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! 

As a collector, you know the value and sentimental attachment you have to your comics, and the last thing you want is to see them get damaged over time. 

In this blog, we will be exploring innovative storage solutions for your comics beyond the traditional cardboard box and plastic bag and share some maintenance tips to keep them pristine for more years to come. 

Limitations & Drawbacks of Traditional Storage Solutions 

One of the biggest reasons why collectors adore comic books is the stunning and captivating artwork found on their favorite issues' covers. However, traditional storage solutions like filing cabinets, boxes and tinted bags tend to obscure the beauty of the covers, leaving them hidden and unappreciated. 

Moreover, these storage solutions can be challenging to navigate, especially when dealing with a large collection. Organizing and accessing the comics become a daunting task, and it's easy to lose track of what you have and where you have stored them. 

Thankfully, there are innovative and fun storage solutions that can help collectors overcome these limitations and enhance your comic book collecting experience. 

Next-Level Storage Solutions for Comic Book Collectors 

We understand that your ultimate goal of storing your comic book collections is to ensure their long-term preservation. That's why the most important factor when it comes to finding the best storage solutions is to provide your comics with the utmost protection, allowing you to cherish them for a lifetime. 

Here are three unconventional storage solutions that would do just that: 

1.Comic Bags 

Comic book bags are a staple for any collector, but not all bags are created equal.  For optimal preservation, it's important to select bags that are both acid-free and archival-grade, as this will protect your comics from deterioration over time due to harmful elements.  

By investing in high-quality comic book bag, you'll not only safeguard your collection from dust, dirt, and moisture, but also prevent the pages from yellowing and the ink from fading. By taking these simple steps, you can be sure that your collection will remain in top condition and retain its value for years to come. 

Additionally, it’s important to choose comic book bags with resealable closures to ensure that your collection remains secured inside. Don’t also forget to opt for a transparent design to make your comics' cover art more visually appealing and allow easy access and organization of your collection – for your optimal convenience. 

2. Backer Boards 

Did you ever find yourself getting worked up because of bent pages in your beloved comic book collection? Maybe it’s time to consider getting comic book backer boards! 

Backer boards are designed to be placed behind each individual comic book, offering extra support to prevent pages from getting damaged due to improper handling. They come in various sizes to fit different comic boo dimensions, ensuring that your entire collection is safeguarded. 

Choosing acid-free backer boards is also crucial, so they won’t cause damage to your comics, leading to discoloration, brittleness, and deterioration of the paper. Keep your comics in tip-top shape, don't hesitate to add comic book backer boards to your arsenal! 

3. Toploaders 

Comic book toploaders are rigid plastic sleeves that are designed to use in combination with comic book bags to provide extra layer of protection to your collection. These protectors are especially useful in preventing your comics from getting crushed or damaged when transporting them to conventions or other events.  

In addition to their protective qualities, toploaders are also great for displaying your favorite comics. Their upright position makes it easy to showcase the cover art, and they can be conveniently placed on bookshelves or display cases.  

Maintenance Tips for Your Comic Book Collection 

Collecting is not just a hobby – it's passion. While investing in high-quality storage solutions like the ones mentioned above, there are additional maintenance tips that can help keep your comics in top condition. 

Here are some ways on how you can take proper care of your most-prized collectibles to ensure their longevity and value: 

• Keep your comics away from direct sunlight, as exposure to UV rays can cause the ink to fade and the paper to yellow. 
• Store your comics in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and humidity from causing damage. 
• Handle your comics with clean hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the pages. 
• Use acid-free backer boards and comic book bags to protect your comics from dust, dirt, and other harmful elements. 
• Regularly check your collection for signs of damage, such as creases, tears, or fading, and take appropriate steps to repair or prevent further damage. 

• Consider investing in a dehumidifier or air purifier to help regulate the humidity and air quality in your storage area. 

Don't let all your hard work and investment go to waste – take these steps to ensure your collection stays protected and valuable for the long haul. 

