subject: Collecting And Caring For Comics [print this page] Collecting And Caring For Comics Collecting And Caring For Comics
In recent years, comic books have returned to prominence. The easiest way to see this resurgence is to look at the number of movie adaptations that Hollywood has produced. With this increase in popularity, comic books are making a comeback. Many people who enjoyed them as children are rediscovering them as adults, and they are finding new pleasures in old books, uncovering new favorites, and forming new bonds with their comic books. Collecting and caring for comics can be a lot of fun, you just need to get started.
Comics come in two primary formats each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The common depiction is of a small book containing only one issue that totals around thirty pages. However, they also come in larger anthologies where a whole series, know as a run, is complied into one book.
These two formats exist because of how comics have evolved. The serial format allows for companies to produce multiple collector's issues, and they allow the customer to buy an issue when they want. If a series becomes dull, all the customer has to do is wait, and then he or she can start buying new issues as they become interesting again.
The larger anthologies allow a customer to buy a complete series at one time in a single book which makes storage and transportation easier, yet this ease comes at a cost. Though the single volume often costs less than buying each issue individually there is a difference in quality. The single issues are printed on higher quality, glossy paper and done in vivid colors whereas the collected volumes are printed on cheaper paper and are colored with cheaper ink.
After deciding to collect comics you will need to choose how to start. Most towns have at least one comic book shop. Inside them you will find new comics, back editions, and anthologies. If you want advice or help finding a comic or series that is not on the sales floor, simply ask the staff. Often the comic book shop can order any issue you want directly from the manufacture and they usually have deals that allow a return customer to buy single issues cheaper. If you are looking to trade or sell comics, they are also a solid starting point.
Increasingly, the internet has become a great place to find comics. The manufactures sell the comics directly, and there are websites where you can buy back issues, find entire collections, trade with other collectors, and put your old or surplus issues up on the bidding block.
Now that your collection is growing, storage becomes more important. For single issues, most comic book stores sell cardboard backing and plastic sleeves that will prevent your comics from getting dusty, damaged, or torn. Upon storing them in the sleeves, you can put them inside of specially made boxes for easy storage and transport. The larger anthologies are not as susceptible to damage and since they cost less are usually less valuable in the long term and therefore do not require as much protection.
Collecting comics is a hobby that can be as consuming as you wish it. Once you begin collecting and caring for your comics, storing them can become an issue. Just remember to purchase the right equipment and get organized.
