Right now the Surfer could not be any hotter due to his inclusion into the new, Fantastic Four movie. History shows that a character that makes it’s way into the mainstream, a la movies or TV has an instant surge in popularity which translates into a run on buying their books which usually translate into big, inflated dollars for collectors and vendors. If I understand your question, you want to know if these books are worth anything, right?

Well, the obvious answer is, yes! Yes! And Yes! I suspect you’re really wanting to know: “What are they worth? How can I sell them? The problem with selling/appraising an item that fluctuates in value based on the wants of collectors is that it’s only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. To get the flavors of what your book is worth you should check out some price guides which approximate their values based on a criteria of how your particular book is selling in several parts of the country factored together with the number of books available for sale, etc.”

Wizard and Overstreet both publish guides that will help you with this. You can find these guides at a local Barnes and Noble. You can also check out a more “real world” marketplace by plugging your book into some kind of online auction or another auction sites and see what it’s selling for or if books like yours have sold. Next, you’re going to want to discover exactly what condition your books are in because the quality of the book is the most important factor in determining what it’s worth. For this you can self grade or get a comic book store guy to do it but be ready for a lot of slings and arrows from people that will tell you that your grading skills stink and that your Near Mint is more like a Very Fine, if you’re lucky.

The industry has taken a turn towards legitimizing its “grading with the establishment of professional certification organizations that will professionally certify your book for a fee. The book is graded by experts, sealed and authenticated. I like this because it provides an unbiased 3rd party evaluation and comes with the pedigree and paperwork that collectors can trust when buying a book. The service is not new but it isn’t necessarily Lloyd’s of London so it will take a while to eventually become the industry standard but at some point it will. I liken it to the idea of getting a complete history of a used car faxed to you from a State Agency as opposed to just taking the word of the seller.

CGC and PGX are two such book certification companies but I think you could probably find a professional appraiser in any city. Again, you want the appraiser to be an unbiased 3rd party who is making a living at this and is willing to provide certification and pedigree. See some examples of his previous work. There are several factors that have a direct influence on the value of a book. Some of the ones I use are: condition, print run, availability, scarcity, origin issue, major storyline, new character, new developments, etc.

The Silver Surfer is hot, hot, hot right now and it’s probably the perfect time to sell so it’s up to you. As far as the cover being off the #1 issue you can have it repaired by a restoration company but it must be identified as repaired when listing the book for sale or having it appraised. A lot of people out there would love to get there hands on this kind of comic book make sure you keep a very close on the price range when you have it up for sale.

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Fantastic stories are described in comic books, which are just soft cover magazines with pictures and words. The cover is made of glossy paper and the inside is a high quality paper, with its spine held together by staples. Comic books cover everything from horror to sci-fi, from crime to adventure and mystery. Usually there are evil doers and a person or a group to stop them, who become our superheroes.

History

Comic books were first introduced in the USA in 1896. The idea was to collect all the comic strips from the newspapers and produce and publish a book with them, and the result was the birth of comic books. People loved it, and it got popular rapidly. Because of this, they wanted to produce and reproduce more and more comic books. People wanted new stories, new adventures. This is one version of how comic books were born, although some people believe that comic books existed in some form in the earlier days, such as the Egyptian wall art and prehistoric cavemen paintings.

In the year of 1938, Superman was first introduced, and he became so popular and successful that people wanted to see more of him, and more characters with super powers. That was how characters like Spiderman were born.

The first comic books began as humorous books for children and that is why till now the word comic is used for humour in English. Characters like Popeye the sailor man and Krazy Kat are still loved by all. After that there were characters like Sabrina the teenage witch and Archie, which were introduced for the teenage group, so that they could relate to them. Archie and his group got so popular that they had fan clubs for the readers. There are currently leading stores which sell t-shirts, mugs, diaries and stickers of these comic book characters.

Comic book collectors

The fans of comic books love to collect them, and this becomes their hobby. They want to have all the editions, so they keep buying them more and more. The new ones are usually easy to find, these you can pick up from your local comic book store or toy stores and also some corner markets. The most difficult ones to find are the older issues, but if you are lucky enough, you can find them in comic stores as most of them keep some type of back issues.