At EVORETRO, we understand the importance of preserving your valuable collection, which is why we offer a wide range of top-quality comic book storage solutions. Check evoretro.ca and discover how our premium-grade storage solutions can help you keep your comics safe and secure for generations to come. 

Comic books are not just pieces of paper with colorful illustrations; they are works of art and valuable addition to any collection. As a collector, it's important to know how to properly care for your comic books to ensure they stay in great condition for years to come. In this blog, we'll explore different techniques for cleaning different types of comic books, so you can master the art of comic book care. 

KNOW YOUR COMIC BOOK'S CONDITION 
Before starting any cleaning process, it's important to know the condition of your comic book. Determine if your comic book is in good, fair, or poor condition. If your comic book is in good condition, you'll want to be extra careful not to damage it during the cleaning process. If your comic book is in fair or poor condition, some cleaning may be necessary to help preserve it. 

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS 

To properly clean your comic book, you'll need the right tools. Some of the essential tools you'll need include: 

• A soft-bristled brush: This will help remove dirt and dust from the comic book's pages without damaging them. 
• White cotton gloves: These will help protect the comic book's pages from the natural oils on your hands. 
• Acid-free backing boards: These will help support the comic book's pages and prevent them from bending or creasing. 

CLEANING DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMIC BOOKS 
It is essential to understand that different types of comic books require different cleaning techniques. The age, condition, and paper quality of a comic book all play a role in determining the best cleaning method. Let's take a look at the different techniques for cleaning different types of comic books. 

Golden Age Comics (1938-1955)

Golden age comic books, which were published between the late 1930s and the early 1950s, are usually printed on newsprint paper, which can be fragile and prone to yellowing making them the most challenging to clean. 

1. Start by using a dry, soft-bristled brush to gently remove any loose dust or debris from the cover and pages. 
    
2. Next, use a clean, dry cotton cloth to gently wipe away the grit, dirt, crumbs, and other debris that can get trapped between the cover and pages. Avoid using microfiber cloths in Golden Age comics, as they can leave behind lint or fibers.  
   
   
3. For more stubborn stains or dirt on the cover or pages, a kneaded eraser or a specialized comic book cleaning pad can be used. Or you can use a soft eraser to gently rub them away.  
    

PRO TIP: It is important to avoid using a pink eraser, as it can damage the paper. Be sure to use a clean eraser, as a dirty eraser can leave residue on the paper. 

Silver Age Comics (1956-1969) 


Silver Age comics are printed on thinner paper, so they are more prone to tearing and creasing. This type of comic book can be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and dust. Use a kneaded eraser to gently remove any smudges or pencil marks. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the comic book's pages. 

Bronze Age comic books (1970-1984) 
Bronze and Copper Age comics are printed on slightly thicker paper and are more prone to yellowing and discoloration. Bronze Age comic books can be cleaned using the same techniques as Silver Age comic books. However, if your comic book has a glossy cover, you can use a microfiber cloth to gently clean it. You can use a gum eraser too, to gently remove any smudges or marks. Make sure to use a clean gum eraser, as a dirty eraser can leave residue on the paper. 

Modern Comics (1985-Present) 

Modern comic books are typically printed on glossy paper, which is more durable and resistant to damage but can be prone to smudging and fingerprints.

Here’s how to clean them: 

1. Start by gently wiping the cover and each page with a dry, soft-bristled brush. This will remove any loose dust or debris that could scratch the pages during cleaning. 
   
   
2. Next, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the cover and each page. Be gentle and avoid using too much pressure, as this can cause the pages to bend or tear. 
   
   
3. If there are any stubborn marks or smudges on the cover or pages, you can use a soft eraser to gently rub them away. Be sure to use a white eraser, as colored erasers can leave residue on the pages. 
   
