How to Find Used Comic Book Dealers

Comic books are anything but "kid stuff" these days--collecting used comic books is a hobby that generates millions of dollars a year, and comic book publishers frequently put out special editions with an eye to their value to collectors in years to come. While new comic books rarely cost more than a couple of dollars apiece, highly desirable collectible comics can trade for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The comic book with the highest price tag to date was a Marvel Comics No. 1 issue that sold for $350,000 for in 2001. If you'd like to get in on this hobby, there are a number of different places you can go to find your special titles, or to discover ones that may be new to you. One thing you can be sure of, you'll never run out of comics to discover, collect and enjoy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Local comic book shop (if possible)
• Computer with internet access
• Credit card and/or paypal account for online purchases

1. Start by visiting your local comic shop. While most shops stock a wide range of new titles, they also tend to have quite a few back issues and older titles as well.

2. Talk to the comic shop owner and check the bulletin board there to see if there are any upcoming comic book shows or conventions. Conventions are a great place to find dealers from all over, not to mention ones who specialize in particular comic genres--golden age superheroes, romance comics, war comics, horror comics, alternative comics, manga.

3. Visit science fiction, fantasy and TV/movie conventions as well if you have a particular interest in comics that may be associated with these themes. If you do not want to participate in other convention events and activities, you can check with the convention organizers to see whether you can arrange for admittance to the dealer room alone for a lower rate (or perhaps even for free).

4. Check out eBay and other online auction sites. Sites like half.com and amazon.com may also carry a certain number of used comics, although these are more likely to be in graphic novel form (compilations with stiff cardboard covers).

5. Scour the web for comic dealers who stock a wide range of specialty titles, or those who specialize in your particular area. You can join listservs and forums of other comics fans to get tips on where to go to find the best online bargains or even to arrange swaps with other collectors.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a comic price guide so you'll know what prices you should be paying for the used comics you'd like to buy.
• Be sure that any online seller you deal with has a return policy if you'll be spending more than a few dollars, especially if you want your comics to be in mint condition.

[standup01]

on 9/23/2009 Hi i have some old,mint condition Superman comics I would like to know what they are worth the issue #'s are 3, 11,17,21,25,29,37.If there is a dealer that can contact me my email is [e-mail]

[banditsmom]

on 9/1/2009 I have some old, mint condition Mickey Mouse & Archie's comics. I am tryin 2 find out what they r worth & a dealer. I don't have them rt. in front of me 2 get the issues #'s. But I will have them soon. Please if any1 has any info. 4 me u can email me at [e-mail], Thank you, Melissa