However, by far, the best way for a patient and savvy collector to sell is an internet auction like www.ebay.com, where top prices can be commanded.

A comic collector will naturally be curious about what old comic books are worth. Popular and respected guides include The Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, Comics Buyer’s Guide magazine, Wizard Magazine, the Comics Buyer’s Guide Standard Catalog of Comic Books, and the Human Computing’s ComicBase software program. Online, comic collectors can also check out free resources like www.comicbookrealm.com, www.comicspriceguide.com or www.nostomania.com. At www.gpanalysis.com buyers can view price data gathered from online auction houses and private dealer sales, which are updated daily. Leveraging against several sources is usually the best way to determine an old comic’s true value.