How to Organize a Comic Book Collection

Comic books are serialized stories chock-full of dynamic artwork and engrossing stories. Enthusiasts enjoy following the continuing adventures of their favorite titles, and some savvy collectors even turn a profit buying and selling sought-after issues. However, comic books--especially older issues printed on newsprint--are highly susceptible to damage. It's important to keep your comic book collection organized, protected and easily accessible--whether you plan to sell it someday or simply like to re-read your comics on a regular basis.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Prepare Your Comic Book Collection

1. Gather your comic book collection and sort through it, making a pile for each title.

2. Sort through each title by issue number, placing the books in order from oldest to newest, with the oldest on top.

3. Decide how you are going to organize your comic book collection. You can do this alphabetically, by publisher, by subject or however else you prefer.

4. Slide each of your comic books into its own Mylar envelope. For additional support, include an acid-free tagboard backing board in each envelope, making sure the white (treated) side is touching the comic book.

5. Close each envelope, either by tucking the flap over the comic book, between the back of the envelope and the backing board, or by sealing it with tape.

Organize and Store Your Comic Book Collection

6. Select enough cardboard comic book boxes to store and organize your collection. These boxes are available in two sizes: "long" boxes, which are 27.25 inches by 7.5 inches by 10.8 inches and hold approximately 300 comic books, and "short" boxes, which are 15.75 inches by 7.5 inches by 10.75 inches and hold about 100 comic books.

7. Place your comic books upright into the cardboard storage boxes and organize your titles as desired. Make sure that each box is full, so that the books are pressed snugly together without leaning or bending.

8. Separate each title with a cardboard divider. Write the name of each title on the index tabs of your dividers in permanent ink and insert them into the boxes at the appropriate intervals.

9. Cover the boxes with their included lids.

Tips & Warnings

• Mylar envelopes, acid-free backing boards, cardboard storage boxes and cardboard dividers are generally inexpensive.
• Standard-size comic books will fit into Mylar envelopes that are 6 7/8 inches by 10.5 inches. Thicker comic books (like annuals or graphic novels) may be suited to larger envelopes--for example, 7.5-inch by 10.5-inch or even 8-inch by 10.5-inch options.
• If you choose to tape your Mylar envelopes closed, make sure you tape them properly--without catching the tape on the comic book itself.