Expert: Mark Harmon - 1/14/2011

Question
QUESTION: I keep my graphic novels in a metal cabinet.  Once they are damaged, I get a replacement (reprint).  But that would cost a lots of money, how do I keep my graphic novels and the metal cabinets to last forever?

ANSWER: Hi Henry,

I would recommend getting some mylar sleeves/bags and acid free backing boards to store your graphic novels in.  These should protect them from damage.  I buy my supplies from comicsupply.com but there are other web stores out there that offer these items and you may be able to find them cheaper.

Also, make sure you store them in areas that aren't exposed to extreme changes in temperature.  For example, do not store them in a garage or in an attic.  Also, do not store them in areas where they might be exposed to dampness, like a basement...if you happen to have water leaks in your basement.

Hope this helps.  Please let me know if you have any other questions.

- Mark

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

QUESTION: It is not going to last forever like that.  The stuff to put them in is not going to last forever either, right.

Answer
If you store them in the cheaper polypropeline bags, then you'd have to replace the bags every 5-10 years.  For the mylar sleeves/bags, those will probably never have to be replaced during your lifetime.  I should also mention that with the mylar bags, it's better to buy the ones with the flaps.

- Mark