Comics provide readers with a high entertaining way to read stories. They combine text and illustrations to engage the imagination in a manner that plain text cannot do. The subject matters are often of the fantastical kind and characters have proven to be memorable with superheroes, villains, aliens, space ships, and mythological creatures. These come alive within the pages and in our minds. Thanks to today’s movies, there is a renewed interest in collecting comic books with some pieces about to command large sums of money. If you are planning to start your own collection, then read as much as you can about the subject to make informed decisions. The price is mainly influenced by the following factors:

Condition

Collectors are highly concerned about the condition of the comic books that they are buying for obvious reasons. You want to get goods that look good, not those that are shabby. Each piece gets evaluated and given a rating. People are looking for books that are in mint condition which means they still appear as pristine as the day they were published – no folds or creases, no signs of wear, no discoloration. The value decreases as you go down the scale and more imperfections become obvious. For this reason, collectors often keep theirs in the original packaging and are extremely careful when handling them. They are also placed I ideal storage conditions away from sunlight, extreme temperatures, and optimal humidity.

Popularity

Of course, the title of the books will matter immensely. Certain characters have a loyal following and collectors will want to get as much comics as they can about these even if they have to pay large sums of money. There are also illustrators, writers, and creators that have become legendary. Owning their works has become a must for some who have followed their careers and draw inspiration from them. Others prefer collecting issues from a particular series until they have completed the whole thing. These may be award-winning works or simply have immense importance in the universe in which they were created.

Rarity

Lastly, you have to take into account the rarity of the comic book. The industry has been around for a very long time. Pre-war era comics have a different style and flavor compared to those that are available today. A lot of people like these vintage works as they reflect the values and attitudes of their time. They are basically part of history and sometimes tackle issues of their day. They can be very entertaining reads, if you can find them. These are quite rare because of their age. Others are scarce because of limited prints. Rare collector comics can fetch a pretty penny but they can be a good investment as they value will only rise with age.