Comic book collecting can be a serious and rewarding hobby, but it also requires a significant amount of time, effort, and money. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, protecting your comic book collection is essential to ensure that your investment remains in tip-top shape. In this blog post, we'll cover some essential tips for protecting your comic book collection from cover to cover. 

1. Store Your Comics Properly 

The first step in protecting your comic book collection is to store them properly. This means using acid-free bags and boards, which will prevent your comics from yellowing or becoming brittle over time. Regular paper bags and boards contain acids that can react with comic book paper, causing it to deteriorate. Acid-free bags and boards will help preserve the condition of your comic books. 

It's also important to keep your comics away from sunlight, as UV rays can damage the colors and ink. Finally, make sure your comics are stored in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture damage. Read our previous blog for more expert tips on comic book care. 

2. Invest in Proper Shelving 

If you have a large comic book collection, it's important to invest in proper shelving to store your comics. Adjustable shelves are ideal, as they can be customized to fit different sized comics. Make sure your shelves are sturdy and can support the weight of your comics without bending or warping. It's also important to keep your shelving away from moisture. 

3. Keep an Inventory of Your Collection 

Keeping track of your comic book is a must, especially if you have a large collection. Cataloging the items will help you keep track of what you have and what you still need to complete your collection.  

You can create a simple spreadsheet containing a list of comic books you have, along with their condition, value, and shelf location. This will help you to identify any missing comics and also to keep track of their value over time. 

 4. Insure Your Collection 

Insuring your collection is a good investment for your valuable comic books, if you haven’t insured yours, maybe it’s time to think about it. Homeowner's insurance typically won't cover your comics, so you'll need to purchase a separate collectors insurance policy (Yes! You can even get collectors insurance specifically designed for comic books!). Just make sure to document your collection with photos and an inventory list, as this will make the claims process easier if something were to happen to your collection. 

5. Be Mindful of Environmental Factors 

Environmental factors can have a significant impact on the condition of your comic book collection. Temperature and humidity can cause the paper to expand and contract, leading to warping and other damage. It's important to keep your comics in safe surroundings to prevent damage from these factors. Additionally, be mindful of pests such as insects or rodents, as they can damage your comics.

6. Protect Your Comics from Damage 

There are several things you can do to protect your comics from damage. First, you should avoid bending or folding the covers or pages. Keep your comics flat and avoid stacking them too high, as this can cause damage to the spines. 

You should also be careful when transporting your comics. If you're taking them to a convention or to be graded, make sure to protect them with a sturdy backing board and a plastic sleeve. This will help prevent damage during transportation. 

Finally, be aware of pests that can damage your collection. Insects such as silverfish and cockroaches can eat through the pages and covers of your comics, causing irreparable damage. Keep your comics in a clean, dry environment to avoid attracting pests. 

 7. Consider Professional Grading 

If you have rare or valuable comics in your collection, it may be worth considering professional grading. Grading services will evaluate the condition of your comics and assign them a grade based on their condition. This can help you determine the value of your comics and ensure that you're getting a fair price if you decide to sell them. 

What Should You Do Next 

Comic collecting can sometimes be challenging, considering that there’s a handful of things to look out for. Protecting your comic book collection requires attention to detail and a willingness to invest in the right tools and resources. Good thing we have EVORETRO, here you can find the coolest selection of comic book supplies to make your collection preserved and protected for years!