100 Things I Wish I Had Known About Comic Collecting

[@MPScrimshaw]

"Just cause it's old doesn't mean it's valuable" is something people need to tell antique shop vendors. I was in one yesterday with a stack of older Justice League, ASM, and Avengers titles, $5 each. Cool stuff but Google tells me they're all worth about $3. Come on guys.

[@MintHunterComics]

Antique shops are TRIPPPINGGGG they have no idea how to price comics

[@benportzer]

I gotta tell my dad that because he basically says the opposite which is annoying af

[@florianneumann9441]

Well, this sounds like some minor pricing issue that can be solved with basic negotiation... 5$ is not so far of for someone who has no glue. And never forget you don't have to buy right now, just because they are there at the moment - just walk if you can't get it for the price you're willing to pay. Also, a good thing is to tell them you would be willing to buy a bulk of them for a price and leave your card ( write the offer on the card ) and leave it there. A lot of times you're not talking to the person who can/want to decide that on the fly - but maybe come back to you after thinking about it.

[@UpTheDown7]

You're complaining about a comic that's priced for $5 because google told you it was $3? Wut?

[@robertt9342]

$3? What is older to you? Either the books aren't all that "old", or your expectations on pricing is way off.

[@jackb8008]

I've been collecting comics off and on for over 40 years....all of your advice is spot on! Great video, great channel. Thank you.

[@MintHunterComics]

Much appreciated!!!

[@michaelemond7315]

I love the "mystery boxes suck" tip. You are paying a high price for comics you didn't specifically want. Even if it is a "good deal" - it is a good deal on things you don't want and wouldn't buy if you had known they would be there ahead of time. To put it another way - Would you buy a mystery box of groceries?

[@MintHunterComics]

There's many reasons why mystery boxes are dumb haha - I was disappointed to the point of hilarity one time

[@JediFarce]

This is true, but it does make for interesting KZbin videos.

[@DW3010]

It depends on who’s giving the mystery box. I love spider Gwen, so I bought a mystery box last month, but two of the comics they showed would be in the box were two spider. Gwen variant covers, whatever else is coming in the box, I have no idea, But at least there’s something I want in it 😄

[@scooobydoo27]

Great list! There's one very big one that you missed: BEWARE OF FOMO!

[@StoicMadman]

Holy smokes I have learned almost the exact same things over the past 6 years since I got back into this! I wish I could back in time and tell myself not to be so cheap and avoid buying the higher grade keys back when spending $50 on a comic was a lot for me! Great advice my man

[@emmanuelcabrera1813]

Awesome list! I also tell myself 1) Resist Fomo! You missed out. It happens. 2) Books are written for trades, so you can get them to catch up on a run or you want to continue reading after the first issue. 3) Know your niche! Don’t let Fomo wreck your goals and budget! 4) Subscribe to newsletters to get a jump on books or key issues. 5) Order books directly from companies whenever possible (IDW). Crispier copies! 6) Have your family on standby when it’s only one per customer (i.e Usagi 20). Lol. 7) If you’re doing eBay, ask for more pictures, cover every angle- it’s your money, and ask,”any defects not visible in the pictures.”

[@Darkglobe1977]

Congrats on a year. I really enjoy your videos. I'm glad it's more accepted to tell people you collect comics. Back when I first started I never told anyone apart from the locals at the LCS .

[@MintHunterComics]

Now it's COOL to collect comics lol

[@ericturczynowsky3243]

Happy birthday and congrats on 1 year anniversary of your channel...you might have left out an important tip; this is a hobby and hobbies are supposed to be fun, if you're not having fun it might be time to stop.

[@MintHunterComics]

Great point! the moment it becomes a chore or stressful pick a different hobby!

[@MrSintastic]

Great list. Garage sales are a great source. I found the mother load this past weekend where there were 10 long boxes at 10 cents a book. I couldn’t believe what I found. Almost felt bad.

[@MintHunterComics]

DON'T FELL BAD THAT's AMAZING! woot woot!

