W e are excited to announce here at PCA Toys that we now carry comic books! So, you’re here because you are interested in collecting comic books, but don’t know where to start? Look no further, this blog site and beginners guide post is for you! PCA Toys will be your guide through various Blog Posts and help walk you through the basics of comic book collecting and provide you with all the essential information, knowledge, and resources you need to get started!

We will go over where to find comic books, how to decide which ones you want to buy, and the best ways to store and protect your collection and a more recent phenomenon known as grading comics. So, if you’re ready to embark on the exciting and rewarding journey of reading and collecting comic books, read on fellow collection enthusiasts!

Comic book collecting is a rewarding and accessible hobby. Comic books are very affordable and give you that adrenaline rush of fun searching for that specific issue you are missing – it’s also a great way to bond with family and can even turn profitable in future generations. Comic book collecting opens the door to a culture of conventions, movies, story and ultimately… fun. You might have heard of the MCU or Marvel Cinematic Universe, some storylines and origin stories come straight from the colorful pages of their comic counterparts.

While comic book collecting may seem daunting at first– all the different publishing houses (we can discuss that later if you’re interested), arcs and issues, it’s hard to know where to start. With this guide we will break down how to get started in the world of comic book collecting. 

Define Your Collecting Goals

Before you begin collecting comic books, it’s important to define your collecting goals.
Ask yourself:

1. What kind of comic books am I looking for? (THE GOOD KIND!)
2. What genre do I want to focus on? (THE EXCITING ONE)
3. What type of condition am I looking for? (READABLE)
4. Do I want to collect from a certain publisher or series? (I LOVE SPIDER-MAN)

That was painless, and answering these questions will ultimately help you narrow down the types and genres of comics that you want to collect and how much money you want to budget and spend.

Once you know what type of comics you want to collect, you can start researching the market to determine the going rate of comic books in the condition you desire. This will give you an idea of how much money you need to budget for the collection. Additionally, you should determine what your ultimate goal is. Are you looking to make a profit by selling comics in the future? Or do you just want to have a collection of comic books to read and enjoy? Knowing your goals will help you focus on what comics are right for your collection.

Why Do People Collect Comics?

Beginners Guide 101 – Let’s Define Our Goals

Comics have been around for decades, and they have captivated audiences of all ages. From superheroes to graphic novels, there is something for everyone in the world of comics. But have you ever wondered why people read comics? Well people read comics for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s to escape reality, enjoy the visual storytelling, revisit fond memories, explore new genres, or connect with a community, comics offer something for everyone. If you haven’t given comics a chance, now might be the time to explore this unique and exciting form of storytelling! Let’s check out some reasons, shall we?

Escapism

One of the most common reasons people read comics is for escapism. Comics offer a break from reality, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a new world filled with superheroes, villains, and fantastic adventures. This can be especially appealing during times of stress or when we need a mental break. Comics offer readers a chance to enter a different world and escape from the stresses and worries of everyday life. By following the adventures of their favorite superheroes or characters, readers can immerse themselves in a thrilling and action-packed world, where good triumphs over evil or so we hope.

Visual Storytelling

Comics offer a unique blend of visuals and storytelling that can be captivating. Unlike novels, comics provide readers with a visual representation of the story, which can make it easier to connect with the characters and their experiences. The artwork in comics is often stunning and can enhance the emotional impact of the story. Visual storytelling is one of the most significant reasons why people read comics. Comic books offer a unique medium for storytelling that combines visual and written elements to create a powerful and engaging narrative.

The combination of words, images, and art in comic books can convey a wide range of emotions and experiences that other mediums cannot. Comics can also create a sense of immediacy and immersion that draws readers in and makes them feel like they are part of the story. Through the use of visual storytelling, comic book creators can bring their stories to life and create a lasting impact on their readers. For many fans, the art and visuals are just as important as the story itself, making comics a unique and compelling form of entertainment.

Nostalgia

For many readers, comics evoke a sense of nostalgia. They may have grown up reading comics or have fond memories of spending time at the local comic book store. Nostalgia is a powerful force that can drive people to revisit the things they loved in their childhood or formative years. For many people, comic books hold a special place in their hearts and are a significant part of their nostalgic memories. People read comics to recapture that feeling of excitement and wonder they experienced when they first discovered their favorite characters and stories.

Additionally, comic book publishers often release reprints of classic titles or continue series with new stories that appeal to readers’ nostalgia. By revisiting the stories and characters they loved in the past, comic book readers can relive fond memories and share them with a new generation of fans. Nostalgia is a strong motivator for many comic book readers, making it an essential part of the comic book industry.

Diversity

Comics are not limited to just one genre or style. From superhero comics to graphic novels, there is a wide variety of options available to readers. This diversity can appeal to a broad audience, allowing people from all walks of life to find something they enjoy. Diversity is becoming an increasingly important factor in the comic book industry, with more and more readers seeking out stories and characters that represent a wider range of experiences and perspectives.

People read comics to see themselves and their communities represented on the page, and to learn about new cultures and ways of life. Comics can offer a platform for marginalized voices and provide a means of education and understanding. The push for diversity in the comic book industry has resulted in a wealth of new stories, characters, and perspectives that can appeal to a broader range of readers. By embracing diversity, comic books are not only becoming more inclusive and representative, but they are also becoming more interesting and compelling to read.

