Beginners Guide to Comic Collecting

Here are the basics of getting into comic collecting. Let’s navigate the types, terminology, and how to get started on the right foot.

TYPES OF COMICS

Hey the cover looks good!

When starting your comic collection, don’t get drawn in by awesome comic covers and randomly buy the ones you like. Yep, I know you’ve done that already! While covers look great, they’re not a good indicator of value.

In truth, a comic is valuable if there is demand for it.

Comic Value Should I buy That Comic?

Most comics will not become $100 or higher in value. While the occasional comic achieves significant market prices, these are rare. However, they tend to share certain characteristics, such as:

• They introduce a new character.

• They mark a significant change or development in a major character's storyline.

• They feature iconic superheroes like Spider-Man, X-Men, Batman, or Superman.

• They have a low print number.

• They are tied to popular movies and TV shows.

• They are rare.

• They are high-graded comics (e.g., 9.8).

• They feature work by a popular artist.

  
  

This is by no means a complete list of what makes a comic valuable, but it’s a good starting point.

A few starter tips when buying comics:

• Sellers on auction sites nearly always inflate the price.

• Use apps like Price Charting to search for comic values and history.

• Check websites like GoCollect and CovrPrice for updated comic values.

• Remember to factor in postage costs.
  

What are the different types of comics?

Comics come in a variety of formats and are printed on different materials. This affects their look, feel, and durability. Here’s a summary of the types of comics and their common formats:

1. Single Issue Comics

• Traditional comics, often published monthly or bi-monthly.

• Each issue is part of a larger series or contains a short standalone story.

• Thin and stapled in the middle—these are the classic comics you recognize.

  
  

2. Graphic Novels

• Longer than standard comic books, resembling small books.

• Often tell a complete story from start to finish.

• Can be standalone stories or collections of an ongoing series.

• Typically glossy and glued, not stapled.

  
  

3. Manga

• Japanese comics read from right to left.

• Cover a wide range of genres for various age groups.

• Usually black and white, though some special editions are in color.

  
  

4. Limited Series/Mini-Series

• A comic book series with a preset number of issues.

• Provides a complete narrative with a finite ending.

  
  

5. Anthologies

• Collections of short comics by different authors.

• Often centered around a specific theme, genre, or concept.

  
  

6. One-Shots

• Standalone comics that tell a complete story in a single publication.

• Do not require subsequent issues to conclude the narrative.

Who Publishes Comics ?

Before diving in and buying comics, research the anticipated releases for the upcoming months (this is called "solicitations"). Start by checking the main comic publishers:

• Marvel

• DC

• Dark Horse Comics

• Image Comics

• Boom Studios

• Titan Comics

  
  

Don’t stop with these—there are many other comic publishers worth exploring!

The Magic or Pre-Ordering

Unless you have a wholesale comic account, pre-ordering comics is the best way to get them at the lowest price. With so many available, how do you decide which to buy?

Movies and TV shows heavily influence comic values. Characters featured in popular media often cause related comics to spike in demand. Research upcoming comics and link their releases to movies or shows scheduled for the next 24 months. Use a grid like this to plan your purchases:

Comic Date	Title	Publisher	TV/Movie	Release Date
April 2024	Deadpool vs Wolverine	Marvel	Deadpool 3	July 2024

Also, read blogs and gauge excitement around specific issues. Assess the likelihood of certain storylines becoming hits. Use a table to track insights:

Comic Date	Title	Publisher	Notes
Jan 2024	Ultimate Spider-Man	Marvel	Recreates a new storyline from scratch.

While this approach doesn’t guarantee success, focusing on promotions tied to movie releases, key characters, and major story-lines can help narrow your options. That said, if you’re interested in reading a comic, just buy it!

Remember, you won’t catch every highly popular comic, and that’s okay.

Final Tips

At the start:

1. As you start collecting:

2. Read comics you’re interested in.

3. Take advantage of pre-orders.

4. Set a budget.

5. Avoid buying expensive comics after they’ve become very popular.

6. Check prices on CovrPrice and GoCollect before purchasing expensive comics.

7. Read as much as you can about different types of comics.s.

Happy Collecting;

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Written By David Edwards, Secret Inked Comics.