[@MrSintastic]

@@MintHunterComics check out the last 10 minutes of my last video to see what I got. A) I would greatly appreciate it B) you will be shocked and Awed! 😂

[@binkysphinx]

I have a real problem with this. So many people just don't know what they have and it gets confusing very fast when they try to figure it out. I've seen it, I've heard about it. They may have been desperate, they may have been strapped for time and couldn't do the research... It's one thing to score a deal when buying a collection from a collector, or buying at auction or through a retailer, but I think taking advantage of people's ignorance about what they possess isn't right. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times I've told people to pull their books from sale and given them advice on researching values. It's the right thing to do. For example, imagine your family members struggling to deal with your comics after you died, or had some sort of debilitating illness...maybe your family is different, but my wife and kid don't know anything about the books I collect they'd likely liquidate them in a similar way and it irks me to know there a comic vultures out there, circling, waiting, ready to pounce on the unexpected.

[@coydogf23]

Love your page, boss. Your videos are fun to watch, really really informative. Keep it up!!!

[@MintHunterComics]

I appreciate that!

[@Amanda-if7ey]

Nice list. I appreciate that you condensed it and it's not an hour long video. Happy (late) birthday!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks!

[@wastedanguish9927]

Tremendous list James! But you forgot the most important piece of advice, “The squirrels are ALWAYS watching!” Lol. Happy Birthday.

[@MintHunterComics]

ALWAYS

[@graypliskin]

Happy birthdays. Man I started collecting Vampirella and Red Sonja which means I have like a million variants on my boxes so everytime I go to my LCS I spend way too much.

[@evanwilliams3895]

I’d say for omnibus, store them on their side unless you have a platform to support the pages underneath. The weight of the paper will start to pull it forward and the spine isn’t gonna hold up overtime compared to a regular TPB hardcover

[@MintHunterComics]

Good call, I don't think I knew that one actually

[@evanwilliams3895]

@@MintHunterComics it’s one I learned very recently. Learn something new every day

[@rugeorge2908]

Great (concise) Summary! Lots of credos I do live by. I loved #26 because all the shipping materials I receive that can be re-used, get re-used (eventually). I perceive my experience on #17 for the slight bindery tears is different but who knows for sure. They do always make me paranoid when I determine which books to send in for grading.

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad it was helpful! Hahah this was a bitch to edit but I wanted to make sure I got a good vid out as I won't be able to record due to birthday festivities

[@MrRanman91]

Hope you had a great birthday, and happy 1 year anniversary!!! Great list!!! Actually have that Supergirl Adam Hughes cover you showed. Mylar is great.

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks so much! and yes.... such a beautiful cover

[@chipsmith2256]

happy birthday, and thanks for the tips and always solid content!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks Chip!

[@jasonkurtzhall5375]

Just found your channel. Appreciate the info. I am an old guy but new collector. Just recently bought a friend's collection. Lots of silver and bronze age comics (not greatest shape) and some modern comics that are in much better condition. Key comics: 3x usagi yojimbo #1, new gods #1, 1st thor (1966 reprint)....and much more... im excited and about get some sent out for grading.

[@mikegonzalez503]

Happy birthday, my friend! I love your channel so much. The variant advice is the so true. I wish I hadn’t spent all that money on the black and white Batman 92 punchline cover

[@MintHunterComics]

(It's still a cool cover) but yes def not worth that price!

[@karlburkhardt9902]

My variant purchases are usually visually driven. The A cover still comes home though.

[@jonhummel3639]

Happy Belated Birthday. 🍻 Marvel Comic Books being minted as NFT’s on the VeVe app, can’t wait!!! Great vid and info mate!

[@MintHunterComics]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jemagu6]

Happy birthday James! I've been enjoying your channel, despite that you're more of a DC guy and I'm almost exclusively a Marvel guy. Never been into statues, or DC, but that Flash statue is seriously awesome!

