Comic Books
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a casual reader, comic books are a versatile medium that can serve as both entertainment and commodity. Children of all ages can enjoy comics, and the multi-billion dollar industry has branched out to related products over the years, from action figures to major motion pictures. For more information, comic book fans and dealers will find many helpful Web sites devoted to the hobby.
Expand All Guide SectionsComic Book Information
If you are new to comic books or just want to learn more, there are many general resources online. From official sites of major publishers to fan sites that offer news and reviews, one can become a comic book expert with the help of the Internet. The sites below will give you a broad perspective on all things related to comic books.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Some of today's most popular comic book superheroes, such as Superman and Batman, have been around since before World War II. If you are new to comics, the thought of familiarizing yourself with this long history may be overwhelming at first. However, if you learn just a brief overview of comic books through the sites below, you will be ready to enjoy today's superhero sagas to the fullest.
- Many of the following sites encourage user feedback and offer message boards for discussion.
Dulcinea's Picks
For comic book history ...
The Comic Page
features one of the most detailed online accounts of comic book history, dating back to the late 19th century. This information is accompanied by colored images and biographies of major artists and writers. This is a great starting point for newcomers to the medium.
January Magazine
gives an accurate (albeit brief) lesson on comic books with its article, "A Short History of American Comic Books." This highlights the rise of the superhero, censorship in the 1950s, and the renaissance of comic books during the height of the Vietnam War.
The Grand Comic-Book Database
, or GCD, is a massive, ongoing project that is attempting to catalogue every mainstream comic book in history. A large collection of scanned covers can be found here, as well as key issue descriptions and creator biographies.
Comics Research & Such
is a regularly updated blog by Dr. Gene Kannenberg, a comic book art historian. This blog discusses comic books through the ages from an academic perspective.
For comic book news and reviews ...
Comic Book Resources
is possibly the largest and most popular comic book fansite on the Web. Offering news, reviews, and interviews with industry leaders, every comic fan should visit this site regularly.
Newsarama
is a comic news site with a unique format. The authors present the latest mainstream news in comic books, then allow readers to respond through a message board. It is a great way to find out what other fans think about major comic book events.
Comics Continuum
offers daily news articles on comic books, comic-related films and television, as well as animated series.
For official sites of major comic book publishers ...
Marvel
, one of the leading comic book publishers, has a massive official site that includes information on its comic books, films, video games, and more. Marvel fans would be remiss to ignore this site, though the navigation is a bit confusing in certain areas.
DC Comics
, a leading publisher of comic books since the golden age, has an official site that rivals its leading competitor, Marvel. DC Comics' site also encompasses films, television, and more.
Dark Horse
rounds out the three largest American comic book publishers. The official site offers a guide to its comic books and related merchandise.
The Value of Comic Books
There is a public misconception that all comic books, when properly stored, become valuable collectibles with age. This isn't so, unfortunately. In recent years, many comics have been mass-produced, which can reduce a title's chances of gaining significant value. There are even some older books, dating back to the golden age, which simply aren't coveted by many collectors. Like anything else, comic book value is very subjective. However, there are certain guidelines for grading and pricing books. The following sites will help you to determine the market value of your comic books.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Collectors should purchase a new Overstreet Price Guide each year. This large book lists almost every mainstream comic book since the golden age, along with an estimate of each comic's value. Most dealers adhere to Overstreet Price Guide's grading standards and prices.
- Appraisals are always subjective, which is something you need to remember if you are selling or buying comic books. However, using widely recognized grading standards will allow you to determine a fairly accurate estimate.
- Be wary of using the word "mint" when describing a comic book. The highest grade a comic book should be rated is "near mint," as it is slightly devalued by merely being held by human hands.
- If you deal with comics as a commodity, then you may consider having some of your more valued comics graded by a professional service, such as Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). CGC is changing the comic book industry, something you can learn more about on the official site, listed below.
Dulcinea's Picks
For instructions on how to grade comics ...
Metropolis Collectibles
has reprinted the official Overstreet Price Guide grading system on its site. This is the same scale used by most dealers and CGC.
Nostalgia Zone
has a guide to grading comic books, which is what the company abides by for its online store. This guide will tell you what Nostalgia Zone specifically looks for when reviewing a comic book's condition.
Mycomicshop.com
has its own set of guidelines for grading comics, which are heavily influenced by Overstreet Price Guide standards.
For comic book price guides ...
ComicsPriceGuide.com
is an online resource that lists the estimated value of many comic books. This price guide adheres to Overstreet standards of grading.
Gemstone Publishing
is the company that releases the Overstreet Price Guide. Every collector should have a recent copy of the book, which is available for purchase on this site.
Wizard
is a popular monthly magazine that includes an updated price guide in the back of each issue. Although not as exhaustive as Overstreet Price Guide, this price guide is updated more often and stays on top of recent comics.
For comic book appraisal companies ...
Certified Guaranty Company
, also known as CGC, is the most prestigious comic book grading company. You can learn more about its services on the Web site. Be forewarned, however, that having a comic book graded by CGC means that it will be permanently sealed in a hard plastic shell.
Professional Grading eXperts
, or PGX, is a comic book appraisal company similar to CGC. However, PGX is newer and boasts lower fees. Having a book graded by CGC may increase the value more than one graded by PGX, but both services offer a reputable, third-party opinion.
Buying and Selling Comic Books
There was once a time when you could purchase comic books only at a brick-and-mortar store. However, the Internet offers a few alternatives for comic book collectors and dealers. Whether you are looking for a mail-order service, an auction site, or just a way to locate a real-life comic shop, the following sites will help.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Auction sites are a great place to sell and buy comic books. However, you should only deal through sites with a feedback system in place. A feedback system will allow both sellers and buyers to publicly critique each transaction. This makes it easier for the public to avoid any unscrupulous people.
