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! 

Toronto Comicon is just around the corner and EVORETRO is thrilled to announce that we will be participating in this year's event! As one of the leading providers of high-quality protectors for your retro collections, we are excited to showcase our top-of-the-line products to fellow collectors and comic fans who will be joining us. 

Make sure to mark your calendars for March 17 to 19, and drop by Booth #720 to check out our latest offerings. We are ready to show you our amazing products and to answer any questions you may have about them. 

What can you expect? 

We know that customers are always on the lookout for the best deals, and that's why we are launching a contest where participants can avail of up to 15% discount on their purchases plus free shipping! This is an opportunity you don't want to miss, so make sure to participate and take advantage of our amazing offer. 

We will also be making a special announcement on Day 2, so stay tuned on our Facebook page for that. You wouldn't want to miss out on exciting news and updates from EVORETRO. 

For retailers who are interested in partnering with us, we offer amazing retailer programs with exclusive packages that come with huge discounts. If you're looking to offer your customers premium card and comic book protectors, then look no further than EVORETRO. 

What are we bringing? 

Our booth will feature a wide range of products that we're sure you'll love. Here are some of the top products that we'll be showcasing at Toronto Comicon: 

• Comic Toploader Series - Our comic book toploaders are designed to provide superior protection for your comic books. They are made with archival-grade materials and are perfect for long-term storage and display. 

• TCG Protectors (Toploaders and Perfect Fit Sleeves) - We offer toploaders and perfect fit sleeves for all your trading card game needs. Our protectors are made with the highest quality materials and are designed to provide maximum protection for your cards. 
• Acrylic Protectors and Acrylic Stands - Our acrylic protectors and stands are designed for displaying your favorite comic books, trading cards, and other collectibles. They are made with crystal-clear acrylic and are designed to showcase your items in the best possible way. 
• Funko Pop Protectors - We offer protectors for Funko Pop vinyl figures that are designed to keep them safe and looking great. Our protectors are made with superb quality materials and are perfect for collectors who want to keep their figures in pristine condition for years. 
• Acrylic Figurine Protectors - Our acrylic figurine protectors are perfect for protecting your favorite figurines from dust, scratches, and other damage.  
• Display Risers - Our risers are perfect for displaying your collectibles at different heights. They can upgrade the look of your most rare and valuable action figures! 

• Shield+ Toploader Binder - Our newest Toploader Binder is designed to provide superior protection for your trading cards. It features a unique design that allows you to store your cards in toploaders, providing maximum protection while still being easy to access and display. 

We can't wait to see you all at Toronto Comicon and to show you what we've got in store. Don't forget to drop by Booth #720 and take advantage of our contest, retailer programs, and exclusive packages. See you there! 

Do you have a Charizard Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield Ultra-Premium Collection? 

If so, then you know how hot this item is. It's like your favorite Pokémon all rolled into one—only even more awesome! It includes a trio of promo cards! The Charizard V, Charizard VMAX, and Charizard VSTAR! Plus, an ultimate set of special edition gameplay accessories. 

And when you get a hold of your new Charizard Ultra-Premium Collection, it’s like… whoa. This box is pure FIRE! But the challenge is, how do you protect this special collection? Well, the best way to protect your cards is with a custom-designed protector that mimics the strength and fiery spirit of the Charizard cards themselves. Not only you will protect them, but they will also remain intact preserving the original value. 

 Score the first on the market protector for your precious Charizard box! 

EVORETRO is excited to share the release of its newest product: the exclusive Charizard collector's box protector. This exclusive collector’s item is the perfect place to store and display your newest Pokémon collection!  

Here’s why this is a must-have and a perfect addition to your collection: 

#1 ARCHIVAL-GRADE PROTECTOR 

Don't settle for a regular box to show off your Ultra-Premium Collection. Stand out from the rest with this hard-shell card case that protects your prized cards from wear and tear. This custom-designed PET box protector for your pokemon charizard ultra premium collection is thick and perfectly sized to fit around the borders of your charizard box, keeping dirt, moisture, and dust away from your precious cards. And did we mention it’s acid-free? Yes, it’s acid-free. It’s sure to protect and preserve the original art and integrity of your pokemon ultra premium collection.  

#2 MUSEUM-GRADE DISPLAY 

When discussing the classic gaming industry, gaming fans eventually bring up the Nintendo Entertainment System, or the NES, a gaming icon that ignited the gaming industry in the early 1980s and brought the industry back to life after the industry suffered a massive crash in 1983.  

Although there were other consoles before the NES, it was a true game-changer and trendsetter when it hit the scene, and made such an impact on store shelves all over that no one could ignore its popularity. 

Whether you're about to embark on an epic gaming journey with a brand-new NES, or you have fond memories of the classic system from your childhood, it's important to know that the Nintendo Entertainment System was much more than just another home console.  

What started NES? 

Before the NES or family computer ever came into being, the "Color TV Game" console was Nintendo's first home console, which are consoles that people could use for different variations of a single game.  

Then, Nintendo came up with the family computer, formerly known as the Famicom. Unlike the Color TV Game, the Famicom was developed to be Nintendo's first console with the capability of changing the games using interchangeable game cartridges, which may be pretty normal today, but was ground-breaking back then. 

From here, Nintendo worked on the Famicom, adapted it into the Nintendo Entertainment System, and presented the Nintendo Advanced Video System (AVS) prototype at the 1985 Consumer Electronics Show. It was ahead of its time, with accessories like controllers, a light gun, and a cassette drive.  

Nintendo took another year, and in 1986, they released the NES to the world, and it was a major hit worldwide. Unlike the gaming consoles in the market before the gaming industry crashed down in 1983, the NES was marketed as an entertainment system that works using game paks put into control decks and not as a game or toy that is used with dull cartridges. 

Which platform does it work? 

If you are a retro gamer, you were probably very sad when the class NES was discontinued in 1995. It had a brief life cycle of just 10 years but it left a legacy that still lives strong today — through the games that were created for it! With over 700 games released for this beloved console, you can spend days playing your favorite classics again and again.  

Today, you can still play NES games using a program called emulator, which allows you to play games for old systems on your Android or PC. There are also consoles that can play NES games including the Wii, Wii U, Super Nintendo Classic, Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy Player, Famicom Disk System, Nintendo 64 consoles, and many others. 

Playing NES games definitely feels like a trip to the past. Because of these platforms, you'll be able to experience old games that you played when you were a kid or new games that you missed when they came out. 

Why should you preserve them? 

The sense of nostalgia that comes from the retro NES games has value to those who play and collect them. The memories associated with games, from the connections they made to the stories they live through each time they play. This is why NES game cases are essential for both collectors and nostalgic gamers to provide long-term protection to their games. 

Don’t risk damaging your favorite retro NES games! Invest in a NES box protector that ensures your precious games are safely stored and protected. At EVORETRO, we offer premium-quality Nintendo NES cases that are acid-free and archival-grade to help guard your collection from dust, dirt, moisture, and damage. 

For those who like a more flexible and lightweight protector, our PET NES game display case is right for you. Yet, for those who wants extra layer of protection against scratches and UV rays to their most loved games, go for the acrylic NES games boxes. These protectors are both transparent which is perfect in making your games look cool on your desk or shelf! 

Visit our website to look at our entire collection of protective cases designed for your NES games!