[@MintHunterComics]

I've been dabbling with Marvel lately haha! thanks man

[@joeythestuntmaster6210]

Happy birthday. Another fun and insightful video. I’m onboard with 99/100. eBay doesn’t suck, but does have it’s problems. Same goes with CGC.

[@MintHunterComics]

I call it "FeeBay" hahaha - and thanks my man!

[@drsinz79]

Happy birthday to you, and happy anniversary to your channel!!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much!

[@jackhole1979]

Like the list! I don't agree with absolutely everything, but hey, that's ok! You can tell there's a lot of learned lessons in there. Also, wishing you a Happy belated Birthday James!

[@MintHunterComics]

Fair enough! and thanks man!

[@karlburkhardt9902]

Happy Birthday. Those are some great pointers. Media Mail sucks. Lol 😆

[@MintHunterComics]

It really does lol

[@VidaDeRoman]

I'm new to comics and wish I knew the bag and board thing... I got 1,000 of the smaller current/standard size because google said if it's too big they slide around and get beat up... but what you said makes sense, I even thought that myself because when I buy online they usually send them in bigger size and usually the board gets damaged in the corners instead of the comics...

[@reichertcomics3233]

Great topic and thanks for the tips! The no tape when submitting to CGC is a great takeaway. Neve would have guessed!

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RalphBelkIII]

Happy birthday, man! Thanks for the advice. I'm keeping this for anyone else coming back after a long break.

[@MintHunterComics]

Please do! glad it helps!

[@barstoolentertainment]

If you are collecting a run of comics, check to see if it is reprinted in an omnibus format. I was trying to collect Man Eating Cow, and could not find two issues. I just bought the omnibus reprint of the title, and gave up finding the two missing issues.

[@MintHunterComics]

Indeed - always good to see if it's reprinted so it's easily readable

[@johnmonachelli9292]

Happy birthaversary! Another great video! Thanks for all the tips!

[@MintHunterComics]

You got it John!

[@robertbaker4811]

Great vid James and happy b-day sir! "Just cuz it's old doesn't mean it's valuable" I'm always trying to hammer that home with fellow collectors.

[@MintHunterComics]

EXACTLY! and thanks my man! Your support has been amazing!

[@AlexSzostak13]

Excellent Video! (Some minor spelling errors, but my friends call me a grammar Nazi. I can't help it. Spelling errors JUMP out at me like a 10.0 on a CGC Slab!) Great Advice! I learn something new everyday! Hope you have a great Birthday! I think I just might see if I can sell the entire Batman Adventures 1-36 in one shot. Happy Birthday!!!

[@MintHunterComics]

I just noticed all that hahaha. Ugh that's a pet peeve too. Ah well. I finished up this video at 4am so I'm allowed a couple mistakes! 🤣🤣🤣

[@TT-fq7pl]

Exceptional video. More useful advice here than in dozens of other videos. Thanks!

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad it was helpful! and thanks for the kind words!

[@Poohsoftserve]

Fun video. Cuts straight to the meat. Media mail sucks cause you can’t use media mail for comics. It’s the USPS rule because of the advertising inside. Sellers have to package to make sure USPS doesn’t open to check contents. I’ve seen funny tricks like stuffing in old vinyl sleeves. I’d rather have comics packages safely instead of playing games for a couple bucks.

[@therealpaulortiz]

Another great video James! I've been collecting awhile and you bring up some avoidable mistakes I've had to learn over the years! Way to pay it forward!! Thanks!

[@andymanning4886]

Happy Birthday James! Great set of tips too.

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks so much!

[@imdronedout]

Stan Lee would approve of this super slam packed video "nuff said" ! Happy B day James !

[@MintHunterComics]

Hell yeah! thanks mate

[@toddmusic]

Best comic video out there right now. Keep it up man.

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks, will do!

[@basementbrotherscollectibles]

Happy Birthday! Thanks for such great advice.

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks Basement Bros!

[@James-os9ku]

Great video,James. A lot of really valuable information here. Happy Birthday as well man !

