100 Things I Wish I Had Known About Comic Collecting

Man I wish someone told me all this when I started! happy ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHANNEL!!! thought I'd pay it forward by letting all my secrets known
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#ComicBooks #LessonsLearned #SageAdvice

[@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.

[@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 😄

[@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

[@drsinz79]

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

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much!

[@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

[@scooobydoo27]

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

[@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...

[@tonyp8125]

Happy birthday, Brother.

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much 😀

[@allstarsteinman1]

Happy birthday!! Great advice as always!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank youuuu! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

[@FreeKeyLoowee]

Excellent advice man, Happy birthday brother

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks for the birthday wishes Free Key!

[@basementbrotherscollectibles]

Happy Birthday! Thanks for such great advice.

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks Basement Bros!

[@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!

[@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!

[@AutomaticPoker]

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

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank YOU! cheers!

[@Killurhero]

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

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@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

[@dharmadank]

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

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you liked it!

[@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.

[@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.”

[@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!

[@Evilscomics]

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

[@MintHunterComics]

I was!!

[@AngelEyes986]

This is the most valuable comic collecting video on the internet.

[@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

[@dylam8236]

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

[@thewolverine8189]

Happy belated birthday, very informative video 👍

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you so much 😀

[@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

[@dansxmencomics]

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

[@jacobbornowsky4013]

Thanks for all you do happy bday

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks for the kind words Jacob!

[@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.

[@comicbossone2411]

Have to say. This is an excellent video. I’m going to show my son. He’s 13 and following in my footsteps. This is a great little heads up for him.

[@joelatorre]

Words of wisdom right there! Happy anniversary and happy birthday to you bud! You goin anywhere to hang out in the Doylestown area tomorrow? Lol

[@MintHunterComics]

Actually my girlfriend has me for the day and it's a complete surprise, so I have NO IDEA what I'll be doing and where!

[@adavis688]

#27 was my favorite lol

[@MintHunterComics]

Lololol

[@APG2112]

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

[@MintHunterComics]

I did indeed actually!

[@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

[@royreyes1493]

Dude, this was awesome. Love your videos 👍🏼

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks Roy! I appreciate that!

[@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!

[@paulharper9711]

Happy Birthday James! This is a very helpful video. I know I’m going to have to keep referring back to it as a collecting tool. 👍🏻

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad it was helpful! cheers!

[@KimNguyen-zm7gi]

Words of wisdom from time and experience. Wheelie says, “find friends today”. Thank you for your videos.

[@MintHunterComics]

Love that! Thanks Kim

[@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

[@kingkalabac]

Great list. Definitely learned some things.

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@roywatson7916]

This is a great community.

[@MintHunterComics]

Seriously is - I love it

[@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

[@Riel2Reel]

Happy Birthday, James! Enjoying the content. Cheers!

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you enjoy it! Cheers mate!

[@CallenLowe]

Man, some great advice!! Happy B-Day! Also congrats on the youtube year, lookin forward to the next year!

[@MintHunterComics]

Who knows where we'll be by then!

[@ReelKineticActionDesign]

This was great! Thanks!

[@MintHunterComics]

You're so welcome!

[@ronjolly2062]

You gave a lot of good recommendations, but I honestly think that the no regrets one is the biggest. Not for the reasons you specifically said, but because sometimes to get what you want you have to get rid of some of the not as important comics.

[@MintHunterComics]

Letting go is a MAJOR part of this hobby - ya just gotta move on!

[@jayelliott5509]

I agree!! Sold my entire collection in 1980 except FF 1. Big collection, all the silver age keys, for chump change to move into another investment. I need therapy for that regret. Thanks!!!

[@ronjolly2062]

@@jayelliott5509 dang I’m at a loss. My LCS owner sold his ASM 1 about 10yrs ago for 10k. He said that his copy would be worth over 100k. Deep regrets lol

[@jayelliott5509]

@@ronjolly2062 Thanks Ron! The advice to look forward not backward is so true. Like the eastern sage said, " If you are depressed you are living in the past. IF you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present." It wasn't until I started collecting again quite recently that my regrets really hit home. But life is good and peace really is the answer!

