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Comic books (Comics)/which is more rare

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Expert: - 9/16/2004


Question
Hi Brain,

I was wondering, which is more rarer newsstand comics or comics bought from comic shops.

thanks, nick

Answer
Hi, Nick!

Thanks for your question!

Currently, there is no distinction between newsstand and "direct market" (comics shops) comics.  Once upon a time, there was a difference in the covers, but even those have not resulted in any value or price difference.

There was a test marketed alternate cover of Justice League #3 back in the mid-80's which now garners much more as a back issue, but that is pretty much an isolated case.

There are many books that are not available at all on the newsstand which are marketed through the direct market, so overall I would say that the newsstand comics are in the minority numbers-wise, but that is the only distinction that could reasonably be made.

I hope that's helpful.  Let me know if you have any other questions!

Pax, harmonia,

Brian G. Philbin

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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