Sometimes, people who have collected comic books for a long while decide to sell their personal collection, and you can also do that, incase you make up your mind. First you have to decide where to sell them, if in a comic store or even on auction sites. But you have to be aware that you take full responsibility of the condition and you must know how to protect your comic books during shipment if you want a good price.

Besides selling personal collections, there are other ways of making money with comic books and their characters. The might and mightiest of Hollywood want to make movies on these comic superheroes or want to be a part of it. So, now you know how big comic books can get!

http://reference-magazine.com

These comic book prices can be used to determine which comics are highly sought after. You will be able to see from the various comic book price guides how the condition and popularity of the different comics affects the price of other comics within that type. 

At present there are some very well known comic book price guides. These guides are Wizard Magazine, Standard Catalog of Comic Books and Overstreet to name but a few. You can find these comic book price guides in the standard book format. In addition these comic book guides can be found in an electronic format.

From any of these guides you will need to see how you can find the comic book prices for various comics like first issues, back issues and in some cases the hard to locate comic books.

The various comic book guides will let you see what are the categories that are used to determine the various comic book prices. This means that when you go to your local comic book shop you should be able to have a rough idea of the price range that you can expect to pay for certain types of comics.

From these comic book guides you can find the comic book prices for new comics, old comics, rare and valuable comics and what you can expect in the way of resale value. As a result owning a comic book price guide will prove to be a valuable asset for comic book collectors and comic book lovers. 

These price guides will help you when you decide to add vintage or hard to find comics to your comic book collection. The guide will be able to provide you with a rough idea of the comic book prices that such comic books command. 

For the various comic book lovers and comic book collectors it always helps to know what the various values are for your different comic books. An appraiser or a comic book price guide will be able to help you in finding the different comic book prices for your new, old and valuable comics.

These values are somewhat difficult for the novice comic collector to find. To help you in this task of find the comic book values for your various comic books you can look for a comic book appraiser. This individual will have the knowledge and the experience in handling various comic books so that he comic will not sustain any signs of damage while the comic book is being assessed. 

You can ask the appraiser questions about the various identifying marks when you want to know how to find these comic book values when you are in a comic book store. You can also use the various steps and instructions that are found in different comic book price guides.

As these price guides are in both traditional book form and electronic version you should be able to find the comic book values that you are looking for. The information may be a little difficult to find but once you have seen and understood the criteria for assigning values to your comic books you will be able to test out your abilities.

The best way to get a feel for the various values that are possible is to see if you can determine the comic book values by the method that was described in the comic book price guides. The first step is to see the condition of the comic books in your collection. The ones that are in poor shape you may want to leave until you are able to see how the comic book value system really works.

The other items that determine the comic book values are the popularity in the long term. This means that long running comic series like Superman and Batman are probably most likely to be very valuable especially if they are comics from the earlier editions. These early comic books are hard to find.

When you have developed your ability to judge the various comic book values and you feel that you will be able to say which comics are in mint condition and which ones are fair then you will need to see if you can take this a step further and look at the differences in the comic books that you have just purchased from the comic book stores. You can then see what a professional appraiser will value your collection at.

Even if you have no intention of selling your favorite Spiderman comic book collection, it may be nice to know the value of it, if for nothing more than conversational purposes. For one thing, it’s just very cool to even have a Spiderman cartoon book collection, since most people’s collections tend to be a bit more random.

But someone who went through the trouble to keep up with an entire series, who has collected the actual set, something like a Batman or a Spiderman cartoon book collection, has something special. This is especially true considering how many times some of the storylines have split apart or gone off into alternate universes.

The best way to go about appraising the value of your Spiderman comic book collection, or of course, is to start looking at price guides. This is true whether it is a small collection or whether it is quite comprehensive.

But don’t look at just one. There are several out there, but what you should do is reference at least three. The Official Overstreet Cartoon Book Price Guide is a popular one, but if you can find a Marvel cartoon book price guide, and a Spiderman comic book price guide, you can get a better idea of the market by comparing your results.

One great thing about The Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide is the fact that it is considered by some collectors to be the price guide bible for all kinds of cartoon book collectors. Another great thing is its comprehensive nature.

For instance, you can compare the price of your Spiderman comic book collection to that of other types of collections. Gemstone boasts -well-researched pricing- and -in-depth historical information,- not to mention tips on grading your books.

