Follow

    Comic Book Care

    Concept » Comic Book Care appears in 52 issues.

    Advice from other collectors on how to care for and store your books.

    5 Things to be Aware of When Buying Back Issues

    Avatar image for inferiorego
    inferiorego

    25752

    Forum Posts

    28300

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 324

    User Lists: 12

    Edited By inferiorego  Staff

    No Caption Provided
    As comic book collectors, back issues are a big deal. Sometimes we're just missing an issue or two from our favorite series, or we want to check out an old series that has yet to come out in trade. Most likely, every single one of us has bought something from the back issue section of a comic book store at least once. If you love comics, you love back issues. However, not all comic book stores are the same.  

    Not all retailers are slime-balls. There are a plethora of great stores around the world that want to give the shopper the best bang for their buck, but like any business, there will be some shady dealers out there trying to pull a fast one on unsuspecting comic lovers. However, occasionally, you may bump into that one store that doesn't have the love for comics the same way the shopper does, so they may either be oblivious to their products or they don't care about the customer. You've heard the term "buyer beware" before, and it's true. Ultimately, it has to be you with more knowledge than the retailer on whether or not the purchase you're about to make is a wise one.  There are quite a few things you need to look out for, as a consumer, in order to make that judgment. We've narrowed this list down to 5 things to look out for: a guide to collecting back issues.
     
    == TEASER ==
     

    Retailer won't let you take the comic out of the bag

    You need to see the comic in order to buy it. Obviously, don't walk into the store and just start opening back issues left and right, employees hate that. If you find an issue or two you are interested in buying, go up to the counter and ask the employee if either they can open the issue for you, or if you can open in yourself. You need to know what's inside the book, and the condition said book is in. If, for some odd reason, the retailer won't let you look through the issue, then why are you doing business with them? You need to know what you're buying, and think about it: 95% of those books were owned by someone before you. Do you trust them? Do you trust that they kept their comics in good condition? If the retailer won't let you know, then you shouldn't shop there. It doesn't matter if you open the book and look through it, or the employee does it in front of you. You have a right to know what you're buying.
     

    Damage to the comic

    Once you have that bag open, you should go through the pages and check for a few things: tears, stains/water damage, sun damage, and missing pages. If you're collecting with the intent of resale in the future, these will be the most important to you. Finding an older book, Silver and Golden ages to be more specific, that is in pristine condition is like finding a needle in a haystack. You are going to find a decent amount of sun damage and yellowing of the pages because that's just what happens with comic books. There's no way around it. Be prepared and know that the older the comic is the more natural damage you're going to find. Aside from that, if you're a casual reader, then just make sure that all the pages are there and you can read them clearly because that's all you really want, the story.

    Writing/Stamp somewhere on or in the issue

    You will find this every so often when hitting up the back issues, and 90% of the time it's an older retailer's fault. Check these 5 places: Cover, inside cover, page one, inside back, and the back of the comic. For some weird reason, some retailers, during the 80s and 90s, would stamp or sticker their comics or back issues with the name and address of their store. This is the most annoying thing you will ever find on a comic. The comic's condition is lessened because some idiot thought it would bring more people into their store. If you find one of these stamps or stickers, and that store still exists, boycott them. Exception: Free Comic Book Day comics, since many comic publishers make a space for stores to do that. But if you look around though the back issues, you'll be able to find a few. Also look to see if a kid wrote their name on the book. You'll find this a lot actually. And lastly, this is another retailer fault, look at the price, especially if it is a silver or bronze age book. Many retailers, during that golden 80s period, would cross out the price of the comic, so the customer wouldn't get confused.
     

    Price/Condition checking

    Checking out to see the damage on the book is quite important, especially if you're a casual reader or hardcore collector. There's one major thing you need to do before buying that book: Make sure that if there is damage, it's minor and that the price the retailer is asking also reflects the amount of damage on the book. Don't pay $10 for a beat up copy of Fantastic Four 292, put it back and search somewhere else. In fact, if you're paying more than $4 for that issue, ask how the retailer prices their comics because that is outrageous. You may not be a comic grader by any means, but you can tell when a comic is in decent condition. Check prices out on ebay, if you can, or check Amazon's prices. Compare prices before you buy. If you see Fantastic Four 292 going for $2.50 online, expect to pay between $2-$5 for the issue. Remember, just because it's cheaper online doesn't mean it will be as cheap at the store. They have to make profit too. And with shipping, that $2.50 comic online (which you have no clue what the condition is), will come out to $6 in a mystery condition. You need a base price for the comic online, and compare that to the comic in the store, and in addition, know what condition the comic is in the store and compare that to the price.
     

