What You Should Consider To Become A Comic Collector
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.
A serious comic collector will need to be aware of what issues he or she has, as well as the condition of each piece. To keep track of large volumes, it’s recommended that you get comic book collection software to help you. These programs allow you to input new and existing comics into a personal database, quickly scan/search for certain criterion that buyers may be looking for, compile a wish list of items you want to include and determine the value of your collection. This can also help greatly when you’re listing your information on sites like www.ebay.com. New and bargain collectors can find free software to accomplish the basics at www.comiccollectorlive.com. For mid-level collectors, www.collectorz.com/comic offers improved ways of inputting new or existing comics and search capacity for $24.95 or $39.95 (pro version). For the hardcore collector, www.comicbase.com offers a variety of programs, ranging from $49.95 (express) to $299 (archive edition), allowing you the best ways to create wish lists and determine the value of your collection based on comic book industry standard criterion.
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.
So now for the golden question burning on a comic collector‘s mind, “How much are old comic books worth?” Actor Nicholas Cage reportedly had a comic book collection comprised of 400 magazines that stretched into seven-figures! So far, the highest price paid for a comic book on www.ebay.com is $350,000 for Marvel Comics #1, sold in November 2001, although the same issue also sold in 2008 for $28,000 on eBay, which shows the very real discrepancies in value at any given time. It’s best to check several different sources, such as The Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, or sites like www.comicbookrealm.com and www.gpanalysis.com, to get a rough idea of what’s hot on the market right now.
