Comic books have become some of the most valuable collectibles in the world, with some fetching seven-figure prices at auction.Comic books did not last very long.The acid in the paper causes them to age, fade, and fall apart very quickly.By keeping them in protective bags, storing the bags safely, and handling each comic with care, you can drastically reduce the aging process.
Step 1: Comic book bags can be used.
The bag for storing your comics is acid-free.Limit their exposure to dirt.The pages should be clean and crisp.Most comic book bags will be made of one of the three materials.Mylar is the most protective material, so save it for your most expensive or frail books.For the rest of your collection, use polypropylene and polyethylene.
Step 2: Pick a size.
Over time, the average size of a comic book has changed.Older comics will be bigger than today's.If you want to avoid damaging the comic when you remove it from a bag that is too small, you should buy an appropriately sized bag.Bag sizes are categorized by era: Golden Age (1940's and earlier): 7 34 by 10 12 inches.The age of silver was from the 1950's to the 1980's.The current age is 6 78 by 10 12 inches.
Step 3: Carry each comic with you.
First, put your comic in its bag.Press the comic closed to prevent the bottoms of the pages from scratching the opening.Once the comic is in the bag, slide a backing board behind it.Keep your comic's shape when stored upright with stiff, durable support.One side of the board is smoother than the other.The side facing the comic inside the bag should be smooth if yours is buffered.Since acids can ruin your comic, make sure your backing board is acid-free.If you purchased a comic with a backing board, you should either confirm with the seller that the board is acid-free or replace it yourself.
Step 4: Decide if you want to tape your bag.
When bagging your comic, crease the bag's flap to close it.Take the extra step of taping the flap to the outside of the bag, or just tuck it in.The bag should be sealed with tape to reduce the chance of any outside elements coming into contact with the comic.When the bag is reopened, the sticky tape at the edge of the flap may come into contact with the comic and cause damage.
Step 5: You can store your comics in boxes.
Light will cause the pages to fade, so protect them from both.Since a wider box may allow room for upright comics to fall over sideways, use a box that is specially designed for comic books.Choose between long and short boxes.If you want to expand your collection in the future, you should buy a box that is appropriate for your current collection.Your upright comics will fall forward if you store 100 comics in a long box.Make sure that the cardboard is free of acids.Plastic boxes are the most protective from outside elements.
Step 6: Stand them up.
The comic should be placed in the box vertically rather than on the back cover.You can quickly search through titles without having to remove each and every comic first.Don't stack comics on top of each other.The weight of so many comics on top of each other can cause the pages at the base to form a seal, which will make you cry when you try to open them again.The weight of those on top may cause the edges of the comics to bend or crease.
Step 7: Don't put your boxes in danger.
Extreme changes in heat and humidity can shorten the lifespan of a storage space.They should not be placed near sources of heat or cold.Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or leaks.If you want to be extra cautious, you should put your boxes on the floor instead of directly on it.Place your boxes on a pallet if you don't have adequate shelving.If possible, don't stack cardboard boxes.The ones on the bottom of the stack should be kept to a maximum of five boxes.You should label each box according to your method.No one box will bear the brunt of all that weight over the long run if the one at the bottom of the stack is shifted to the top periodically.The ideal temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.It should be around 35 percent and never more than 50 percent.
Step 8: Allow them to warm up.
The pages and spine of your comics should be brittle if they have been exposed to extreme cold or heat.Before reading, give them time to warm up or cool down.It will reduce the chance of tearing the pages when you open them.
Step 9: Stick to the shade.
Don't read your comics under a bright light.Keeping the pages out of the sun will prevent them from fading.It's best to read them by covered lamps indoors.
Step 10: You need to wash and dry your hands.
There may be dirt on the pages.Don't let water damage your hands.You should be aware that your skin's natural oils may smudge the pages.You don't want to pinch the pages between your fingers.
Step 11: As you read, don't handle food, drink, or tobacco.
Do not set yourself up for disaster.Don't eat, drink, or smoke while reading.If you want to eliminate the risk of your pages being smudged with chocolate, spilling coffee over them, or turning them yellow, you need to stop.
Step 12: Hold them by their backs.
The spine should be flat on your open hand.To read what is in the book, open it just enough.The comic may crease if you hold the book by its covers.
Step 13: Do not repair any damage.
Accept the damages that have already occurred if you are concerned about maintaining the value of your book.If you want to fix tears or weak spines, do not use tape or glue.If you want to ensure that it holds up for multiple re-readings, then go ahead.