Expert: Brian G. Philbin - 11/22/2009

Question
I have a #1 edition (1982 ) Gi Joe - A real american hero comic that is pretty much mint. It has no visible damage whatsoever and has been stored in a plastic sleeve for as long as I can remember. Any idea what this comic might be worth? Thanks so much for your time.

Answer
Hi, Ken - thanks for your question!

Your question poses a couple of issues.

While it is possible that you have a very good copy, the fact that it has been in a bag for 28 years is problematic.

The comic - in Near Mint condition - would be valued at $30.00 retail (according to the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide), however, the deterioration caused by the chemicals resulting from polypropylene bags over time would not result in a Near Mint comic.

This is important - regular plastic/polypropylene tends to deteriorate after anything more than a year and a half to a maximum of two years.  This deterioration yellows the plastic and leeches onto the paper, further yellowing it as well as creating an atmosphere for further decay in the future.  

You might not notice it at first, but try taking the plastic bags off of several of them, placing them one over the other in sunlight or good light, and you'll notice that they are lacking in clarity and exhibit a greenish-yellow color as a result of age.  The only practical use for plastic/polypropylene bags is solely as short term storage and to change the bags every year - or - you could purchase Mylar D sleeves to store them in if you intend to store them on a longer term basis.

That said, you can probably see how sales of this comic are going on eBay, as well.

If yould like to look it up online you can also find an online guide at:

www.comicspriceguide.com

I hope that's all helpful - please let me know if you have any further questions!

Pax, harmonia,

Brian G. Philbin
www.metropolisplus.com