Comics Then & Now

Comics Collecting Then

As comic books became popular, some readers saved them. Most readers were children and treated comic books as disposable entertainment. Many children traded comics, and one issue might be read, reread, and handled roughly by five or more of them. Originally, comic book paper was newsprint, vulnerable to heat, light, and moisture, with a sulfur content so high that chemical reactions aged it rapidly. Despite this, some readers preserved their issues carefully – only to have them donated to paper drives or otherwise destroyed when their owners left home.

The few readers who preserved what they loved had to limit their source of back issues to thrift shops or the few second-hand bookstores that bothered to stock comic books.

Earlier (in the ’30s and ’40s) among science-fiction readers, a tradition had sprung up of collecting (science-fiction and fantasy) magazines, of producing amateur fan magazines (fanzines) in which to discuss SF, and of holding gatherings at which fellow SF fans could meet. In that tradition, some fans in the early ’50s produced fanzines devoted to E.C.’s line of comics – but those died with E.C.

At the World Science-Fiction Convention (Labor Day weekend 1960), SF fans Dick and Pat Lupoff gave away copies of the first issue of their fanzine, Xero. In that issue was the first installment of the continuing feature "All in Color for a Dime" — devoted to comics of the ’40s. Without seeing Xero, several other comics aficionados — some SF fans, some not — decided to produce their own amateur magazines devoted to comic books and comic strips.

The time was right for comics collecting across America.

Since then, comics collecting has grown steadily. At first, comics collectors were few compared to the total number of people who read comic books. Comics publishing companies were distantly polite to (and a bit bewildered by) comics collectors – but comic books were not tailored to suit collector interests.

Over the years, comic-book circulations have shrunk, the comics collector population has increased, and many comic books today do very well selling solely to the collector market.

Comics Collecting Now

The collector should always stay informed about new trends developing in this fast-moving market. Since the market fluctuates greatly, and there is a vast array of comics to choose from, it's recommended first and foremost that you collect what you enjoy reading; that way, despite any value changes, you will always maintain a sense of personal satisfaction with your collection.

New comic books are available in many different kinds of stores, from the local comic shop to book and music stores, toy stores, and even supermarkets and convenience stores. Local flea markets and, of course, comic book conventions in your area are also excellent sources for new and old comic books.

Most collectors begin by buying new issues in Mint condition directly from their local comics stores. Subscription services are often available from such shops or any of the several mail-order services. The trick is to locate a store that carries a complete line of comics.

Before you buy any comic to add to your collection, you should carefully inspect its condition. Unlike stamps and coins, defective comics are generally not highly prized. The cover should be properly cut and printed. Remember that every blemish or sign of wear depreciates the beauty and value of your comics.

The serious collector may buy extra copies of popular titles. He may trade these multiples for items unavailable locally (for example, foreign comics), or he may store the multiples for resale at some future date. Such speculation is, of course, a gamble. Selecting the right investment books is tricky business that requires special knowledge. With experience, the beginner will improve his buying skills. Remember, if you play the new comics market, be prepared to buy and sell fast as values rise and fall rapidly.

Today's comic books offer a wide variety of subjects, art styles and writers to satisfy even the most discriminating fan. Whether it's the latest new hot title or company, or one of many popular titles that have been around for a long time, the comic book fan has a broad range from which to pick. Print runs of many popular titles have dropped over the past few years, creating the possibility of a true rarity occurring when demand outstrips supply. Less "gimmicky" covers are seen these days, but occasionally an eye-catching specialty cover will appear, such as the Superman new costume issue (#123) that glows in the dark. Some cover variants continue to appear as well.

BACK ISSUES

A "back issue" is any comic currently not available on the stands. Collectors of current titles often want to find the earlier issues in order to complete the run. Thus a back issue collector is born. Comic books have been published and collected for over 100 years. However, the earliest known comic book dealers didn't appear until the late 1930s. But today, there are hundreds of dealers that sell old comic books.

Putting a quality collection of old comics together takes a lot of time, effort and money. Many old comics are not easy to find. Persistence and luck play a big part in acquiring needed issues. Most quality collections are put together over a long period. Comics of early vintage can be expensive. Unless you have unlimited funds to invest in your hobby, you will find it necessary to restrict your collecting in certain ways. However you define your collection, you should be careful to set your goals well within affordable limits.