Expert: Justin Case - 12/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: 1. How many comic books are there out there right now? (eg. issues, TPB, volumes, books, HC, etc.)
2. What makes a comic books cost more than others? Is it because it is in the fittest and newest shape?

ANSWER: Hi Henry -

1. Millions!  Even a singular character like Spider-Man has anywhere from three to five different lines featuring his character, not to mention specials, team-ups, etc.  

And that's just Marvel!  If you count the independent publishers there are hundreds of comics published on a monthly basis.

2.  Some are more valuable because they feature the debut of an artist or character who later went on to become popular.  Incredible Hulk #181 is an example of this as the final panels of that issue introduced for the first time a character who was something of a foil for the Hulk named Wolverine. As you probably know he went on to become one of Marvel's most popular heroes!

Origin issues are usually one of the type that go up in value, as are issues with significant events such as the deaths of Phoenix and Captain America.

Generally if an issue is in good shape and contains a significant story event, or premiere of a writer, artist, etc. or the introduction of a new character, it will increase in value at a faster rate than other issues put out around the same time.

Thanks!

D.-



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 1. Millions does not means more than 10 millions right?
2. Can you lists all the factors that make comic books expensive?
3. What does one expect to get from comic books?
4. How do I store the comic books so that it does not rode and it keep it valuable price forever or it can do?

ANSWER: Hi Henry -

Honestly I don't know, it might be upwards of 10 million if you take all the comics from the 1930 forward to today.

2.  Condition - Story - Character - Art - Rarity

3.  I'm not sure I understand the question can you rephrase?

4.  Store them upright in one of the boxes suggested above (in the plastic covers) and you should be doing everything any collector does.

Thanks!

Deran

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 1. Why reading, buying, watching, etc. comic books what do we expect to get.  Do one expect to enjoy the story, the characters, the hype of characters, etc.

2. "Store them upright in one of the boxes suggested above (in the plastic covers) and you should be doing everything any collector does."

How does that allow it to last forever? Sooner or later the comic books would deteriote and so will the plastic covers, right.  How do I keep it last forever the genera sense such as keeping it new the day is was bought and never changed? May you answer this in details and with complete answers and guide me through all the steps?

3. One more question, should I buy a catalog or magazine of comic books? Should I buy a comic price book?

Answer
Hi Henry -

That's why I do it.  Some people are investors and looking to turn a profit but most of the collectors I know are into the story and art.

NOTHING on this Earth lasts forever.  As a collector for 30 years those are the steps I take.  If you want another opinion you might try Brian Philbin on the site.

Catalogs are a good way to learn what's out there and what's popular.  I'd suggest the Overstreet Comic Guide if you can get it as it lists information about historical comics and generally has articles on the history of the industry.

Thanks!

D. -