Markets do strange things sometimes, and that’s another reason to have many different sources, like a Spiderman cartoon book price guide and a Marvel cartoon book price guide. For instance, within the Marvel universe, a Spiderman book collection may fluctuate in value compared to other Marvel comics.

In the meantime, Marvel cartoon books may fluctuate in value compared to Image or DC Comics. So it helps to compare what the markets say about both that specific universe and that specific superhero.

If you want to sell your Spiderman cartoon book collection, the deciding factor is the price you set on it. You can consult various sources, such as the Marvel cartoon book price guide or the Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.

In the end, though, your personal situation can either make the price higher or lower. If you are hesitant about selling it, make the price higher to make it worth selling. If you need money quickly, give it a price tag that will make it sell faster.

Either way, you have the final word on the price regardless of what your resources suggest for your Spiderman cartoon book collection.

A free gift awaits you along with a lot more information about the spiderman comic book collection at Mike Selvon’s portal. Visit us and leave a comment at our cartoons blog.

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Stanley did what many of us have done along life’s highway. He went to school and graduated. He kept his passion for comic books alive by reading and collecting, and holding onto his dream of one day owning his own comic book shop. Along the way he married Barbara who shared his enthusiasm for life as a military wife for 26 years. As Stanley’s collection grew, they moved it with them along with the furniture. Except for a stint in Europe when they had to leave the comic book collection in climate controlled storage, the Davis’ kept their collection close and kept it growing.

Stanley started selling and trading comics at a flea market. His single booth eventually grew to 10 booths. His dream of owning his own comic shop never faded. During the ‘comic book recession’ in the early 90’s Stanley was able to buy out the inventory of several shops that went out of business. Then one day while driving to his job at the post office, he saw a local comic shop that was for sale. The location was ideal and the price was right, but Stanley had another year until he could retire and fulfill his dreams of owning and running his comic book shop.

But Barbara had other ideas. “Stan,” she told him, “you go ahead and finish at the post office and I’ll run the store and I’ll have it making a profit by the time you’re ready to retire.” It took about a nanosecond for Stanley to agree, and so with a great location and of course a formidable collection from years of accumulation, the S&G Comics and Collectibles was open for business in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Barbara had a few tough months getting the community to realize that the new shop was really a change from its previous owner. It took a few months of scrubbing and cleaning and sorting and organizing- but the comic book enthusiasts started coming back in and within that first year Barbara had built a loyal and satisfied clientele. As promised, she was able to turn the management of the shop over to her husband showing a profit. Stanley finally was living his dream, but it didn’t last long. He took ill and eventually passed away in 2004 after only about a year of running the shop.

Barbara now carries on the work that Stanley loved so much. She loves the comic book business and she especially enjoys making S&G a family friendly place for enthusiasts to hang out and talk comic books. The store not only offers vintage comics but also a good assortment of statues, posters, mini-busts and all things comics related. Barbara likes to think of it as “the best of the best” of all the comic book stores.

The story might end here, but when I asked her about Stan’s passing I could tell there was a deep sadness coupled with those types of memories that make us laugh through our tears. Remember that comic book that Stanley’s mother thought was too violent and tore up in front of him when he was 12? Well, some years later, Stanley purchased a copy of that same comic book at a flea market for 45 dollars. He called his mother to tell her that he had the comic that she had destroyed and she was never going to get her hands on it again!

When Stanley died, Barbara wanted to put that comic in his coffin – in part so that his mom would never get her hands on it again. Barbara told the family of her wishes. Her son went into Stanley’s room for a few minutes and walked out with the exact copy. “I think dad would like something like this one,” he announced. Never having seen it before, he had picked out the very comic book Barbara wanted to place in Stanley’s coffin.

If you come to the Smokies and happen to pass through Sevierville, make it a point to stop and see Barbara at S&G Comics and Collectibles. Allow yourself some ‘talk time’ and you’re sure to be refreshed and refueled with the company of a wonderful woman who shared a husband’s dream and to this day keeps that dream alive.

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Hellblazer
The adventures of John Constantine have been ongoing since 1988, but for some reason this series is sometimes overlooked in comic circles.  Constantine has a penchant for solving problems in his own lawless way, which normally ends up creating a new set of dilemmas for him and his friends.

Bottom Line:  While this is far from a new title, creative storylines have continued to make Hellblazer a quality production.