   
4. If the comic book is particularly dirty or stained, you can use a small amount of distilled water on a clean microfiber cloth to gently clean the affected areas. Be careful not to saturate the pages, as this can cause them to wrinkle or warp. It is best to avoid using any cleaning products as they can damage the glossy surface of the paper. 

Cleaning comic books requires careful consideration of the type of paper, ink, and condition of the comic book. By using gentle cleaning techniques and avoiding any harsh chemicals or solutions, collectors can keep their comic books in pristine condition and maintain their value. If you are unsure about the best cleaning technique for your comic book, it is always best to consult a professional to avoid any damage or further degradation of the comic book. 

COLLECTOR TIPS FOR COMIC BOOK CARE 
In addition to knowing the right cleaning techniques for your comics, there are some other tips you can follow to help keep your collection in good condition: 

• Store your comics in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 
• Use acid-free and archival-grade sleeves, bags, and boards to protect your comics from dust and moisture. Check out this list  of premium comic protector. 
• Avoid touching your comics with bare hands, as the oils from your skin can damage the paper and ink. 
• Handle your comics with care and avoid bending or folding them. 
• Invest in a comic book grading service to ensure that your comics are accurately graded and valued.
  

By following these tips and using the right cleaning techniques, you can master the art of comic book care and keep your collection looking its best for years to come. 

EVORETRO offers products that are designed to protect and preserve your valuable comic book collection - from cases and boards to bags, boards, and accessories. The one-stop-shop and collectors' favorite partner in preserving your collection's authentic value so you can enjoy them for life. Visit evoretro.ca and get the comic supplies you need today! 

Comic book collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby for enthusiasts of all ages. But if you're new to the hobby, getting started can be overwhelming. There are so many different comics, publishers, and grading systems to navigate.  

This beginner's guide will provide an introduction to the basics of comic book collecting, including how to find comics, how to grade them, and how to care for your collection. 

WHAT TO COLLECT 



The first step in comic book collecting is deciding what to collect. This will depend on your personal interests and budget. Some collectors focus on a particular character, series, or publisher, while others collect comics based on rarity or investment potential. 

If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to focus on a character or series that you enjoy reading. This will keep you motivated and interested in your collection. Popular characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and Superman have numerous series and spin-offs, so there's always something new to collect. 

Another option is to collect based on rarity or investment potential. This can be more expensive, as rare or key issues can command high prices. However, if you're willing to invest in your collection, it can pay off in the long run. Key issues are typically the first appearances of characters, major events, or issues with significant historical importance. 

WHERE TO BUY 

Once you've decided what to collect, it's time to start building your collection. There are several ways to acquire comics, including 

• Comic Shops - Local comic shops are a great place to start your collection. They often have a wide selection of new and back issues, and the staff can offer helpful advice on what to collect. 

• Online Retailers - Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and Midtown Comics are also great places to find comics. They often have a larger selection than local shops, and you can often find deals on bulk purchases. 

• Comic-Con - Comic conventions are a fun way to meet other collectors and browse a wide selection of comics. Many conventions also offer exclusive variant covers or limited-edition comics. 

• Garage Sales: Garage sales and estate sales can be a treasure trove of comics. Many people don't realize the value of their collections and sell them for a fraction of their worth. 

• Thrift Stores - Thrift stores often have a small selection of comics, but you can sometimes find hidden gems. 

• Friends and Family - Don't overlook the people in your life when building your collection. Friends and family members may have comics they're willing to part with, or they may know someone who does. 

HOW TO STORE AND PRESERVE YOUR COLLECTION  

Once you've started building your collection, it's important to take care of it. Proper storage is crucial for keeping your collection in tip-top shape. Here are a few tips for preserving the value of your prized collection: 

Grade Your Comics 

One of the most important aspects of comic book collecting is grading. Comics are graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest grade. The grade of a comic book is based on its condition, including factors such as page quality, cover condition, and spine stress. It's important to learn how to grade comics accurately so you don't overpay for a comic in poor condition. 