[@MintHunterComics]

Much appreciated!

[@potishen]

🥳 Happy Birthday ... very informative!!!!!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much 😀

[@spinecheese]

I've been collecting most of my life and that list was not only spot on but also a good reminder to long time collectors. Great vid!

[@firstclassflagship]

Happy Birthday!! And great vid. Keep up the awesome work!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you! Will do!

[@CleanBeanComics]

I’ve been collecting since 2016 (relatively new) and even I’m guilty of some of these to this day! Great video and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you thank you!

[@TheMab2180]

Best comic book video content yet. Thank you!

[@AlexMartinez-es6qz]

Happy Birthday bro! Alot of great info in this video.

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks my man

[@fanboycomix9677]

Great video and some amazing tips man! Happy Birthday, looking forward to another year of this channel!!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks a ton!

[@APG2112]

Happy Birthday MH! Hope you find some sweet books today🙌🏻

[@MintHunterComics]

I did indeed actually!

[@philcamacho127]

Happy Birthday and 1yr YT Anniversary to you! Thanks for the wonderful 100 comic "secrets." These are great tips for new and long time collectors. Nice vid 👌😃

[@MintHunterComics]

thanks so much Phil!

[@Tragiksouls]

Happy Birthday to you and your channel!!!!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much!!

[@ronweaver4135]

Man, I love this channel. Keep up the great work.

[@MintHunterComics]

Much appreciated!

[@fightthegoodfight52]

Great advice! I've only been collecting for just over 3 months, so I can definitely utilize lots of these tips as I continue to grow my collection. The large majority of my collection is for my personal collection. However, wherever possible, I still try to get the best quality possible where it makes senses. You never know what opportunity might present itself down the road. Also, I'm not sending any of my comics off for grading anytime soon, but I love to maximize their protection and also like to display several of them. To accomplish this, I use the Ultra Pro One Touch cases. They are very rigid and have UV protection. Another great option I've found for wrap-around comics are Comic Pro Line clear Backer Boards. I use the 80 point variety and they are pretty rigid!

[@mcewb726]

Great video and congrats on 1 year. Huge growth and development in a short period of time! Hope you have many more great KZbin years to come!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much! who KNOWS where we'll be next year

[@native_nerd_comics]

“Mystery Boxes Suck” hahaha The list was on point 💯

[@MintHunterComics]

Hahahahaha

[@shawnmarcus8173]

Happy Birthday Brother !!! cheers to another year around the sun

[@MintHunterComics]

Yes! Thank you!

[@bargainbincomics]

Wow, what a production and very informative. This was some effort, thank you! Love the cadence.

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dannyj5608]

Happy Birthday! I watch all your videos with my two boys. You do a fantastic job. Looking forward to another great year ahead!

[@MintHunterComics]

Oh my gosh - that's so awesome! thanks man!

[@glenclark8696]

Some great tips there. I laughed at once you go Mylar you never go back because it’s so true. I was intrigued by your It’s okay to store comics in binders tip. Could you do a video on that showing the final product and what supplies you use. I would be interested in knowing more.

[@MintHunterComics]

I actually always used custom binders from Zazzle.com - best way I could get binders to my specifications

[@BobShacklock]

Good list! You said always buy #1s, buy #2s as well! The print run on #2 issues can be significantly lower than the #1 issue, possibly pushing the value up.

[@MintHunterComics]

Good point!

[@AutomaticPoker]

Pure gold. Thanks! (And Happy B-Day)

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank YOU! cheers!

[@funwithcomicsandtoys8752]

Happy birthday to you James. Really nice tips on this video appreciate it as always. I also feel what you're saying about getting a complete run of something if money allows. However in My experience For me it is The thrill of the hunt And pay off years later.

[@MintHunterComics]

The thrill of the hunt indeed. This is very very true

[@Esteban_T]

"Don't look back, look forward." Genuinely, thank you for that. It's been a rough few months and I've been stuck in the past. I think it's time I move on.

