The Best Comic Book Collecting Tips

It's important to know how to collect - and what to expect - when you're collecting comic books. Whether you're an older collector or just starting the hobby, these are ten simple rules I strongly recommend!
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[@ramblingrob]

Great video dude! Solid tips!

[@UncannyDerekComics]

Thank you kindly for watching!

[@HaulYeahComics]

Great video. These aren't just for new collectors, they're things even us old guys need to keep in mind when shopping. Very well presented. Loved it!

[@UncannyDerekComics]

Thank you so much! I definitely have to refresh myself with these rules every so often too!

[@sadusattack2628]

Great video! I can relate to the try before you buy. I bought Batman #181 the first appearance of Poison Ivy. It was missing the centerfold poster. That was on ebay and a lesson learned. Buy the book and not the grade is my philosophy. I've gotten a number of silver age key issues in low grade for pretty good prices.

[@UncannyDerekComics]

Glad to see I'm not alone in some of these! I find checking the books first and THEN finding something wrong also raises a red flag for the dealer as a whole. That's crazy about Batman #181!

[@tensixtythreecomics]

Great video! Especially leading into the con this weekend! I think a great tip is to download the free version of clz. Used to let you have 500 books. This way you can scan the code and know the variant. Grading is interesting. With all the trades and facsimile versions you can grade your original to preserve it or grade to sell. I would love to be able to have all my comic covers as my appletv screen saver! Hey that’s me! I find for the most part instagram life is separate from KZbin life!

[@UncannyDerekComics]

Some days I forget CLZ is actually free to use! I've been subbed since I first got it and haven't looked back! And 100%, I feel Insta and YT are two separate beasts. Absolutely amazing how great the community is in both! Save for scammers, I haven't found any bad apples yet.

[@tensixtythreecomics]

@@UncannyDerekComicsyeah I have to get my feet wet in the selling game but it’s hard being in Canada. I always just refine eBay search to items located in Canada unless I’m willing to basically pay double shipping. Trying to sort that out on selling side as most people will be in USA and don’t get the customs thing!

[@Doombot2.0]

Tip 11. Understand that each and every comic dealer paid pennies on the dollar for the books they are asking current fair market value on. Make low ball offers and go from there but never pay fmv on a big key because no dealer has. Tip 12. Not just fomo but beware of nostalgia and the poor decisions it can make you make. Its a very powerful thing. GI Joe and Transformers 1st series always tempt me to pull the trigger before i search for better prices for example.

[@UncannyDerekComics]

Great additional tips. I think your Tip 12 and my tip on FOMO are really intertwined - emotions can get really high when buying comics. It's really important to check oneself before taking the dive into the hobby. Thank you for sharing your additional thoughts! I couldn't agree more!

[@tensixtythreecomics]

Also agreed on needing patience! Every collector of anything needs this. I bought a few big books during pandemic. Will likely never get what I paid out. But they are books I love so unlikely I’ll be selling them. I really am looking hard for a gsx 1. X-men is way too hot right now! Considering where the hobby will be is very interesting! I have three kids. None really interested in collecting. They love reading trades but I doubt they would buy individual issues. Like you I’m a huge X-men fan but I know I will likely never fill in issues 1-20 or my missing asm. Still love it though!

[@UncannyDerekComics]

I think we *all* overpaid for a book or two during the pandemic, unfortunately. Once I realized "the bubble" I pumped the brakes and said I'd be more cautious and patient. The internet is both a blessing and a curse with this hobby. It easily can create a FOMO attitude and it's important to see through the trees before you dive in.

[@tensixtythreecomics]

@@UncannyDerekComicsyeah! Especially true going into con this weekend. Any seller that is way out of whack of eBay sales I’ll be skipping

[@UncannyDerekComics]

@@tensixtythreecomics It's so important (and kind of obnoxious) that one has to do their research before they go to conventions for things like this. Such a cut-throat industry.

[@tensixtythreecomics]

@@UncannyDerekComicswhat’s worse is when they won’t come down. I’ve bought books high and I don’t expect to make money. That’s the risk. If you bought high and now have to sell low, at least you are selling

[@josephgottli4676]

Getting comics graded comes down to me, so I guess everyone can contact me if they want to know if they should slab their books.

[@UncannyDerekComics]

In Joseph We Trust.

[@txmoney]

With regard to grading: I only slab books that show increased value over time with a minimum current value of $150 after grading. I often have a reader copy or a TPB of the stories I wish to reread.

[@UncannyDerekComics]

That makes sense. Curious though: with some books seemingly forever in-flux with prices, do you give that consideration when slabbing?

[@txmoney]

@@UncannyDerekComics The best way I avoid books that shift wildly in value is to not play in the modern variant sandbox and/or FOMO speculation. I usually stick with books that are Copper age or earlier. Those tend to show steady growth.