Community

Community is a significant factor in the comic book industry and a reason why people read comics. Comic books have a dedicated fanbase that is passionate about the characters and stories they love. People read comics to connect with other fans and to be part of a community that shares their interests and passions. Comic book conventions, online forums, and social media platforms provide opportunities for fans to connect and share their love for comics.

The comic book community is diverse and inclusive, welcoming fans from all walks of life and backgrounds. For many readers, the sense of belonging and connection they feel within the comic book community is as important as the stories and characters themselves. The community aspect of the comic book industry is a powerful force that can bring people together and create lasting friendships and connections.

Collecting Comics

Comic book collecting has been a popular hobby for decades. Whether it’s to complete a series, discover rare editions, or just enjoy the art and stories, collecting comics can be a rewarding and engaging experience. Check out our Issues 101: Have Unforgettable Issues, So Do We! Post for the different types of issues to collect. Collecting comics can be a fascinating hobby for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s for nostalgia, investment, completion, appreciation of art, or connection with others, collecting comics can provide a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment. Start with a favorite character or series and see where it takes you!

Investment

Collecting comics can also be a sound investment. Some comics increase in value over time, and collectors can sell them for a profit. Collectors may also seek out rare or first edition comics, which can be worth a substantial amount of money. Investment is becoming an increasingly important factor in the comic book industry, and a reason why some people read comics. With the rising popularity of comic book movies and television shows, there is a growing market for collectible comics that can appreciate in value over time. People read comics with the hope of finding a rare or valuable issue that can be sold for a profit in the future.

The grading system used by services like CGC and CBCS has also made it easier for collectors to determine the value of their comics, and to track the market trends. However, it is important to note that not all comic books appreciate in value, and that investing in comics should be done with caution and careful research. While investment is not the primary reason people read comics, it is a factor that can add to the excitement and enjoyment of collecting.

Completion

Completing a series or set of comics can be a motivating factor for collectors. It can be satisfying to track down missing issues or rare editions to complete a collection. The hunt for missing pieces can be as rewarding as finally completing the set. Completion is an important factor in the comic book industry and a reason why people read comics. Many comic book series are released in a serialized format, with issues released on a regular basis. People read comics to follow the ongoing storylines and to see how the characters and plot develop over time. For some readers, the desire to complete a collection of a particular comic book series can be a significant motivator.

The feeling of satisfaction that comes from owning a complete set of a favorite series can be a powerful one. Comic book publishers also cater to completionist tendencies by releasing omnibus editions or trade paperbacks that collect entire story arcs or runs of a series in one volume. The desire for completion is a driving force in the comic book industry, and a reason why readers continue to follow their favorite characters and series.

Appreciation of Art

The appreciation of art is a significant factor in the comic book industry and a reason why people read comics. Comics are a unique medium that combines visual and written elements to create a cohesive narrative. The art in comic books can be as important as the story itself, with talented artists bringing characters and worlds to life on the page. Comic book art can range from highly stylized to hyper-realistic, and the diversity of styles and techniques can appeal to a wide range of readers.

For some, the art in comic books is what draws them in and keeps them reading. The medium offers a unique opportunity to appreciate and analyze visual storytelling, and to develop an appreciation for the artistry involved in creating comic books. The appreciation of art is a driving force in the comic book industry, and a reason why readers continue to be captivated by the medium.

Connection with Other Collectors

The connection with other collectors is an important factor in the comic book industry, and a reason why people read comics. Collecting comics is often a social activity, with fans sharing their collections, discussing favorite storylines and characters, and trading issues with other collectors. The comic book community is a close-knit group of enthusiasts who share a common love for the medium. Fans can connect with each other through social media, online forums, and comic book conventions.

These interactions can lead to friendships and a sense of belonging within the community. The shared passion for comic books can create strong bonds between collectors, and for some, the connection with other collectors is just as important as the comics themselves. The ability to share their collections and engage with other fans is a significant motivator for many comic book readers.

Do Your Own Research

Before you begin your comic book collection, it’s important to do your research. This is to ensure that you get the best value out of your soon to be comic book collection. Here are a few tips on how to do your research:

1. Read books and articles about the history of comic books. This will help you gain a better understanding of why certain issues or characters are so popular.

2. Ask other comic book collectors for advice. Experienced collectors can provide valuable information on what type of comics are worth collecting and where to find them.

3. Follow comic book publishers and creators on social media. This is a great way to stay informed about new releases and any special events associated with particular comic book issues such as variants.

4. Attend comic book conventions or shows in your area. Not only will this give you a chance to meet other collectors, but you can also browse through merchandise and even buy rare finds.

5. Research the value of each comic book you want to purchase. It’s important to know the market value of a comic before you make a purchase so that you don’t overpay.

By doing your research, you will be able to determine which comic books to collect and how much they are worth, helping you to create a successful collection.

Comics Can Be Kid Friendly Too

Most comic books have age ratings right on the cover that allow parents to select age-appropriate stories for their kids. For example, the publishing house DC Comics uses the following ratings for their comics:
E – Everyone, T- Teen, T+ for Teen 15 and older, and M for adults, furthermore for some comics there are a Black Label to disclose the maturity of the comic arc or series. Please do keep in mind that ratings are guidelines and content can vary from title to title.