A Guide To Collecting The Best Comic Books
Despite the rise of entertainment channels like the internet and satellite TV, comic books still hold a significant market share in consumer spending. The unique way comics present stories and engage their readers is unrivalled. This is why comic book collecting has grown in recent years, with a new generation enjoying this rewarding hobby.
There are several ways to get started in collecting. Some collectors are just fans of a certain publisher or hero. These people buy the best comic books (also known as ‘beste stripboeken’ in Dutch language) solely for entertainment, and do not care about the value of the publication after the sale.
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Others collect comics in limited editions or rare books to maximize their return. This type of collecting requires a deep understanding of the market and the funds necessary to purchase large quantities. There are five distinct periods of comic book memorabilia. The Platinum Age is the oldest period of comic book memorabilia, dating back to the 1800's through 1937.
The Golden Age spans the years 1938-1955. The Silver Age comic books were published between 1956 and 1969. The Bronze Age was between 1970 and 1979. Everything produced between 1980 and today is considered to be the Modern Age. Each period has its own unique style and distribution.
The most valuable items are those from the older periods, but the Modern Age still has many rare and scarce comics. Collectors today will have a wide range of options to add to their collection. Collectors around the globe have access to hard-to-find comics thanks to the internet.