    Print number

    You need to know what print number you're buying before you buy it. Now-a-days, it's easy to figure out. For both Marvel and DC, either go to the very first or very last page and look at the bottom. There will be some fine print down there that will tell you if it is a reprint. If you see no mention of printing, then chances are you have a first print. With older books, you may have to search a little more, but just look for an area with fine print on the bottom, and your answer will be there. There are sleazy dealers out there that will try and pass off a reprint as a first printing. At a local comic show, I saw two horribly despicable things: A 4th printing of The Killing Joke being played off as a 1st printing and sold at that price. I also saw a reprint of a Origin of Captain America book being sold as the real deal. You could easily tell without touching it that it was a fake because the cover was bright and vibrant with color. This was also the same guy selling the Killing Joke book for a killing. Call these guys out. A reputable store will know the difference between the prints and adjust the price accordingly.
     
    Most importantly, if you're going to do this, do it right. Don't forget the short or long boxes and bags and boards.Whether you're into the good old plastic sleeves and cardboard backing, or the Mylar cases, take care of your books. They might not be worth the paper they're printed on in 30 years, but you may want to read them again or pass them on to your kids. Take care of your comics and take care of your money. Know what you're buying.
     
    ~Mat "InferiorEgo" Elfring is a comedian, teacher, comic book writer, and comic store employee whose store takes care of its back issues and its customers.~
    Avatar image for lady_tlieso
    Lady Tlieso

    9935

    Forum Posts

    22958

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 3

    #1  Edited By Lady Tlieso

    Great article!

    Avatar image for inferiorego
    inferiorego

    25752

    Forum Posts

    28300

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 324

    User Lists: 12

    #2  Edited By inferiorego  Staff
    @Lady Tlieso:  thanks for enjoying my novel
    Avatar image for jim_halpert
    Jim Halpert

    62

    Forum Posts

    0

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 0

    #3  Edited By Jim Halpert

    Nothing is worse than opening a back-issue comic and finding chewing gum or some sticky substance stuck way inside one of the pages.  Happened to me twice, both on some 90's Batman comics, at 2 different stores. 
     
    I haven't been buying back issues since though, since I just subscribe to Marvel's Digital Subscription or just wait for trade paperbacks for DC books.

    Avatar image for caligula
    Caligula

    12660

    Forum Posts

    44899

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 6

    User Lists: 12

    #4  Edited By Caligula
    @Lady Tlieso said:

    " Great article! "

    seconded, even though i already do this anyway, i found the  Brave and Bold #67  Batman/Flash crossover, but it was badly damaged and the woman was wanting 30 bucks for it, but i talked her into 4 because of the condition
    Avatar image for hrdwrkngxsoldier
    hrdwrkngXsoldier

    405

    Forum Posts

    12450

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 127

    User Lists: 2

    #5  Edited By hrdwrkngXsoldier

    I love back issues at my LCS he Comic Evolution actually sells back issues by the pound.
    Avatar image for jdeluca2
    jdeluca2

    47

    Forum Posts

    120

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 1

    User Lists: 0

    #6  Edited By jdeluca2

    I hate when shops don't care to inspect their books, and just sell them at cover price anyway, like they're brand new. My favorite shop sells their back issues for a buck!!! while other places never mark them down. It hurts my wallet too much!

    Avatar image for harleyquinnhawkgirl
    harleyquinnhawkgirl

    612

    Forum Posts

    574

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 255

    User Lists: 14


    This was an awesome article. I will definitely follow this the next time I go back issue shopping.
    Avatar image for omega_ray_jay
    Omega Ray Jay

    8496

    Forum Posts

    50508

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 18

    User Lists: 5

    #8  Edited By Omega Ray Jay

    Yeah good stuff, I spent about an hour and a half in this book shop on saturday with a load of back issues, some in bad condition but you can't really argue for 50p each the ones i got were ok plus a whole colossus mini series for £5 that seems to be relativly good  

    Avatar image for theodore
    Theodore

    3607

    Forum Posts

    494

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 3

    User Lists: 4

    #9  Edited By Theodore

    Great article. Mynew LCS has a bunch of 1 dollar comics outside in boxes, next time I go I'm definitely checking them!

