We store comics to keep them valuable. Air pollution, ultra violet light, dirt and oil from fingers as well as rough handling all contribute to the deterioration of a comic. Storing a comic book properly is essential to keeping it valuable. There are 3 major storage components to proper comic storage. They are comic bags, comic backing boards, comic boxes. In this ariticle we will talk a little about comic book bags. Putting your comic in a properly sized comic book bag not only keeps dust, dirt and finger oils off the comic book surface, but helps prevent scuffing which can bring down the value of a comic book considerably. The three most popular comic bag materials are polyethylene, polypropylene and Mylar. New Comic Bags, Regular Comic Bags, Dell & Silver Age Comic Bags and Golden Age Comic Bags as well as Treasury Comic Bags all are available in all three of these materials. All three materials are considered to be ARCHIVAL - Meaning that there is nothing in the composition of the material that can contribute to the breakdown or destruction of the comic book being stored in it. Mylar is considered to be the most archivally sound and is the choice of most museums and archivists as it has the longest shelf life of the three materials. BUT, Every day comic collectors can feel comfortable using polyethylene comic bags or polypropylene comic bags. Most comic book bags come with a fold over flap that can be taped on the outside of the bag along with certain varieties of comic book bags that feature a reseal tape on the body of the bag (vs. the flap), so the tape doesn't catch on the comic and cause damage to the comic. Just remember that with comic books, as with any type colletable, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place free from sunlight, dust, oils, and everyday exposure. This will ensure a long and enjoyable collecting hobby for what ever you collect. |