[@rafe496]

Rapid fire high value advice my friend.

[@MintHunterComics]

Hahahah that's how I do lol - cheers!

[@tobiasbaumgartner8629]

Awesome list! You have quickly become one of my favourite comic book channel. A question if a I have a comic that some one has written on will it get a blue label? And how much will it effect the grade?

[@MintHunterComics]

Hell yeah - thank you Tobias!!! writing can get blue label but if it's a signature it may risk getting green... green labels hurt value of books pretty sharply

[@tobiasbaumgartner8629]

@@MintHunterComics On my comics some one has written 23 but at least it’s small and in the corner. How much would that affect the grading if it gets a blue label? Thanks.

[@jarredsmith4629]

Happy birthday

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks so much!

[@vegaprime]

Thank you for making this! Very informative! :)

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevewhite4533]

Excellent list, I agreed to it all

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks man!

[@CheeMengChong-l6i]

Well done. Thank you

[@leftyB82]

Dude I learned so much good info!! Good job

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad I could help!

[@matta5498]

#1 Ebay would cause the drop in value of all collectables by increasing easy access (thus supply) to collectors. Great if you're buying, bad if you're selling.

[@MintHunterComics]

Agreed

[@jeremeyedward7086]

Great video. Great channel!!!

[@kevinlauricella863]

Great tips!

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@goldschool9050]

Graders are accustomed and expect tape on the flap. The book might accidentally slide out if you don't tape the flap. Just saying.

[@MintHunterComics]

Negative, ive spoken with cgc graders and they always advise to have no tape anywhere. It's also in their video on how to send to CGC

[@Klung1]

Fantastic video!

[@138NastyNate]

All great advice. You even mentioned a pet peeve of mine..STOP USING "CURRENT/MODERN" Bags an Boards..Its like a fitting a fat guy into a pair of skinny jeans (coming from a fat guy)...Nobody wants to see that!! Use Silver Age/Regular size bags and boards (7 1/8 X 10 1/2)...I mean really some are even sold as "Regular Size" c'mon people...I dont get how the OG's could let this happen while I had stopped collecting...You should be ashamed of yourselves!! Silver Age (7 1/8 X 10 1/2) boys n girls should be the universal standard. Again great advice! Happy Birthday!

[@MintHunterComics]

It's too tight! I hate squeezing comics into that thin little bags n boards!

[@KThayerart]

Happy Birfday!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you!!!!!

[@soldjer21]

Thanks for the tips James always good stuff, what type of mylars are you using can you post a link. Thanks

[@MikeHill-n4q]

Great advice!

[@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.

[@cristher5685]

I'm new to collecting comics as a kid from the 90s. This channel is really nice, lots of cool stuff and great info. Do you know if this channel has a Telegram group or any other comics related group?

[@MintHunterComics]

No, sorry

[@RPRsChannel]

It seems you can press embossed covers. I don't quiet get how that is possible, but it's only foil that can't really be pressed, unless it's a very slow and cold press. I am sure no one who offers a pressing service will press an embossed, let alone a foil embossed cover. Too risky, even if it's possible. I will look into this. I've never tried to press an embossed cover.

[@MintHunterComics]

Cold press foil can actually work - emboss can work only if you target certain spots but usually pressers say that you can't. Last time I sent one in it was returned to me

[@amoiix6820]

Really good!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jonyalvarado9454]

Hey you know there is this website and I found the first appearance of reverse flash and silver/golden age comics it’s called cyber comics and toys could you do a review on this I is just a suggestion also happy birthday😃

[@MintHunterComics]

Maybe! and thanks!

[@Joesomebody73]

honest question: where can I go BESIDES Ebay? I cannot find the books I want anywhere else

[@MintHunterComics]

IG sales!

