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Comic books (Comics)/Use of Ziploc Bags Around Archival Mylar sleeves

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Expert: - 3/5/2010


Question
Hi,

My question relates to the use of Ziploc bags around comics stored in mylar sleeves.  My favorite Mylar sleeves I have found do not have a flap to seal the sleeve and are left open at the top.  I wasn't too keen on leaving my silver age comics open to the air at the top, so I started putting each calendar year's worth of comics (each in it's own mylar sleeve with acid free board)from each series in Ziploc bags.  My question is, since these ziploc bags or not acid free, will the acid in these bags harm the comics even though they are not in direct contact with the comics?

Answer
Hi, David - thanks for your question.

The short answer is "yes", the chemicals created in the breakdown of polypropelene and similarly long-chained soft plastics will essentially "leech" into the comics atmospherically.

Both E.Gerber and Bill Cole provide mechanisms for closing the tops of these mylar sleeves.  You should be able to contact them if you don't see the item you're seeking on their websites:

www.egerber.com

or

www.bcemylar.com

I prefer the Gerber site, as he used to be the producer/provider for Bill Cole products, supplies the Library of Congress and is generally more reasonably priced.

For more information on storage of comics, you can check out my website below my signature.

I hope you find this helpful!

Pax, harmonia,

Brian G. Philbin
http://www.metropolisplus.com/comicsbasics.htm

Comic books (Comics)

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Brian G. Philbin

Expertise

I`ve been collecting comics for over 40 years and am able to answer most questions regarding comics, creators, fandom and the industry from the Golden Age through to today`s comics, with an emphasis on super and action heroes and most of my expertise ranges in the Silver to Modern Ages. My expertise lies in DC Comics/National Periodical Publications, although my general knowledge extends well into Marvel, Tower, Archie, Charlton & many of the "Independent" companies that began in the late 70`s & 80`s. I do have some knowledge of the Western, Funny Animals, Romance and other genres, but to a lesser degree, so please don't grade me on specific knowledge of these areas if you choose to ask me questions on those topics. For questions related to or similar to "How much are my comics worth?", please see my website, which will provide quick answers and tools for you to obtain those answers at:

HEY, KIDS! COMICS!!

Experience

I have been a comics reader/fan for over 42 years now and have followed industry trends from distribution to creation to fandom to retail and back again. I have had articles and letters published in Comic Buyers Guide, Comic Book Marketplace, Comic Effect, have appeared on several comic book podcasts and have several websites dedicated to comics at:

HEY!! KIDS' COMICS!

If there's a question I don't know the answer to, I usually know who to ask and have been providing online information to a wealth of inquirers for over 10 years now. I'll do my utmost to answer your question, whether it is simple or in-depth, as long as it isn't: "How much are my comics worth?" - that question can be answered by visiting my page at:

Basics of Comics Collecting



Publications
Comic Buyers Guide, Comic Book Marketplace, Comic Effect and opinions & writings mentioned or featured on several podcasts.

Education/Credentials
Baccalaureate of Science, Eastern Michigan University Panelology Studies w/ Robert Beerbohm, Mark Evanier, Scott Shaw, Ron Goulart, Jim Steranko, Roy Thomas and Q & As with Bob Rozakis, Elliot S. Maggin and John Byrne.

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