Bags vs No Bags
I bag and board my new comic books every week. Religiously. I'm a little anal retentive about some things and that happens to be one of them. Every week I immediately read my comics when I get home (occasionally staying up past midnight to finish). Right after reading I seal them in an official bag and board then file them in my long boxes. I'm up to eleven of these boxes now. Everything is arranged alphabetically, in case you were wondering.
The other two members of Unshaven Comics have no such compulsions. I've lived with each of them at different times. Both of them have similarities in the manner of piles of comics sitting around on top of full boxes. Both of which also own cats. And we all know how considerate cats are of large stacks of colored paper.
I remember reading in the back of a few comics from Marvel (way back) where they talked to creators about what they do with their comics. They had people saying everything from fire proof safes to one who said he left his comics in public places for people after reading them. I imagine he gets his for free from Marvel.
So does it matter how you take care of your comics? I mean, if you've already read them does it matter if you still take care of them or not? Obviously you know my answer unless your just skimming this. Yes. The majority of comic buyers I know aren't just spending money each week for a enjoyable read they can discard after reading. For what comic cost now that would be hard to believe.
No matter the reason, comics are an investment. Some people invest for their own personal enjoyment and others for possible financial gain out of it. With all investments you needs to protect it. In this particular case you get to do so literally with casing it in plastic. Or at least a flimsy sleeve with some card stock.
I buy at least 8-15 comics a week. Sometimes more. I don't throw that money down for something I'm not going to take care of. And while my friends may leave their comics laying around for a few days in the end I usually get asked to help bag board and organize them. To be honest, it usually ends in us reminiscing about books we bought months or years ago.
Comments
EGarneau Tue, Feb 2nd, 2010 at 1:57 PM Kyle, I wonder what makes a bag and board "official"... and, more importantly, are these the ones I'M using??
I too bag & board my books, though not as religiously as you -- I usually let mine pile up for a few weeks, then put them in plastic and file them away (also alphabetically by title). Though I leave my piles out of the reach of animals and/or pesky people.
You and I disagree pretty strongly on the investment value of a comic, but you DID point out that "some people invest for their own personal enjoyment." I am with you there, friend. THAT'S why I preserve my books, primarily -- not because I think selling them in mint condition is going to make me rich, but because I take pride in what I own and enjoy. That seems like a good enough reason for me to preserve them.
Anyone else got any opinions?
UnshavenMarc Tue, Feb 2nd, 2010 at 3:35 PM
I sure do. I do eventually (probly every 6-8 months) get around to bagging and boarding my books. Generally with Kyle. I tend just to be lazy about it, more than anything else. A comic has little to no resale value to me, as if I bought it, I keep it for personal enjoyment, or to share it with eager friends. The issue for me then is the storage and display of the books as a whole. When I eventually get a house, I want it simple, and easy to enjoy. Short pull boxes on wire frames, easily arranged by title.
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