[@SyntheticDividend]

you mentioned silver age for mylites and boards but when you show the photo you have standard comic sized mylites and boards. what do you recommend?

[@berkfamily54]

It’s Morphin time

[@MintHunterComics]

Hahaha

[@OrphanCrippler1]

I feel like #27 was personal

[@MintHunterComics]

Hahahahaha

[@Subviolaceus]

Awesome video!

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers mate!

[@hieinh]

The tip on submitting like comics, is early 2000s and the present fine to mix?

[@stevenschaller1672]

Hey! We're old but valuable!🤣🤣

[@MintHunterComics]

AMEN!

[@adriandqTR]

I just bought some acid free polypropylene bags for my collection. Should I switch to something else? Are poly bags that bad?

[@shawncatoe9471]

Congratulations

[@milkdaily]

probably a stupid question but why is it bad to store books flat? i have most in a long box standing up but i do have some laying flat in a box, all bagged and boarded though

[@milkdaily]

i just remembered why i have some laying flat in a box, they are golden age and didn’t fix properly in my long boxes. is it really a problem to store them flat? i never thought about it

[@thedanath]

I havnt watched the whole video but most lcs would never be able to get a 1:500 cover in the first place.

[@ColsonsComics]

Happy early birthday!!!!!!! 🎂🎂🎂🎂

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks DK league!

[@jameswatson8293]

Good video

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@pursuedburrito]

Aha quick question why wouldn’t you get the 1:100 variant ?

[@bigjax731]

Good stuff

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad you enjoyed

[@johnedwards2051]

I sold a high grade cap america 1 I paid for college tuition 4 years

[@reprintranch]

Somewhere, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby are giving you a thumbs-up.

[@johnedwards2051]

@@reprintranch I'm sure they are lol I sold others to pay for my kids tuition only good reason to sell to avoid a lifetime of student loan debt

[@ArsenalFTW]

Why always get first issues?

[@MintHunterComics]

Even if not keys they always have a slight bump over value than the rest of comics. But also there's a higher probability #1 issues become keys! like with Star Wars High Republic

[@jfdesignsinc.innovationsid1583]

fantastic brotha! 2 thumbs up and a booger on your winda!

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks for the visit and the booger!

[@taylorbabcock7392]

51 how do i do that ??? Need to get way far away from ebay

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@catfancy1708]

collecting everything for one character is expensive... I can confirm this, but I regret nothing. do you think you will be up for doing a monthly video reviewing other peoples collections ?

[@MintHunterComics]

maybeeeee... that's actually not a bad idea... I know Batman Statue Collector does that!

[@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

[@chipsmith2256]

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

[@MintHunterComics]

Thanks Chip!

[@godisgreat8462]

Hello from the rising sun Japan I am a new subscriber

[@potentialhotcomics2716]

I like to add: If you think CGC is too greedy And CBCS's labels are boring And PGX slabs suck, .....there is an AWESOME option. EGS, just plain awesome and gorgeous labels.

[@MintHunterComics]

EGS is underrated! cool looking slabs but I doubt they'll take over the market any decade soon

[@potentialhotcomics2716]

@@MintHunterComics true, definitely better than PGX

[@coydogf23]

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

[@MintHunterComics]

I appreciate that!

[@JaKaJan2500]

Holy Crap. That had so many things I have realized while collecting :). Thanks.

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad to help!

[@LegionofComics]

Fantastic video brother. Congrats on the continued success. #WeAreLegion

[@MintHunterComics]

Legion indeed - cheers for the support man

[@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

[@kevingino-gino2610]

Happy Birthday James! Sorry I wasn't able to leave a small message in the last video, had to fix something urgent. anyways, Happy Birthday and happy anniversary!!! 🎊🎂

[@MintHunterComics]

Hope all is qell! Happy one year anniversary of channel to YOU guys as well! You're the reason I'm doing this!