How to Collect Buffy Comics

When "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"] ended, fans around the world were left wondering where they would get their fix of their favorite superhero. Some turned to fan fiction while others pursued the novel series. However, the end of the show breathed new life into the comic books, renewing interest in the issues for both fans and collectors alike.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Collect the old issuesThe original Buffy comics are almost as old as the show itself, and some of the stories even fill in the gaps left between the series and the theatrical movie. While the stories may be older, the characters are still the same, and any Buffy fan will enjoy the new adventures. And for comic fans who never tuned into the show itself, the storylines are intriguing enough to hook anyone with a love of the dark side.

2. Collect the collector editionsLike most comic books, the Buffy issues were often released in multiple editions. Some had alternate covers, illustrated by famous graphic artists, while others offered limited edition foil fronts. There are also multiple printings of each cover, usually differentiated by some minor change. Comic collectors, however, seek all of these options, building their collections by seeking out the rarest issues and the shortest printings.

3. Collect the new comicsBuffy the Vampire Slayer ended after its seventh season, but creator Joss Whedon decided he couldn't so easily abandon his characters. In conjunction with Dark Horse Comics, Joss Whedon has penned Buffy's eighth season, picking up where the television show left off, not on the screen, but in the pages of brand new comics.

4. Collect the Omnibus booksSince many fans of the show, eager to find out what Buffy has been up to, picked up the Buffy comics for the first time during the season eight series, Dark Horse Comics decided to make it easier for these newer collectors to catch up on the backstory of the comic world. In a series of books called the Omnibus volumes, the older Buffy releases have been sorted and reissued in chronological order, creating a kind of continuous story in graphic novel form. So far, three Omnibus books have been released, with at least two more scheduled.

5. Collect the comic book artAs with most comics, Buffy comics offer beautiful artwork by renowned graphic artists. Many of these panels have been released as collectible art, whether as signed prints or as actual cells. There are also books that have been released which focus on the artwork of the comics itself: the various covers, styles and never-before-seen sketches. For comic collectors and fans of the artists themselves, these releases truly bring the essence of the Buffy comics to life.

Tips & Warnings

• Always protect your comics
• Whether it's Buffy or Superman, comics are collectibles, and years from now you'll want to be able to take pride in your collection, not regret the tatters left behind.
• Curb your addiction
• Like any collectible, comic books can quickly become an obsession. For the sake of your sanity, and your wallet, collect within reason, and within budget.