A Beginner’s Guide to Comic Book Collecting: Terminology, Companies, and Artists

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Recently, I have rediscovered my love of comic books. They’re the perfect blend of writing and art; it just makes sense that they’re a medium I would love. There are fascinating storylines, they’re episodic (so they’re perfect for my ADHD), and they’re ultimately what shaped much of my early tastes in movies, TV, and books.

When I was young, my dad collected/bought/sold trading cards. We spent many a-weekend in banquet rooms at Ramada Inns around East Texas buying and trading baseball cards. I never had much interest in trading cards, to be honest, but I loved when vendors around us were also comic book vendors. I would wander through and delicately touch the plastic-protected works of art, marveling at the covers of X-Men and Spider-Man and Darkwing Duck (the 1991 limited series.) I would count my quarters in hopes that I could afford the things I saw. And slowly, I amassed a small collection of my favorite Saturday Morning Cartoons in print form. I had Darkwing Duck, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, and TaleSpin. All bagged and boarded and untouched. I read them once through, turning the pages very carefully as I had been shown, and then tucked them away.

There had been some that I had loved and read over and over until the covers literally fell off. But in general, once through was enough. And then I filed them away, saving them for a later day. The cover art was beautiful, and having them made me feel fancy. And since then, I have always loved collecting comics as much as I’ve loved reading them.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Comic book collecting is a hobby that has been around for decades. It allows fans to dive deeper into their favorite characters and stories, and can even be a profitable investment. And as I am getting back into collecting and expanding my collections, I thought I would create this kind of “beginner’s guide to comic collecting.” Note: This is by no means a comprehensive list, and I am in no way an expert. I’m just a guy who loves comics and wants to share that with other people.

First, let’s start with some important terminology that you will need to know as a collector.

1. Issue — The term issue refers to a single 20–30 page magazine-style printing of a comic book. For example, if you are looking for the first issue of Spider-Man, you are looking for the first single book in that series.
2. Series — A series refers to the entire run of a particular comic book. For example, The Amazing Spider-Man series includes all of the issues that have been published for that character and that story arc. A series may be ongoing–meaning it is going until the publisher decides to end it–or it may be a mini-series with a predetermined amount of issues.
3. Variant — A variant is a special edition of a comic book that features a different cover or artwork than the standard edition. These are often more valuable and collectible than the regular edition. In today’s comic book market, there are often multiple variants for many issues in a series.
4. Grading — Grading refers to the condition of a comic book. Comics are graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being in perfect condition. You can read more about grading at CGC or CBCS, both places which specialize in grading comics.
5. Key issue — A key issue is a particular comic book that is considered significant or important. This could be the first appearance of a character, the death of a character, or a significant storyline.

Now that you know some of the basic terminology, let’s talk about some of the important companies and artists in the comic book industry.

Marvel Comics is one of the most well-known comic book companies. They are also the top-selling comic books companies, controlling nearly 40% of the comic book market. They are responsible for creating many of the iconic characters that we know and love, such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers. They are also known for their interconnected universe, which allows characters from different series to interact with each other.

DC Comics is another major player in the comic book industry. They are responsible for creating characters such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. DC Comics is known for its darker, grittier stories, which are often set in the fictional city of Gotham.

Image Comics is a newer company that was founded in 1992 by several popular comic book artists. They are known for their creator-owned titles, which allow artists to have more creative control over their work. Image Comics has published titles such as The Walking Dead and Saga.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

When it comes to artists, there are many talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the comic book industry. Here are a few notable names to keep in mind:

1. Jack Kirby — Kirby is considered one of the most influential comic book artists of all time. He co-created many of the iconic Marvel characters, including the X-Men and the Fantastic Four.
2. Steve Ditko — Ditko was responsible for co-creating Spider-Man, one of Marvel’s most popular characters. He also worked on other titles such as Doctor Strange and The Question.
3. Frank Miller — Miller is known for his dark and gritty artwork, which was showcased in titles such as Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Sin City.
4. Jim Lee — Lee is a popular artist who has worked on many DC Comics titles, including Batman: Hush and Superman: For Tomorrow.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the terminology, companies, and artists, let’s talk about how to start your own comic book collection.

1. Determine what you want to collect — Before you start collecting, it’s important to figure out what you want to focus on. Do you want to collect a particular series, such as Batman or The Walking Dead? Or do you want to collect key issues, such as the first appearance of Spider-Man? Having a clear focus will make it easier to build your collection.
2. Set a budget — Collecting comic books can be an expensive hobby, so it’s important to set a budget for yourself. Decide how much money you are willing to spend each month on comic books, and stick to that budget. This will help you avoid overspending and keep your collection within your means.
3. Start small — You don’t have to start with the most valuable or rare comic books. Start small and build your collection over time. Look for affordable key issues or issues from your favorite series. This will help you gain experience and knowledge as a collector without breaking the bank.
4. Do your research — Before purchasing a comic book, do your research to make sure you are getting a fair price. Look up the value of the comic book online and check out recent sales on auction sites like eBay. This will help you avoid overpaying for a comic book.
5. Buy from reputable sources — When purchasing comic books, it’s important to buy from reputable sources. Look for reputable comic book stores or online retailers that specialize in selling comic books. Avoid buying from individuals on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace unless you know and trust the seller.
6. Keep your comics in good condition — Comic books are fragile and can be easily damaged. It’s important to keep your comics in good condition to maintain their value. Store them in acid-free bags and boards, and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
7. Attend comic book conventions — Comic book conventions are a great place to buy, sell, and trade comic books. They also provide a great opportunity to meet other collectors and learn more about the hobby. Look for conventions in your area and consider attending to expand your collection and network with other collectors.
8. Join a comic book club — Joining a comic book club is another great way to connect with other collectors and learn more about the hobby. Look for local comic book clubs in your area or join online communities like Reddit’s r/comicbooks or Facebook groups for comic book collectors.
9. Consider getting your comics graded — Comic book grading is a service that evaluates the condition of a comic book and assigns it a grade on a scale of 1 to 10. Graded comics are sealed in a protective case and are often more valuable than ungraded comics. Consider getting your most valuable comics graded to ensure their value is protected.
10. Enjoy the hobby — Most importantly, remember to enjoy the hobby! Comic book collecting is meant to be fun and rewarding. Collect what you love and take pride in your collection. Share your collection with others and spread your passion for comic books to others who may be interested in the hobby.

Comic book collecting is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows fans to dive deeper into their favorite characters and stories. With a basic understanding of the terminology, companies, and artists, and these tips for starting your own collection, anyone can become a successful comic book collector. So why not give it a try? Start small, build your collection over time, and enjoy the journey of discovering new and exciting comics to add to your collection.