Comic Book Collecting - Some Frequently Asked Questions

What are the comic book grades?

Comic book grades range from mint (the best) to poor (the worst). The grades include near mint, very fine, fine, very good, good, and fair. Comic book grades refer to the amount of wear and tear that the comic book has received.

A mint condition comic book should look as if you just bought it new. There can be no marks, rips, discoloration, wrinkles, rusted staples, or any other imperfection no matter how slight. The only exception to the rule of comic books considered mind is an autographed comic book. Realistically, very few comic books achieve a mint rating. If you believe that you have one, especially if it is also a rare and valuable comic, you might want to send that comic book to the CGC for official grading.

For comic books that are in less than perfect condition, you will need to look carefully at each bit of damage or wear to determine which grade the comic book should receive. Online guides or comic book collectors' magazines often have reference sheets to tell you the specifics of each grade. It may be best to work with a more experienced collector initially, until you are more familiar with how the grading system works. He or she can show you examples of various comic grades.

How can I properly store my comic books to decrease wear and tear?

First, individually bag each comic book in Mylar. These storage bags are available from any good comic book store. You will also want to use comic book boards to prevent bending or creasing. Purchase these individually or in bulk at your comic book store. Remember to change out your boards every few years to prevent the breakdown of the board, which can have a negative impact on your comic. Finally, you will need storage boxes. Comic book storage boxes are available in long or short size. Long boxes are better value for the money, but if your comics must be stored in tight quarters, short boxes will give you more flexibility. Remember to store your comic books in a climate controlled environment. Extremes of heat, cold, humidity, or dryness could have a negative impact on your comic books.

So what comic books should I buy?

The answer to that question really depends on your personal interests. Did you have a favorite comic book character as a kid or do you have one now? Seek out early editions of that character's comics or read the latest on what he or she is doing now.

If you see your comic book collection mostly as an investment, then you will want to carefully research and attempt to understand the market before jumping in. Spend time on online auction sites, visit comic book shops, and talk to other collectors. Find out what is consistently hot, what is hot right now, and what the future trends expect to be. Focus on collecting first editions, full sets, and vintage "finds."

Should I buy at comic book conventions?

Comic book conventions can be great places to find excellent deals. However, you should be aware of a few factors that affect convention buying. First, all sales are final. Make sure that you get exactly what you want, and spend some time shopping before committing to an expensive purchase. You will also want to know how to grade comics and double check that the offered comic is graded properly. With the confusion and flurry of activity involved in getting ready for a convention, it is easy for a retailer to accidentally miss-label an individual item.

The convention may include an auction portion. Pre-auction, some or all of the merchandise should be available for advance examination. Make sure that you know before the auction starts what you want and what you are willing to spend. The excitement of the auction can cause you to overspend your budget or the item's worth, so set limits for yourself at the outset.

What should I know before I sell my comic book collection?

Be sure that each comic in your collection is individually graded, either by yourself or friend, or professionally through the Comics Guaranty Company (CGC). Any especially rare or valuable comics should definitely be graded by the CGC prior to sale, as the official rating will often increase the price you can receive.

Once every comic is graded, check the average selling price for each comic. Decide whether to sell individually, in sets, or in bulk. Often you can receive a better price for low value comics by selling them in bulk or in a complete set, while particularly high-end comics may command the best price alone.

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