Store your Comics in Acid-Free, Archival-Quality Bags, and Boards 

Your prized collection is only as valuable as the level of protection you give it. Invest in premium comic protectors like mylar bags or oriented polypropylene bags, archival-grade and acid-free plastic sleeves, and comic book backer boards. These will protect your prized comic book from unwanted elements and other accidental damage, keeping them in pristine condition for years to come. 

Check out some comic supplies here. 

Be Careful When Handling Your Comic 

It’s important to handle comic books with care. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling comics to prevent oils and dirt from transferring to the pages. Use a flat surface when reading or examining comics to prevent bending or creasing. And, when removing comic books from bags and boards, use caution to prevent tearing or damaging the pages. 

Avoid Stacking Too Many Comics 

Stacking too many comics on top of each other can cause the weight to damage the comics on the bottom. Don't stack your comics too high, as this can cause spine stress. Storing comics upright in a sturdy box can help prevent spine damage. 

Keep Them in a Cool, Dry Place Out of Direct Sunlight 

High temperatures and humidity can cause irreversible damage to comic pages, so it's best to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and discoloration. Never store your comics in a basement or attic where they can be exposed to moisture or extreme temperature changes. 

Whether you're a newbie or a professional collector, taking care of your collection is a must. Share this passion for protecting and preserving your valuable comic book collection with EVORETRO. Start building your own collection and enjoy the art and timeless stories that comics have to offer. Happy collecting! 

You may have the best collection of comics, video games, graded trading cards, or other collectibles but no one will ever see them if they are hidden away in a box or drawer. You need to find a way to showcase your prized collection and allow it to be seen. This is where the museum-grade acrylic stands come into play. These stands are designed for multiple purposes, including displaying comics, retro video games, graded trading cards, and more. 

While there are quite a few different types of acrylic stands on the market, these stands have been specifically designed to meet the needs of serious collectors who want their collections displayed in an attractive way while also protecting them from damage over time. 

A good display stand can be the difference between a customer buying your product and walking away. That's why we've put together this guide to help you find the perfect acrylic display stand. 

TYPES OF ACRYLIC STANDS  

1. Free-Standing Display Stand 

The free-standing display stand is another simple option that works well if you have limited space in your living area or bedroom. It comes with a base and back panel like the usual card display stand, but instead of being designed specifically for holding trading cards, this option works equally well with any type of collectible items such as rocks, shells, or even antique coins. 

2. Tabletop Display Stand 

Tabletop displays are perfect for smaller collections like trading card sets or action figure collections because they're designed specifically with those types of items in mind! They come in all sorts of colors and shapes, so you'll find something that suits your personal tastes perfectly! 

 3. Card Display Stand 

This type of stand is perfect for displaying small collections. It’s lightweight and comes in different sizes. The card display stand allows you to see all of your cards at once, so you don’t have to flip through pages or pages of cards. This makes it easy for people to quickly browse through your collection without having them turn over each card individually. 

 4. Easel Stand 

Easel stands are perfect if you want something more portable than a wall mount but something that's stable and sturdy enough to hold heavy items like books or art pieces (or even just collectibles like figurines!). They are generally used for displaying items that need to be viewed from all sides like books, posters, and paintings. 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACRYLIC STAND FOR YOUR COLLECTION  

When it comes to showcasing your curated collection, you want to make sure that you're doing everything you can to ensure your displays are not only effective but also safe and sturdy. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen. The right acrylic display stand can make all the difference in your collection's presentation—and with so many options available, it's easy to get confused about which one will work best for you. 

Here are some collector pro tips to help you choose the right acrylic display stand for your collection needs. 

Collector Pro Tip #1 - Choose the Right Acrylic Stand 

 
The first step is choosing the right stand – an easel stand and a sophisticated acrylic card stand could be the perfect match. A good quality display stand will last for years and years, but it's important to choose one that fits your needs. The right card display stand can help attract potential buyers and make sure they know exactly what they're looking at before they make a purchase decision—and it can also help protect against wear and tear on the artwork itself! 

