So you've gone out and bought yourself a classic comic or two over the years, or maybe you've picked up an expensive variant cover issue here and there; that's the easy part, but now what do you do with them? You don't want to leave them laying around - they'll get ruined! That comic isn't a coaster! Get that beer off of it!
If you're like me, you'll find yourself meticulously sleeving and shelving each and every comic you buy. If you aren't like me, this guide will help make sure you protect any comic you consider worth keeping, as well as helping you set up a way to display parts of your collection to the world.
(This task will take roughly 1 minute per comic book.)
Getting ready to store your comics:
What you will need:
- Comic books
- Comic book sleeves (make certain they are acid-free)
- Comic book backings
- Long-Boxes (Comic-sized cardboard boxes)
What you need to know:
- Identify what type of comics you have.
Golden Age = Published between 1943-1960, Dimensions: 7 3/4 inches x 10 1/2 inches
Silver Age = Published between 1951-1965, Dimensions: 7 1/8 inches x 10 1/2 inches
Bronze Age = Published between 1965-1990, Dimensions: 7 1/4 inches x 10 1/2 inches
Modern / Current Age = Published between 1990-Now, Dimensions: 6 7/8 inches x 10 1/2 inches - Purchase appropriate backings and bags for each comic.
- Purchase storage or "long-boxes" suitable to hold your collection.
- Find an appropriate location to store your collection.
- Insure your collection.
NOTE: You should routinely check your collection to make sure nothing unexpected has damaged it.
WARNING: Store your comics in cool, dry areas. Humidity and moisture can and will ruin your collection!
How to store your comics:
- Gather all your necessary components (comic back boarding, comic sleeve, comic book)
- Pick what type of storage unit you will use (for this example, a secretarial box).
- Assemble all of your components.
Place the comic back boarding in the comic sleeve.
Place the comic book in assembled boarding and sleeve.
Tape the sleeve shut. - Place the now sealed comic in your storage unit.
- Find an appropriate place to store your comics (such as a shelf).
- Admire your safely stored comics.
By now you've succesfully stored all of your comics with protective backings and acid-free sleeves. They're all safely tucked away in your dry storage area, but you've begun to miss them scattered about your living space. Fear not! By following the next steps, you'll be well on your way to showing the world your love of comics.
(This task should take roughly 15 minutes to complete.)
Getting ready to display your comics:
What you will need:
- Hammer
- Nails (with or without a picture hook)
- Comic Book Display Frame:
Comic Book Displays
Frame It Again Sam
Collectors Resource - The comic book you want to display
What you need to know:
- Identify what type of comic you plan to display.
- Purchase the appropriate size frame for your comic.
- Place the comic book inside of the comic book frame.
- Locate the ideal location to display your comic.
- Select the appropriate sized nail and picture hook.
How to hang your Comic Book Frame:
- Gather all your necessary components (Sleeved comic book, Comic Book Frame, appropriate nails, stud finding device, hammer)
- Find a suitable and safe area on a wall.
- Place the comic book into the comic frame.
- Raise thy mighty hammer.
- Hammer the appropriate nail securely into the wall.
- Hang the Comic Book Frame (with the comic book inside) on the wall.
DANGER: Do not use a hammer and nails if you have been drinking. Working while impaired can result in loss of digits.
WARNING: Any comics that you choose to display on the walls run the risk of becoming sun bleached. Make sure you place your frames in areas that do not see much natural light.
I like how you formatted and organized your page, it is very clear and easy to read. I think your instructions really cater to a need because I don't think that people often think about ways to display their comic books, they just live in piles. So I think you really gave a solution to a problem. Plus your warnings are funny, or are comical (haha). Good Job.
Awesome!! Now I want to buy an old comic! Did you put that picture of Thor for Alix? :p
Very interesting and I like how you incorporated a comic book background in your graphics.