While comic book series have been around since the 1930s, it wasn't
until the 1960s that something changed within the comic book industry,
instigating widespread interest in comic book heroes and narratives.
Some say it was Stan Lee's re-envisioning of the industry, adding new
psychological dimensions to his characters.
Others say it was the teaming up of superhero teams and new plots
that interested readers on another level. It could have also been the
adaptation to television and movies that exposed comics to more people.
Whatever the case, independent book stores popped up in the 1970s and
1980s, inspiring a new breed of ultimate fans: the comic collector.
A serious comic collector will need to be aware of what issues he or
she has, as well as the condition of each piece. To keep track of large
volumes, it's recommended that you get comic book collection software to
help you.
These programs allow you to input new and existing comics into a
personal database, quickly scan/search for certain criterion that buyers
may be looking for, compile a wish list of items you want to include
and determine the value of your collection. This can also help greatly
when you're listing your information on sites like Ebay.
New and bargain collectors can find free software to accomplish the
basics at Comic Collector Live. For mid-level collectors, Collectorz
offers improved ways of inputting new or existing comics and search
capacity for $24.95 or $39.95 (pro version).
For the hardcore collector, Comic Base offers a variety of programs,
ranging from $49.95 (express) to $299 (archive edition), allowing you
the best ways to create wish lists and determine the value of your
collection based on comic book industry standard criterion.
There are many places where a collector of such books can buy or sell
a comic book collection. Buyers can check such book stores, the
publishers' websites (Marvel, DC Dark Horse, IDW), Ebay, Craigslist,
Mile High Comics, G-mart, Comics-Db, My Comic Shop, Amazon and Barnes
& Noble.
As can be expected, sellers can also unload their collections at many
of these same places. At Comic Shop Locator, you can find a place to
trade-in your old stash for quick cash, although this isn't the way to
make the best money. Auction houses are sometimes good, particularly if
you have a full collection of a comic book series.
You can find some at Comics Heritage Auctions, Morphy Auctions and
Christies. However, by far, the best way for a patient and savvy
collector to sell is an internet auction like Ebay, where top prices can
be commanded.
A comic collector will naturally be curious about what old comic
books are worth. Popular and respected guides include The Official
Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, Comics Buyer's Guide magazine, Wizard
Magazine, the Comics Buyer's Guide Standard Catalog of Comic Books, and
the Human Computing's ComicBase software program.
Online, comic collectors can also check out free resources like Comic
Book Realm, Comics Price Guide or Nosto Mania. At Gp Analysis buyers
can view price data gathered from online auction houses and private
dealer sales, which are updated daily. Leveraging against several
sources is usually the best way to determine an old comic's true value.
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