Facts on Comic Book Collecting

Types

• Comic book collections can be made up of classic issues, rare editions, variant covers of the same issues, or books by specific publishers or authors. Some collections are maintained for entertainment purposes, while others are used as a means of making money.

Potential

• Some collectors buy and sell rare and collectible editions of comic books as a business to make income, or as a side business to make a little extra money on top of an existing career.

Considerations

• When beginning a comic book collection, decide if you are going to be collecting just for reading and enjoying the books yourself, or if you are going to want to buy, sell, and trade comics as well. If you are going to become a dealer of comic books, you need to study up on values, storage and on how to find rare items.

Features

• To keep your collection in top condition, take a few steps to protect the items. All comic books should be kept in a cool, dark place as direct sunlight can fade or bleach the pages. They should be put into plastic sleeves and stored away from heat and moisture that can ruin the paper or cause mildew or mold. Some collectors use backing boards to keep the comic books from bending or losing their shape, but others feel the chemicals in these boards might hurt the books more than help them. Once packaged properly, they are best stored in corrugated plastic boxes.

Prevention/Solution

• Any comic book collection that includes rare and valuable items should be insured in case of theft, damage or loss.

Warning

• Before paying top dollar for a valuable comic book issue, be sure to check in a pricing guide to see if the amount asked for is reasonable. Look at the condition of the book and compare to what the guide tells you. The "Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide" by Robert M. Overstreet is considered the most complete and reliable pricing guide for comic books.

Famous Ties

• Celebrities who have admitted to comic book collecting include Kevin Smith, Rosario Dawson, Jerry Seinfeld, Guillemo del Toro, and Joss Whedon. Nicholas Cage's comic book collection is rumored to be the most valuable ever owned by a celebrity.