    Avatar image for misterdk
    MisterDK

    227

    Forum Posts

    74

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 2

    #10  Edited By MisterDK

    I remember hearing on one of Kevin Smith's SModcasts the he was speaking to a couple of writers/inker/pencilers/artists/something-or-others (their names escape me) and they said that people who bag and board comics were their least favourite kind of reader. They prefered the guy who had it rolled up in his back pocket and had it dog-eared and torn. 
     
    I thought this was a really strange stance for them to take.

    Avatar image for bingoknows
    bingoknows

    2

    Forum Posts

    0

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 0

    #11  Edited By bingoknows

    Good tips!

    Avatar image for inferiorego
    inferiorego

    25752

    Forum Posts

    28300

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 324

    User Lists: 12

    #12  Edited By inferiorego  Staff
    @MisterDK said:
    " I remember hearing on one of Kevin Smith's SModcasts the he was speaking to a couple of writers/inker/pencilers/artists/something-or-others (their names escape me) and they said that people who bag and board comics were their least favourite kind of reader. They prefered the guy who had it rolled up in his back pocket and had it dog-eared and torn.   I thought this was a really strange stance for them to take. "
    I used to be like that, until I realized that I can't read them after a while because my books were all torn up
    Avatar image for misterdk
    MisterDK

    227

    Forum Posts

    74

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 2

    #13  Edited By MisterDK
    @inferiorego: Just remembered it was David Lapham (Stray Bullets) and Mike Allred (Madman) who had said it since they were both in Mallrats.
     
    I can see their point but I think someone has to keep them in bags so they can be read in the future or else they'd be now classic comics left today.
     
    I guess in some way digital comics will help in the preservation.
    Avatar image for cellphonegirl
    CellphoneGirl

    19119

    Forum Posts

    486

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 2

    User Lists: 6

    #14  Edited By CellphoneGirl

    Awesome Tips ^_^

    Avatar image for shatterstar
    shatterstar

    5288

    Forum Posts

    176790

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 1

    User Lists: 6

    #15  Edited By shatterstar  Moderator

    Solid tips. 
     
    If your LCS guy kisses the polybag with a tear in his eye as he's ringing it up, you can be sure you got yourself a quality back issue.

    Avatar image for decept_o
    Decept-O

    8097

    Forum Posts

    33607

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 31

    User Lists: 6

    #16  Edited By Decept-O

    So many things I can add, but I've also seen price tags with tape plastered right on the cover of back issues.
    Avatar image for inferiorego
    inferiorego

    25752

    Forum Posts

    28300

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 324

    User Lists: 12

    #17  Edited By inferiorego  Staff
    @Decept-O: ugh i hate that.
    Avatar image for ww_fan
    WW-Fan

    2873

    Forum Posts

    1379

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 5

    #18  Edited By WW-Fan

    that was great :D
    Avatar image for goldenkey
    goldenkey

    3033

    Forum Posts

    0

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 0

    #19  Edited By goldenkey
    @MisterDK said:
    "I remember hearing on one of Kevin Smith's SModcasts the he was speaking to a couple of writers/inker/pencilers/artists/something-or-others (their names escape me) and they said that people who bag and board comics were their least favourite kind of reader. They prefered the guy who had it rolled up in his back pocket and had it dog-eared and torn.   I thought this was a really strange stance for them to take. "

    That's why I buy trades.  I realized I was never going to sell any of my comics, (until X-Men #1 by claremont and Leee is worth a million) I was just gonna give to my nephew (I don't have a kid) so I buy trades a lot.  I don't have to bag them, and I can put them on a shelf.  Plus they take a beating a lot better and they stay better with the other issues for that story. 
    Avatar image for misterdk
    MisterDK

    227

    Forum Posts

    74

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 2

    #20  Edited By MisterDK
    @goldenkey: 
    Yeah I have mostly trades but that comes from living in Scotland in a town with no comic store so I had to get what I could from Waterstones/Amazon.
    Avatar image for nyogtha
    Nyogtha

    356

    Forum Posts

    2

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 1

    #21  Edited By Nyogtha

    Great article, the store I go to inspects their books regularly, from people picking them out of the boxes and putting them back.

