How to Buy and Sell Comic Books

Collecting comic books isn't just kid stuff anymore. A copy of Action Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman, sold for 10 cents in 1938. Today it could bring $1 million. Windfalls like that are extremely rare, but who knows what you might find in your parents' attic.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acid-free Cardboard
• Protective sleeves

1. If you're looking to sell your old collection for a bundle, it'll help to have some #1s (the first comic in a series) or issues that introduce popular characters.

2. Condition is key whether you're buying or selling; the cover is especially critical. Keep comics in top condition by sliding them into plastic sleeves with a piece of acid-free cardboard. Store protected comics upright on bookshelves in a cool, dry place.

3. Internet auctions offer the best access to other buyers and sellers of older comic books. Another good place to make a deal on older material is at one of the many comic book conventions.

4. If you're looking to unload more recent comics (5 or 6 years old), try a local comic book shop. That's also the place to look if you need just a couple of comics to fill out a series.

Tips & Warnings

• As a rule, the older the comic book, the more value it has. Before the 1970s, people treated comic books like magazines; many ended up in the trash. Today, collectors treat them more like books, coveting creative storylines and colorful artwork.

[tattoo]

on 10/13/2008 i have complete sets of spiderman 1989 to 1993 also felix the cat first issue 1991 also 100 thor isues,60 hulk isues,also thunderbolt,war of the gods,thunderbolt,the inhumans,eclips,the face of vengence,night stalker,venom,and more call 360 356 8814

[globalsven]

on 2/17/2008 The most known auction site is ebay of course but has high listing fees and auction fees. Many are turning to free sites liek comicmarketplace and wild4comics.com for free listings, there just are fewer buyers. It is ofterngood to try many websites to sell ur comics.

[globalsven]

on 2/17/2008 The most well know place is Ebay of course, but with their high listing prices many peopel are turning to other free online classifieds like comicmarketplace and newer wild4comics.com to avoid the listing fees. It's a mix of high fees for more eyes or free for fewer possible buyers.

[yearoftheboar]

on 3/2/2007 What are the best internet auction sites to list comic books for sale if you are trying to liquidate an older collection?

on 11/22/2005 Probably the #1 source of what is hot in the comic book world is none other than the store owner. They have all the buzz on the hottest selling books coming out and are more than glad to share this information with customers. This can benefit a collector who buys multiple issues to resell at a later date. Think of it as getting insider information on the stock market!