- Subscribing to your favorite comic books is a great way to save money. You can opt to have them delivered directly to your door or held by your local comic shop.
- Online bookstores, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer similar services. However, they all have periodic sales that go unadvertised, so it is worth checking in on each site from time to time.
- In addition to the online stores below, comic book subscriptions are offered directly through the publisher Web sites listed in the "Where can I find general information about comic books?" section above.
Dulcinea's Picks
For selling or buying comics online ...
eBay
is an essential Web site for comic book dealing. Whether you want to buy or sell, this is the place to find millions of interested parties. Another great resource for eBay users is the "Want It Now" section of the site, where users can post a classified ad for items they would like to purchase but can't find for sale on the site.
Amazon
sells comic book subscriptions at a bargain rate, as well as graphic novels and other comic book-related merchandise. Amazon also has an auction section where you can sell your comics or buy them from other collectors.
Barnes & Noble
is one of the leading bookstore chains in the country. Its Web site offers comic book subscriptions for a good price, with fast and sometimes free delivery. For an annual fee, Barnes & Noble members save up to 40 percent on purchases.
Books-A-Million
is a massive online bookstore that offers the same services as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Low prices and free shipping make this site a good option for comic book collectors. Those who pay a nominal yearly fee to join the Books-A-Million Club will receive even more discounts and special offers.
To find a comic shop near you ...
Diamond Comic Distributors
offers this easy search tool to help you locate your nearest comic book stores. You merely enter a zip code and the site will give you contact information for each store. Another way to use this service is to call the toll free number, 1-888-COMIC BOOK.
Comic Book Storage
Your comic books may be priceless to you, but they deplete in market value if they aren't cared for properly. In order to preserve your comic books, you should store them correctly. Prime conditions for a comic book include a cool, dry place and non-acidic bags with backing boards that keep the comic straight. There is more to it than that, however. The following sites will teach you how to keep your comics as close to "mint" as possible.
Dulcinea's Insight
- One of the most vital rules for proper comic book storage is using proper bags. Although some sites may only suggest a "comic bag," not all comic bags are created equal. Mylar or mylite bags will last over 100 years without yellowing your comics.
- The online comic supply stores that are listed below will often give discounts and/or free shipping on bulk orders.
- During the height of convention season in the summer, comic book supplies may be on back order for a while, as distributors run low on items.
Dulcinea's Picks
For tips on comic book storage ...
Comic Preservation
is a helpful site with a self-explanatory name. Here, you will learn everything you need to know about comic preservation and restoration, from mylar bags to CGC capsules.
VideoJug
offers this humorous, yet informative how-to video on preserving comic books.
My Comic Book Needs
describes the step-by-step procedures you should take in storing your comic books. Supplies are also described with accuracy on this site, which will assist you in your shopping.
For comic book storage supplies ...
ComicSupply.com
is one of the largest online comic supply vendors. From mylar bags to comic boxes of all sizes, this is a place for both small and large orders. Generous discounts are offered on occasion, bringing customers back for more.
BCW Supplies
is a large online store for collectable supplies. In addition to selling comic book accessories, there are items here for baseball card, trading card, magazine, and coin collectors.
Finding Other Comic Book Fans
Looking to network with others for buying and selling comic books? Or perhaps you want to debate who would win in a fight between Superman and Green Lantern? You can enjoy endless conversations with other collectors and comic book fans on the Internet. Also, the ever-popular comic book convention circuit is alive and well. The sites below will point you toward the usual haunts for diehard comic lovers.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The official sites of DC, Marvel, and Dark Horse Comics (listed in the "Where can I find general information about comic books?" section above) feature popular message boards, should the sites below leave you wanting more.
- While engaging in any kind of online socialization, exert caution and refrain from giving personal information to strangers.
- There are many comic book conventions held throughout the country, but only a few of them enjoy mainstream advertisement. Use the sites below to learn about the smaller conventions coming to a town near you.
Dulcinea's Picks
For comic book-related message boards ...
Alvaro's ComicBoards
is a central hub for many comic book-related message boards. Many of the boards are focused on a specific character or comic book publisher. This is an ad-free, user-friendly site and no registration is necessary for participating.
Comic Book Resources Forums
attract more traffic than most comic book-related message boards. With membership in the tens of thousands, famous comic book authors and artists are known to lurk and even participate on this site.
World Famous Comics Community
is a unique comic book forum. Sponsored by Kevin Smith's View Askew Productions, artists and writers are actively encouraged to mingle with their fans on this site.
For comic book chat rooms ...
Comic Book Fanboys
is a place for fanboys (and fangirls) to engage in live discussion on all things comic book. It is located on the liveHarmony Web site, so you need to register on the homepage for liveHarmony. Topics can be designated by users or discussion may be open to anything related to the world of comics.
ComicCovers.net Chatroom
is open 24 hours a day to registered users, though most users designate a time to meet on the site's message board area.
For information on upcoming comic book conventions ...
Comic-Con International: San Diego
is held once a year and is, by far, the largest comic book convention you can attend. All the biggest names in the industry attend, as well as superstars who are promoting related films and television series. A four-day event, this is a monster show attended by hundreds of thousands. Find out more about the convention's guests and attractions at the official Web site.
Wizard World
, a regional series of comic conventions sponsored by Wizard magazine, is growing in size and rivaling San Diego's Comic-Con. Upcoming shows and guest lists are detailed and regularly updated on the official site of Wizard World.
Comic Book Conventions
offers news about conventions all over the country, both big and small. Users are encouraged to report on the conventions they attend, as well as share photographs of events and celebrity appearances.
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