    Avatar image for carnivalofsins00
    carnivalofsins00

    1224

    Forum Posts

    53

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 155

    User Lists: 8

    #22  Edited By carnivalofsins00

    where can i find long boxes? i need to put them somewhere, my shelfs are running out. =/

    Avatar image for shadowinfinite
    KRYPTON

    2425

    Forum Posts

    67099

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 10

    User Lists: 3

    #23  Edited By KRYPTON

    Great Info

    Avatar image for the_jeff
    The Jeff

    338

    Forum Posts

    1000

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 15

    User Lists: 2

    #24  Edited By The Jeff

    very helpful. Thanks Comic Vine!

    Avatar image for jamdown
    jamdown

    301

    Forum Posts

    26

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 5

    #25  Edited By jamdown

    do these tips work with trade issues and what would be the priceing for trade comics in later years
    Avatar image for inferiorego
    inferiorego

    25752

    Forum Posts

    28300

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 324

    User Lists: 12

    #26  Edited By inferiorego  Staff
    @jamdown: I wouldn't worry about pricing trades right now. They may be worth something in a couple decades from now, but right now, they're worth about the same price you originally paid for them.
    @carnivalofsins00 said:
    " where can i find long boxes? i need to put them somewhere, my shelfs are running out. =/ "

    Your local comic book store should have them, if not, check out amazon.
    Avatar image for jugglinggeese
    jugglinggeese

    2

    Forum Posts

    0

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 0

    #27  Edited By jugglinggeese

    Very helpful.  Thank you.

    Avatar image for theblueangel93
    TheBlueAngel93

    21064

    Forum Posts

    16240

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: -1

    #28  Edited By TheBlueAngel93

    Thank you for the tips, Mat! :D

    Avatar image for the_fallen11
    the_fallen11

    642

    Forum Posts

    26

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 1

    User Lists: 0

    #29  Edited By the_fallen11

    This was very helpful thank you.

    Avatar image for greenenvy
    greenenvy

    637

    Forum Posts

    0

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 0

    #30  Edited By greenenvy

    Ha ha I am known to open the bagging anyway even if I get into trouble. I always been doing that  ever since I set foot in the comic shop so I rip open the tape and look and don't give a damn because I need to make sure its not boring. Especially if its a sexy comic, I usually rip the tape but not always and I still put it back the best I can. No matter what I am opening the back issue so beware comic owners. 

    Avatar image for aspenite
    Aspenite

    935

    Forum Posts

    15053

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 29

    User Lists: 3

    #31  Edited By Aspenite

    I love spending hours to go through back issues. You can find this and that. And my LCS cares about them. It´s always a pleasure!

    Avatar image for jakob187
    jakob187

    1030

    Forum Posts

    2302

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 20

    User Lists: 0

    #32  Edited By jakob187

    GREAT write-up!!!  Personally, I never go through the back issues because there's not really anything in there that I want to buy.  However, as my journey in comic books continues, I may eventually get to that point. 
     
    Then again...I DO need to back and grab some of the Knightfall stuff from Batman...
    Avatar image for daveydavey
    daveydavey

    369

    Forum Posts

    270

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 3

    #33  Edited By daveydavey
    @greenenvy said:
    "Ha ha I am known to open the bagging anyway even if I get into trouble. I always been doing that  ever since I set foot in the comic shop so I rip open the tape and look and don't give a damn because I need to make sure its not boring. Especially if its a sexy comic, I usually rip the tape but not always and I still put it back the best I can. No matter what I am opening the back issue so beware comic owners.  "

    I be likin comic to
    Avatar image for tonis
    tonis

    6562

    Forum Posts

    12336

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 2

    #34  Edited By tonis

    excellent article ie. 
    I'm still buying almost exclusively back issues, with the exception of a few new books you guys have been turning me on to. It really can be a crap shoot hunting through the boxes and every one of your tips is extremely relevant. I can't tell you how many books from the 70's I've found some kids name and address filling out a mail in form or even worse - it's cut out. 
     
    No matter how much a rush I might be in, I make it a habit to not just judge on the cover for most pre 80's books.

    Avatar image for queso6p4
    Queso6p4

    1557

    Forum Posts

    3046

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 42

    User Lists: 21

    #35  Edited By Queso6p4

    Nice tips!

    This edit will also create new pages on Comic Vine for:

    Beware, you are proposing to add brand new pages to the wiki along with your edits. Make sure this is what you intended. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live.

    Comment and Save

    Until you earn 1000 points all your submissions need to be vetted by other Comic Vine users. This process takes no more than a few hours and we'll send you an email once approved.