Collector Pro Tip #2 - Add Lights and Mirrors to Give Your Display Some Flair 

 
Lighting and mirrors can really add some flair to your display; they'll draw attention from passersby and really bring out the colors in your artwork! You can even use mirrors as part of your display itself; just mount them on top of easels or tabletops and put your pieces next to them. You can also add light boxes or reflectors behind them to bring out their colors. 

Collector Pro Tip #3 - Think about where you're going to store it. 

If you're looking at acrylic display stands, they are likely going to be heavy, so make sure they won't fall over easily or break when they've moved around. A sturdy base will help them stay upright and prevent damage to your collection if they do happen to fall over! 

 MAKE YOUR COLLECTION STAND OUT 

 
As collectors, one of the most important aspects of any collection is its presentation. It's not enough to have the coolest stuff, you have to be able to show it off! 

 EVORETRO is proud to bring you a new line of acrylic display stands that are sure to add some excitement to your comic books, video game cases, custom plates, artwork, photos, graded cards, magazines, electronics, and other memorabilia. Our full line of collector must-haves can help you showcase your collection at its best angle. Visit evoretro.ca today and discover the coolest selection of items to make your collection shine! 

As a card collector or avid TCG player, one of the biggest challenges is finding a storage solution that is both secure and practical. You want to protect your valuable cards from damage while also being able to easily access and organize them. That's where Shield+ Top Loader Binder comes in – the game-changer storage solution for card collectors. 

In this blog post, we'll explore why Shield+ Top Loader Binder is the perfect storage partner for your toploaded card collection. 

The Downsides of Traditional Binders 

While binders have long been a popular choice for card collectors looking to store and protect their collections, traditional binders do have several downsides. One of the main issues with these binders is that they can be quite cumbersome and take up a lot of space, making them difficult to store in small spaces or transport to events or trade shows.  

Additionally, some traditional binders are flimsy and simply not strong enough to handle the rigors of regular use. If so, they can be quite expensive and difficult to replace when they get damaged or worn out over time. They also don’t offer much in terms of customization or organization. Collectors who want to sort their cards by set, player, or other criteria may find it challenging to do so with a traditional binder. 

What’s more? They often have fixed-size pockets and can’t accommodate toploaded cards and PSA-graded cards. This limitation can be especially frustrating for collectors who want to display their collections or show them off to others. 

Fortunately, we have created an alternative storage option that addresses these issues and offers better protection and organization for card collectors – the EVORETRO Shield+ Top Loader Binders. 

Introducing Shield+ Top Loader Binders 

We don’t want you to go through the frustrations for another year, so we’ve made your dream binder to life, our Shield+ Top Loader Binder. With this top loader binder, you can keep your cards safe and organized in a way that works with your lifestyle. 

Our binder is made with high-quality microfiber leather outer material with high water-resistant level, abrasion resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and hydrolysis resistance. The 360 zip-secured protection provides an added layer of security, so you never have to worry about your cards falling out or getting damaged. 

But, that's not all. What really sets our binder apart is that it can accommodate up to 216 regular-sized and toploaded cards, and has mesh compartments to hold PSA-graded cards. This game-changer binder also has a GPS finder pocket that you can utilize, so you'll never have to worry about misplacing your binder again.  

Easily loved and supported by co-collectors, our passion project for the Shield+ Top Loader Binder has been fully funded on Kickstarter and was recognized as project we love! Bringing joy to more collectors, our top loader binder is now live on Indiegogo, check it out and who knows? You might love it as much as the rest of us do! 

Upgrade Your Card Collecting Game 

If you're serious about card collecting, then upgrading to Shield+ Top Loader Binder is a no-brainer! Whether you're just starting out or have an extensive collection, this binder offers the versatility and practicality you need to keep your cards safe and accessible. So don't wait any longer, upgrade your card-collecting game today with the EVORETRO top loader binder and see the difference it can make!