[@michaelhaigh4192]

Happy Birthday James🎂. Another great vid. I like how you put a positive spin on collecting and acknowledge that there is a balance to real life. Keep up the great work my friend.

[@MintHunterComics]

I appreciate that!!!

[@Dirtydingodog]

Great job once again! Keep up the good work and enjoy your birthday!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dharmadank]

Great video. Actually quoted linked this in one of my descriptions.Too good. And also just fun.

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you liked it!

[@mikegattis9411]

Great video…Happy birthday!!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks Mike!!

[@parkersherrod7685]

Wonderful video, keep up the good work, love your content, and happy birthday!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you! Will do!

[@dylam8236]

Happy birthday, mate! Have a great one. A great video and I love it. Very sound and common-sense tips.

[@CrescendoQuest]

Yes bro! Congratulations on 1 year. Thank you for these morsels of wisdom!

[@MintHunterComics]

1 year...can't believe it. Thanks dude!

[@alexarevalo5695]

Good stuff! Recently discovered your channel, but I've been working my way through watching almost every video. Keep it coming!

[@MintHunterComics]

Awesome, thank you! more to come! after I get nice and birthday drunk that is

[@davecironelibrarykid]

Thanks for the great tips -- and congrats on 1 year!

[@MintHunterComics]

Cheers!

[@Vp-jt3vl]

Happy b-day in advance and congratulations on the one year anniversary. Making some notes on what I need to do lol hahaha.

[@MintHunterComics]

Hahaha there's some good stuff in here!

[@allstarsteinman1]

Happy birthday!! Great advice as always!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank youuuu! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

[@ihaveafewissues1788]

Great channel and I can vouch for almost all 100 tips! Well done.

[@zachbilinsky]

Happy Birthday James !!! 🎂🎂🎂 and Happy Birthday to my favourite comic book channel on KZbin !!! 📚📚📚

[@MintHunterComics]

Hell yeah! Cheers!

[@JohnWilliams042]

Happy birthday! Been really enjoying the content on your channel. Keep up the awesome work, James!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks! Will do!

[@mauricedevereaux6573]

Great video! Happy birthday James...:)

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks so much!

[@timdanner2596]

My neck hurts from shaking my head in agreement for 11 minutes and 44 seconds, especially to eBay (there so many better auction sites) and...no tape!!!! Many of these I learned either decades ago when I was much younger than my current self or I've noticed since getting back into collecting after being out of it for 11 years. The silver age 3.0 and 3.5 grades being respectable grades is something I've come to realize over the last month and have been targeting issues in that range, particularly with Amazing Spider-Man. I've also realized recently, like you mentioned, that 9.6's are awesome.

[@MintHunterComics]

9.6s ARE awesome, they're identical to 98s basically! hahaha I'm glad you're in agreement

[@justinshannon814]

Happy birthday James and congrats on the one year anniversary of your channel! Lot of great advice in your video. I had always been a casual comic book collector until about 5 years ago. Action figures were always my big thing. When I first started collecting hard it was at the time of DC's Rebirth. I bought every variant of Batman 1 I could get my hands on and a bunch of the Harley Quinn #1 variants. I went to Baltimore Comic Con for the first time and got those Batmans signed by King and Finch and graded by CGC with no pressing of course. I did get a lot of 9.8s anyway but really...so what? I sold all but six of the slabs and ended up losing money on the deal. My time in Baltimore could have been soooooo much better spent buying keys at 2016 prices. Incidentally, the 6 books I kept were the Michael Turner variant and the sketch of it and 4 copies of issue A. I'm sure that Gotham and Gotham Girl will be showing up on the big screen any day now right? Lol. Like you said it is best to look at the future and not dwell on the past. I still had a great time in Baltimore (and in the subsequent times I've gone) and it was a learning experience.

