How to Buy Superhero Merchandise

Many people who are drawn to comic books, action figures and other superhero merchandise buy these items because they enjoy them to a great degree, and end up building a collection. It begins with a love of all things superhero. Buy some merchandise and you can easily start a collection that might increase in value someday. However, you'll probably enjoy your hobby more if you do it for yourself first and the potential for profit second.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pick up relatively inexpensive novelty items (about $30 and under) from sites like WickedCoolStuff.com, Giftapolis.com or SuperheroStuff.com (see Resources below). Examples of items you'll find at these web stores include Spiderman, Superman and X-Men t-shirts, magnets, mugs, posters and stickers. Other superheros represented include Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash, Batman, Captain America and the Incredible Hulk.
2. Build a collection of superhero action figures. These can range from small, inexpensive plastic versions (usually under $15) all the way up to limited-edition, larger figures that may cost as much as $200 or $300. Take a look at the inventory at SuperHeroZone.com, which has collectible figurines of heros and villains like Superman, Poison Ivy, Spiderman, Shazam and Batman.
3. Collect superhero trading cards. Usually, these cards picture an illustration of the hero on the front and a description of the hero's basic life story, including special powers, on the back. If you're serious about creating a collection, you'll want to buy a special binder made for preserving cards. Check out the IconUSA website to purchase Marvel superhero cards together with a binder (see Resources below).
4. Sign up for newsletters and subscribe to online magazines like ToyCollectorMagazine.com and SuperHeroTimes.com (see Resources below). These will keep you in the loop when new and interesting merchandise hits the market.
5. Attend comic book conventions like COMICON, which has events in Detroit, Baltimore, Kansas City and a number of other location around the U.S. Check out the official website for a schedule (see Resources below). You can buy an abundance of merchandise at these shows, not just comic books. Movie-related merchandise, superhero action figures, toys and clothing are just a few examples.
6. Shop at flea markets and discount stores to find great deals. Don't forget that some fairly unique items come in cereal boxes and with fast food children's meals. Just because they are not "mainstream" items doesn't mean they aren't intriguing and worth collecting.

Tips & Warnings

• Only a relatively small percentage of items are likely to increase in value significantly. Often these are limited editions and early-release items.