Collectible Comics Price Guides and Buyers’ Guides
Building a collection of comic books is a fun and rewarding hobby. Part of the reason you’re likely collecting comics is for the nostalgia and entertainment value. But, at some point after you have accumulated a few issues, you may also want to know what some of your issues may be worth. There are many different collectible comics price guides and buyers’ guides available on the pages of eBay, from guides that target Marvel collections, to single issues like Wizard or Toyfare, to year-long hardback and paperback issues such as Overstreet.
Why Use Price or Buyers’ Guides?
There are a few different reasons that having a few issues of buyers’ guides or price guides on hand is important, such as:
- Authoritativeness: The price guides that are available have been around for years and are ‘the’ authority when it comes to pricing comics. You may find lists on the Internet, but they may not be as authoritative as a hard copy.
- Nostalgia: Many of the price and buyers’ guides have become collector’s items themselves, with old and back issues holding a value similar to that of the comic books themselves.
- Pricing: Whether you choose to resell your comic book collection or hang onto it, it’s a good idea to know what your collection is worth, even for insurance purposes.
Which Type of Buying Guide Should I Use?
No type of buying guide really stands out over another type; however, there are different reasons to choose different buying guides.
- A year-long, paperback buying guide offers:
- A comprehensive guide to many different issues, from Bronze Age comics to Platinum Age comics, as well as modern issues; and
- Price lists as opposed to articles.
- Weekly or monthly buying guides offer:
- The latest information about comic book issues in a changing market; and
- Informational and entertainment articles for the collector.
How Do I Use a Price Guide?
If you’re a beginner or novice to collecting, there are a few things to keep in mind as you try to price your comics, whether it’s for resale or informational purposes.
- Know your issue: When it comes to comic books, there can be many reboots and reissues of a certain title. Be certain of what you have before you look it up.
- Learn to grade: Comic book condition is typically graded from 0 (extremely poor condition) to 10 (mint condition). You’ll need to learn how to eyeball your issue to give it a grade. Alternatively, you can take it to an expert at a comics store for an idea.
- Prices are subjective: While price guides are fairly authoritative, it’s still a subjective number. Your issue may actually sell for more or less, depending on current market demand.