Comic Book Supplies for Collectors and Novices
Bags, Backing Boards, and Boxes for Storing and Displaying Comics
Aug 26, 2009
One of the reasons that comic books from the "golden" and "silver" ages (roughly the 1930s to 1960s) have become so valuable is that few of these pulp issues were preserved properly.
But today, comics collectors have a wide range of supplies that can help keep their comics in mint condition indefinitely, as well as accessories for keeping them all organized.
Essential Comic Book Supplies
Except for those who don't care about protecting their comics at all, even the most casual comics collectors should have a few essential supplies. Here are the basics for novices and hard-core collectors alike:
- Bags. The simplest way to protect comic books is to store them in plastic bags – but not just any plastic bags. Comics collectors can buy special, archival-quality mylar (transparent polyester) bags that measure 6 7/8 by 10 1/2 inches, the dimensions of a standard comic book. Other sizes are available for slightly wider comics, such as silver age comics, or graphic novels too thick to store in regular bags. Comic book bags also have a longer flap on the front which pulls back, making it easy to insert and remove comics.
- Backing Boards. While it is possible to store comics only in bags, there is a risk that they get bent or creased. Most comics in bags also have backing boards, thin pieces of cardboard the same dimensions as the comic and bag, inserted inside the bag behind the comics to keep them rigid. Good backing boards are acid-free, and coated on one side (the side facing the comics). Backing boards and bags are both relatively inexpensive, and are often sold together in various quantities.
- Sleeves. An alternative to bags and boards are comics sleeves. These large plastic sleeves are more rigid than bags, and often resemble oversized trading-card holders. There are also ones with holes so that they can be kept in three-ring binders. However, sleeves are not as economical or easy to come by as bags and boards.
Comic Book Supplies for Serious Collectors
Dedicated comics collectors tend to have more – and more valuable – comics. They need extra comic book supplies for organizing their larger collections, and for displaying their most prized issues. These supplies include:
- Filing boxes. Once a comics collection exceeds a few dozen issues, a collector needs to store those comics in an orderly way. Special comic book filing boxes are long, tall, and narrow, allowing comics to be stored upright, like in a filing cabinet. They can be made of acid-free, corrugated cardboard or of more durable plastic. Portfolio-style boxes are also available for those wishing to carry and protect a few comics while traveling.
- Dividers. Made to fit in comic book filing boxes and featuring tabs at the top, dividers help organize especially large collections. Anyone who's gone through the back issues at a comics shop has seen them, though dividers are just as useful for individual collectors who have many titles and need to keep them separate.
- Display Frames. Comic book collectors with issues they would like to display on a shelf or a wall can buy special comic book display frames. These can range from simple PVC cases to more elaborate and thicker polystyrene or acrylic cases. However, long term display can damage comics unless the frames block UV rays.
- Price Guides. The serious collector should have an idea about what his or her collection is worth, and for that, a reliable and up-to-date price guide is required. The most famous is the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, published yearly. Comics fan and industry magazines such as Wizard and Comics Buyers Guide also have supplementary price guides, which track comics monthly, but aren't as comprehensive.
Although comic book supplies for collectors are relatively simple, they do important work. Even the most basic supplies, such as bags and boards, protect comic books' sometimes fragile pages from being damaged by handling, moisture, and sunlight. Then, with the right supplies to display and organize them, comics fans can get the most out of their collections.
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