If you have become interested in collecting comic books and aren't exactly sure how to start up, this is a good article to look at. I have been collecting comic books for years now and as my collection grows exponentially I realize that I am in a position to give some advice to those who are just starting.
First of all, if you are going to start collecting, then you must understand some terms:
Title
Although this seems obvious, it is not. A title is which segment of a comics universe (ie- Marvel), this specific comic focuses on. These are things like “Captain America” or “The Amazing Spiderman” or “The X-Men”. Also note that although some titles seem similar, the ARE different. “The Amazing Spiderman” is a different title than “The Sensational Spiderman” and “The X-Men” are different from “The Uncanny X-Men” although they all exist within the Marvel Universe at any given time. Issue
An issue is the segment of a title. They give titles a chronological order and are numbered. You can say that you have a rare issue of “The Uncanny X-Men”, but unless you say the number of that issue, then it may not be as rare as you want people to believe. For example, issue 1 of “The Uncanny X-Men” is worth more than issue 1 of the recently released “Young X-Men”.
So with the above in mind, you are now ready to collect. First, pick a title you might be interested in. It can be anything you want, it doesn't matter, and it's your collection. However, I would suggest you start collecting when the first issue of a new title is released. For example, let's say you want to start collecting X-Men comics. Considering that the majority of X-Men comic titles are already mid-way through their story lines, I would suggest you begin with the recently released “Young X-Men”.
Ideally, you want to pick up a title that is an issue 1 because it is the beginning of that story arch. From there you just continue collecting in a similar fashion. If you miss one or two issues of a title, that's really no big deal unless you're hardcore like myself.
So, let's say you've been collecting for some time now. You've been casually keeping your comics in a box or in a pile on a shelf somewhere which is fine if your collection is relatively small (max 50 issues). But if you continue collecting and begin to get somewhere above 80 comic books, then you should begin considering ways to store and protect your collection. I personally suggest that you pick up some comic book slip covers and some card backings, both of which are sold at any comic book store.
The above way is easily the cheapest and easiest way to take care of your collection. However there is also the option of buying hard plastic covers as well. These are notably more expensive and really meant for hardcore collectors who buy and sell comic books. But to give it some context, here is what my local comic book store charges with regards to the two methods of storage:
- Comic book slips covers: 100/ $6
- Card backings: 50/ $3
- Hard plastic covers: 10/ $15.
Clearly you are getting your monies worth when you buy the slip covers with card backings. It's generally a better idea for those who just want to protect their collection and make it easier for storage. Unless your entire collection consists of extremely rare comic books, then the hard plastic covers make little sense to new or even seasoned collectors.
So with the above in mind I hope you are ready to go out and collect. You don't have to be committed to the point of bankruptcy with regards to your collection, but just remember, it will cost money. To me, though, its worth every penny.
