It can be difficult to find a starting point on your own with the wide selection of comics.Comic-reading friends and comic book store employees are great sources of advice for beginners.Just browsing the shelves of a used book store can help you narrow in on the comics you enjoy, and build a collection.
Step 1: You can find a comic book store.
If you want to start a collection, you should go to a comics store that has a large selection and employees who can give you advice.You can find a comic shop near you.
Step 2: Look for other major sources.
If you can't find a comic book store in your area, look for another area with a large collection.It's not possible to build a collection at libraries, but they can be a good place to find out which comics you like.Good starter material can be found in book stores that sell used books.You can try the magazine sections of gas stations and grocery stores, but the selection is usually poor or notexistent.
Step 3: Consider a comic book about a superhero.
If you want to try out superhero comics, you should start with one of the popular characters from popular culture.Another popular comic with darker themes is a good introduction to the genre.Try for lots of humor and action.Follow the large hero team or read about the antihero for his fourth wall-breaking gallows humor.
Step 4: You can try a different genre.
The selection of comic books may vary from store to store.The graphic novels and the series are popular examples of comics that address more adult, intellectual themes using superhero tropes.There are many sub-genres in Japanese Manga.Try this guide.You can find a wide range of artistic and writing styles in the store's independent publisher section.
Step 5: Go to the bargain bin.
Start buying stacks of comics for a dollar or less if you can't decide where to begin.You may find gems that spark your interest in a series if you find them this way.
Step 6: Start at the beginning of the story.
If the series has been going on for a long time, there is no need to start with issue 1.A story arch usually lasts for 10 to 20 issues and introduces you to several comics and characters.Asking a store employee or comic-reading friend for advice is the best way to find a good starting point, because not all story arcs are easy for beginners to jump into.
Step 7: You can collect comics in the same series.
There are a couple ways to progress your collection once you've found a comic book you like.A comic book is defined by its cover.If you enjoy The New Avenger issue 25, you'll also enjoy the other ones.If you want to see a larger story, read it instead.These events involve more than one series.Depending on how many series are involved and how long they last.There are two examples to show the range, one of a very short story arcs to track down and one that could be a significant collection challenge on its own.The Batman: Knightfall story took over a year to complete, and was published in staggered order throughout the series Batman, Detective Comics, Shadow of the Bat and several other Batman-related comics.
Step 8: Follow a character or universe.
Major protagonists in several series are the most popular comic book characters and typically exist in the same "universe" as other characters.If you're a fan of Wonder Woman, she's recently starred in a number of shows, including Justice League, Smallville, and Injustice: Gods Among Us.Batman, Superman, The Green Lantern, and many other characters in the DC universe can be read in more than one comic book.Most of the comic book universes have been changed several times.The same character may exist side by side in different, but similar universes.A story that doesn't have an impact on other comics may be shown in the issue.
Step 9: Take it slow.
Purchase comic books in just one or two series at a time.If you don't decide on a monthly budget, you may end up running out of money and storage space before you have the collection you're looking for.
Step 10: You should notice the names of writers and artists.
You will be exposed to several writers and art styles when you read your first few comic book stories.Write down the author or artist name when you find a favorite.You can expose yourself to stories you wouldn't normally find by looking at other issues written or illustrated by the same person.Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, Bill Willingham, Warren Ellis, and Mark Millar are well-known comic authors.
Step 11: Decide what type of comics you want to buy.
Most mainstream comic books are about 10 to 20 pages long.If you are willing to wait, you can often save money by purchasing a trade paperback containing five or so issues in one volume.If you already have a bookshelf, paperbacks and graphic novels are easier to store.Independent artists only publish graphic novels.You can sign up to receive the comic in the mail if you check the inside cover of a comic book.
Step 12: There are places where you can find comics.
It is possible to enjoy hunting for older or less popular comics once you have started a comic collection.You can visit flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores and antique shops.
Step 13: Be friends with other collectors.
There are people at the comic book store.If you want to read a comic before purchasing it for your collection, trade comic books with them or borrow books.
Step 14: Attend a convention for comic books.
There are many comic book conventions that draw thousands of fans to meet the people who create comics, find deals on new or rare comics or hear announcements about upcoming comics.Comic-Con is held in San Diego each year.
Step 15: You can find individual comics online.
You can find specific comics on Amazon, eBay, and other retail sites.If you want to know if you are getting a good deal, look for past sales of the same issue.Look up the comic's price at ComicsPriceGuide if you can't find past sales history.
Step 16: You should know the quality system.
Comic books are graded based on the condition they have been preserved in.There are pages or part of the cover missing if the comic has a rating of poor.The comic is in perfect condition with no signs of wear.A higher quality comic book is more valuable.
Step 17: Look for landmark issues.
The core of a collection of comics can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.Older comics are worth more, but the most valuable ones involve a landmark event in a popular series.The first issue of a series is one of the landmark events.There is a Spiderman issue.The first appearance of a character.The Green Goblin was in issue 14.A major character has died.issue 121The first appearance of a new look.The symbiote suit is in issue 258.
Step 18: Comic books can be kept in sturdy containers.
When comic books are kept in a box or on a bookshelf, a comic book binder with clear plastic sleeves will help prevent folding and tearing.Another option is to use a filing cabinet.The books can be stored on a bookshelf.
Step 19: Protect comics from the elements.
You can store your comics in a dry area.They should be kept away from the sun.If they are kept in a storage area instead of on the shelf, keep them in plastic bags to minimize water damage.
Step 20: You need to organize your collection.
Order the issues by issue number if you keep them together.The folder dividers can be used to separate the series kept on the same shelf or container.
Step 21: It's important to protect valuable comics.
Purchase plastic slips to protect your most valuable issues.You can easily locate them if you keep them in a secure place in your comic collection.latex gloves should be worn when handling them to prevent skin oil from sticking to the pages.