[@MintHunterComics]

Must not forget about gotham and gotham girl! (I'm not sure sure about those two) I actually LOVED the Tom King run but the first 6 issues were my least favorite

[@morgant5160]

great advice and Happy Birthday!!

[@MintHunterComics]

You got it Morgan T!

[@andrewcai5042]

Happy birthday James, also check your Instagram messages. Starting off I wish I didn't get so crazy with variants and mystery boxes.

[@MintHunterComics]

$%@^Variants! And will do! It's getting hard to manage all my dma lately I need a secretary hahaha

[@LXA2008]

This is one of the best comic-related videos I’ve ever seen… and the CGC not UV resistant one had me laughing 😂

[@MintHunterComics]

Hell yeah, thanks my friend! lololol

[@sergehenderson302]

Happy belated birthday James and thank you for your content

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you kindly!

[@RPRsChannel]

If your comic book has a hologram, it's better to slice up the bag on the side to get the comic book out than pull it up and out of the (tight) bag. Then you slide it back in. Then out again, ect. Many holograms get these horizontal streaks from being pulled in/out of the bag and I think that is why so many are 9.6's. Oh, and happy B-Day!

[@MintHunterComics]

This

[@SPalochik]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES! Thanks for all the fantastic content you put out on the channel.

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks for watching and THANK YOU for your support - you've been a supporter and fan for pretty much the entire year!!!

[@ramanoshana]

Great list!! Also happy birthday!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you!! 😁

[@richiebebbbebbs-collection1025]

Happy birthday minty! This was a GREAT video once again. Great shout-out to the no regrets at the end

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks again!

[@jarredsmith4629]

The regret part you said still gets to me cause i had a short box of all keys and needed the money and now those books are worth a ton more. Anyways i have been going bat crazy on batman keys and i was wondering can you do a video of all your batman keys???

[@MintHunterComics]

Indeed - the biggest part of comics is being able to let it go

[@FreeKeyLoowee]

Excellent advice man, Happy birthday brother

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks for the birthday wishes Free Key!

[@chadfontaine2717]

Variants... oh man those variants. Just cant resist them for my PC. When I'm showing off my collections... it's like... cool... ok... so heres the #1A... BUT... check out this low print run badarse variant cover art!!!

[@karinaelias6732]

Awesome stuff ! Loved it !!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you!

[@Riel2Reel]

Happy Birthday, James! Enjoying the content. Cheers!

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you enjoy it! Cheers mate!

[@dansxmencomics]

Ton of great info here. I’ll have to watch again!

[@starchild6347]

Happy Birthday! Thank you for the great content…

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you too!

[@Killurhero]

Happy birthday bro! Great fricking list! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@Band_Aid_Man_]

Hi! So I recently picked up 5 issues of Darker Image: first appearance of The Maxx, Deathblow and Bluudwolf! 4 of them are in the poly bag and one is not! Now my question is: I would like to get them graded, but do I submit them in the poly or out of it? That's always stumped because, well, you'd think the comic being in it's most original state would be king! But I'm stumped here! Please let me know, thanks.

[@MintHunterComics]

Get em out of the poly bag! they only are going to have bad indentations because of it. I recommend getting it pressed

[@Band_Aid_Man_]

@@MintHunterComics Cool! Good to know! I'll get them out as soon as I can! thanks for your insight.

[@imre456]

Happy birthday, and thanks for the quality videos

[@MintHunterComics]

Why thank you!

[@imre456]

@@MintHunterComics recently got back into collecting again after a long break, your videos are the best comic related content on KZbin. Keep up the good work 👍

[@pauld_77]

Quite simply one of the best comic videos I’ve ever seen :) great list & thanks 👍

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much 😀

[@AidenHackley]

Happy 1 year today James! Just in this first year alone you've done a great job with your channel and are really getting into your own style. I can't wait to see what you do in the future years!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks so much! I have so many ideas my brain is overloaded haha!

[@Evilscomics]

Crazy weren't you just at 4000. Great video and keep climbing

[@MintHunterComics]

I was!!