Collecting surges with movie releases
Comic book characters like Spiderman, the X-Men, Batman and Superman have all benefited from films featuring them, but other comics are successful among collectors in Cache Valley.
Mystic Comics, located at 418 N. 175 East, has been serving the comic book needs of the people in Cache Valley for years and in that time it has served hundreds of patrons.
Tim Heare, manager of Mystic Comics, said, “It’s mostly stories and the art that get people involved in comic collecting. The best art is on the cover.”
With the recent releases of X-Men and the soon-to-be-released Spiderman movies there has been and will be an expected pickup in comic book sales of those comics, but many that start collecting because of movies rarely stick with it, he said.
“Spiderman is up next, and a success with X-Men could do a lot to pave the way for the entrance of this comic book character. Comic-book-inspired movies have been hit-or-miss over the last few years, and Marvel’s have missed more than most,” said Stewart Brower, a writer for About.com’s Comic Book Collecting Guide, in January of 2000. The article can be found at www.comic books.about.com/library/weekly/aa013100a.htm.
“There are about 50 big comic book collectors in the valley. These are the ones who preorder their comics a month in advance,” Heare said. “Most of our customers are into the role playing games and less into comic collecting, although there are some who will buy 150 comics in a span from August to December.”
Eric Pace, an employee of Mystic Comics, is one of the biggest comic book collectors in the area.
“Some people get involved because of the cover art,” Pace said. “Guys really get into it because of the pictures of the girls that are drawn in the comics.”
Heare said, “We get everyone in the valley here because we are the only comic book store in Cache Valley.”
According to www.tias.
com/stores/metropolis/investing.html, in the past 30 years, comic book collecting has become more than just a hobby – it is an investment. The site lists the following tips for successful collecting:
• Buy comics that feature characters, creators or stories you enjoy.
• Get a good feel for grading and find a reputable dealer who will back up his or her grading.
• Don’t get caught up in trends. Keep focused on interests.
• Preserve comics in acid-free backing boards and bags. Keep the collection stored in a dark, cool place and in an acid-free box. Make sure to change the bags at least once every two years.
• Making sure to stay on top of the market. Look for opportunities to sell when interest in those books is high.