The Best Comic Bags and Boards
Comic books are a graphic medium using sequential art and text to tell a story. American comics are released in single-issue format. These comics are thin, soft covered, bound books that contain one chapter of a story. Usually around 15 to 30 pages long, comics have shiny covers and delicate, thin pages. To keep your comics in like-new condition for years to come, it's necessary to store them in the correct bags and boards.
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Acid-Free Boards
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Storing comics in a bag is the easiest method of protection. However, comics are not stiff, so they fold if stored standing upright. Sliding an acid-free paper or cardboard board into the bag behind your comic will add sturdiness and stiffness. Boards usually have one matte side and one shiny side. When packaging your comics, slide the comic in facing the shiny side of the board for the best protection.
Archival Polyester Bags
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Comic bags made from archival polyester, commonly known as mylar, are the highest quality. Archival polyester is thicker than normal plastic and resists light damage, insects and dust. These bags are stiff and do not require a board to retain their shape. If you want to display your comics, these bags are one way to do it. Archival polyester is acid-free and will not cause any discoloration of the comics inside.
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Plastic Bags
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Clear plastic comic bags, usually around 2 mil. thick, protect your comics from damage when handling. You can look through your comics easily without worrying about damaging them. Your comics will be free of dust and protected from insects while stored in plastic bags. An acid-free board should be inserted into the plastic bag to give it stiffness.
Topload Cases
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Stiff, clear plastic cases, or topload holders, are commonly used for display. These cases are thicker than plastic bags and stiffer than polyester. They resemble stiff card holders for baseball or trading cards. If you like to remove your comics often to read, these cases are not your best choice.
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References
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