Expert: Kellen Tyler - 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: 1. Between Marvel, DC, Darkhorse, IDW, Image, Malibu, and tons of other publishing houses and independent creators... there are hundreds of thousands of comic titles, ongoings, mini-series, graphic novels, and one-shots.
2. Mint condition books are always worth more than books that have any damage.  The more perfect the condition of the book, the more it is worth.

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

QUESTION: 1. What is all the factors that consider the price of the books? conditions is one, type of comic books, popularity, etc.
2. So there is only 100,000 to 1,000,000 right now for all of it?
3. How do I keep comic to last forever like the Quran and the Vedas and the Bible, etc.? They seems to never ever age with time and always remain perfect and complete.

Answer
1. Condition is one, also consider the issue number of the book (first issues and anniversary issues are always worth more), the first time a popular character is introduced ups the price or when a popular character dies. Also, a popular writer/artist can affect the price of a book. There are any number of factors that affect a book's price.
2. There's no way to know the total number as new books, characters, and stories are being created all the time.
3. You do realize that the Bible, Quran, and other religious texts have been printed and reprinted for thousands of years, yes? Anything can last that long if its continuously reprinted... I don't understand your question.