Collecting comic books is a unique hobby that showcases your love for stories and art, but the pages, binding, and glue can easily wear down over time. If you want to keep your collection in mint condition, don’t just leave these issues in a box! Follow these long-term comic book storage tips that every collector needs to preserve your collection carefully and properly.
Place Comics in Bags and Boards
Before you stack your comic books into a container, protect each comic individually. Using acid-free bags and boards will prevent pages from yellowing and bending. Slide the board behind the comic and seal it inside the bag to protect your collection against dust, moisture, and creases.
Organize in Comic Book Boxes
Standard cardboard boxes are flimsy, and they can fall apart or undergo water damage easily in storage. As a worthy investment, consider buying specialty comic book storage boxes designed to fit bagged-and-boarded comics perfectly. These boxes are sturdy and correctly sized to prevent your collection from shifting or slumping.
Label Everything Clearly
As a long-term comic book storage tip, save yourself a future headache by labeling each box. You can organize your collection alphabetically, by publisher, or by series. A clear labeling system makes it easy to find specific issues without having to rummage through every box.
Choose a Climate-Controlled Environment
Extreme temperatures and humidity can severely damage your comic books. Heat can make pages brittle, while moisture can lead to mold and mildew. Store your boxes in a cool, dark, and dry place like a closet or a climate-controlled storage unit.
If you plan on using a steel storage shed, for instance, keep your building cool during the summer to prevent heat from damaging the glue and paper. Also, avoid attics and basements where temperature fluctuations are common.
Store Them Upright
Always store your comic books vertically, just like books on a shelf. Placing them flat in stacks puts too much pressure on the comics at the bottom, which can lead to spine damage and warping over time. Storing them upright keeps every issue in great shape.
Once your comics are out of storage, show them off! Use UV-protected frames or display cases to shield them from sunlight, which can fade the vibrant cover art. A proper display keeps your prized possessions in mint condition for everyone to admire.