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born
Comic fans who don’t normally read Stephen King might look past this series with concerns of not having enough background information on the epic journey of Roland of Gilead.  The truth is this seven issue mini-series actually chronicles the very beginning of Roland’s life as a gunslinger, making it appropriate for even the newbies.

Bottom Line:  With the second series already in production, now is the time to expose yourself to this captivating character.

Runaways
The Runaways break free from many of the historical superhero attributes.  With common names such as Alex, and no costumes to distinguish their superhuman abilities, this series is a refreshing change to same old regurgitated hoopla.  Their mission is to make up for the evil ways of their villainous parents by using their own powers for good.

Bottom Line:  A creative take on the standard superhero dogma, the Runaways offers a change-of-pace with all the comforts of a good heroic drama.

Welcome to Tranquility
Ever wonder what it would be like if the suburbs were full of comic heroes instead of soccer moms?  This is precisely what happens in Welcome to Tranquility, a fictional
town populated with retired superheroes and villains.  Of course it would be boring if they all lived in harmony, but fear not; there is plenty of drama to keep things interesting.

Bottom Line:  Many comic fans turn to fiction to escape the boredom of their suburban life, but this is one town that will have them racing to come home.

Drain
Let’s see, a hot girl, who is also a ninja vampire, roaming the streets seeking avengement.  Any questions?  Drain is a morph of many different styles, but this mish mash seems to work well with its quick-hitting style.

Bottom Line:  There is only one more issue left to be released in this series of six.  Jump on board for what should be a great ending as Chinatsu faces her vampire destiny.

American Virgin
Nothing sounds lamer than reading a comic book about the moralistic struggles of 21-year old virgin, but those who don’t give American Virgin a look are missing out on one of the most captivating life dramas available.  Adam Chamberlin is a devout virgin whose girlfriend is killed by terrorists while serving in the Peace Corps.  What ensues is an international chase to solve the mystery of her killing.

Bottom Line:  There is so much more to American Virgin than it would appear to the outside fan.  A great read.

Scalped
Who knew that life on an Indian Reservation could be filled with so much drama?  Dashiell Bad Horse returns to his childhood home as an undercover FBL agent to clean up the crime and corruption that has riddled his reservation.  With the grand opening of a $100 million casino on the way, there is much to do to clean up the image and reputation of this his once-proud community.

Bottom Line:  While perhaps not an accurate portrayal of reservation life, Scalped gives us an inside look at a culture few have access to.

DMZ
In this cryptic portrayal of the future, the United States is in civil war with itself.  At the heart of this war is the state of New York, and photo journalist Matty Roth has joined a news-crew to cover the devastation in Manhattan.  Unfortunately for the young Roth, his crew is killed and he becomes trapped in this dead zone.  The DMZ series chronicles his adventures as he tries to survive while continuing to act as a reporter.

Bottom Line:  This type of scenario probably happens everyday in war ravaged countries, but it becomes much more engaging with the backdrop being the United Sates.

The Exterminators
Another original storyline in a niche that few people think about on an everyday basis.  Henry James takes a job as an exterminator after being released from prison.  He soon gets tangled up in a web of politics and lies once it is discovered that one of bug-bee-gone’s products can invoke some serious side-effects.  The combination of James’ need for steady work and his relationship with his girlfriend (who is an employee for the manufacturer of the tainted product) makes for some interesting predicaments.

Bottom Line:  Who would have thought the extermination industry could be so intriguing?  An artful mix of drama and satire.

Jonah Hex
Jonah Hex was originally released in the late seventies with the series appearing off and on through the present.  The latest series, published by DC, captures various adventures that span Hex’s entire lifetime.  Fans have been drawn to Jonah’s wit and gun-slinging approach to bounty hunting.  Many have compared him to a comic book version of Clint Eastwood’s early westerns.

Bottom Line:  If you are enthralled with western stories and don’t necessarily need a character with superpowers to fulfill your expectations, then Jonah Hex will no doubt satisfy you with his unpredictable adventures and biting sarcasm.

This is just a small list of the quality comics that you may have missed at the newsstand.  As faithful comic readers, it is easy to get stuck in a rut of reading the same franchises over and over.  But sometimes a new favorite can be just what the doctor ordered.  You’ll never know unless you branch out!