The internet -more specifically, eBay- has drastically changed the comic book buyers’ market. It’s now easier than ever-before for collectors and casual readers to find even the scarcest comic books.

The term “comic book” is commonly used to refer to any book consisting mostly of a combination of word-balloons and pictures. Using this definition, there are essentially five basic types of “Comic Books” offered on eBay:

• The Single-issue, Reading copy
• The Trade Paperback
• The Investment-potential, Graded Comic Book
• The Investment-potential, Non-Graded Comic Book
• The Hardcover Graphic Novel

Certain types of comic books are more appropriate and appealing to certain buyers. If you’re unsure what you should be buying, this guide can help you decide which type(s) of comic book is best for you.

The Single-issue, Reading copy

 
Star Wars: Tag and Bink *

What is it?
The Single-issue, reading copy is a traditional, 22-48 page, magazine-style comic book that is purchased with the intent to be read.
Because the word “book” implies an item that should be read, it may seem like stating the obvious to label a comic book as a “reading copy”. But in the comic book collectors’ market, a distinction clearly exists between comic books that are for reading and comic books that are to be preserved in a fresh-off-the-presses condition. Since simply handling a comic book can negatively alter its physical condition (through unintentional fingerprint marks, folds, creases, etc.), a buyer who is intent on reselling a book may never actually read it. Therefore, to comic book collectors, the term “Reading copy” doesn’t sound as absurd as it may sound to non-collectors.

Best buy for…
…the comic book collector interested in adding to his/her personal collection.
Note the emphasis on the word “collector”… While long-format comic books (see Trade Paperback and Hardcover Graphic Novel) continue to gain popularity with many readers, there still are quite a few collectors who appreciate and desire the single-issue, reading copy. In fact, it’s the collector’s compulsion to amass items of interest that is one of the most important factors keeping the single-issue, comic book market alive.
Because these buyers make purchases for their own personal collection, a book’s condition may not be as important as if buying with the intent for resale (see The Investment-potential, Non-Graded Comic Book).

The Single-issue, Reading Copy is also ideal for:

• the buyer looking to fill gaps in a collection
• the buyer looking to read stories that aren’t available in a collected format
• the buyer looking to give a new comic book a try
  If you enjoy the first issue, get the reset of the series. If not, no worries, you’ve only invested a couple of dollars.
• the buyer looking to get a good deal on an otherwise expensive item
  Slightly flawed copies of comics that otherwise would be investment-potential books are more affordable.

What to watch for
If it means a lower sale price, cost-conscious buyers may be willing to accept a comic with minor flaws that don’t interfere with a book’s readability. But just because you’re not interested in a comic book’s investment-potential, you shouldn’t be completely ambivalent about its condition. If the condition isn’t spelled out in the description, be sure to ask the seller to provide specific details, and be aware of what type of flaws (rips, tears, creases, dings, watermarks, etc.) you’re willing to accept.

Trade Paperbacks

                                                                                     
   X-Men                                                                                           Blankets        

What is it?
The Trade Paperback (TPB) is a large (usually 100+ pages), soft-cover format comic book that collects single issues, or offers a cost-friendly, original graphic novel story.

Best buy for…
…the reader who wants a complete story in one package.
The biggest advantage that trade paperbacks have over single issue comic books is the longer, complete stories, and the elimination of wait-time between story chapters. With TPBs, readers don’t have to be concerned with release schedules (usually a month between issues).

The Trade Paperback is also ideal for:

• the buyer who wants a sturdier format
  The TPB isn’t as flimsy as the single-issue comic book.
• the buyer who wants to give a comic book as a gift
  If you’re buying for a casual reader, a trade paperback version of a comic book that you enjoy is a great gift (Note: Because they can be very particular about their collection, it's usually not a good idea to buy any type of comic book for a collector- unless you have explicit instructions or a clear-cut idea of what to buy).

What to watch for
Currently a collectables’ market for Trade Paperbacks does not exist. As a result, buyers should never pay much more than cover price for a TPB.

The Investment-potential, Graded Comic Book**

                                                 
           1st Hellboy                                    Miracleman                                      The Punisher  

What is it?
The Investment-potential, Graded Comic Book is a comic book that has been professionally graded to guarantee its physical condition. Professionally graded comic books have become popular as a direct result of eBay sales and other transactions where a buyer is unable to personally examine a book before committing to a purchase. These books are graded by a professional company, such as industry leader, CGC, then sealed in tamper-proof slabs that, if opened, voids the grades assigned to the enclosed comic books.

Best buy for…
…the buyer interested in the resale potential of a comic book.
Professionally graded comic books give buyers peace-of-mind. But because these books are encased in sealed, clear, plastic slabs to preserve their condition, graded comic books should not be purchased if the buyer has a desire to read the book.

The Investment-potential, Graded Comic Book is also ideal for:

• the buyer who wants high grade books for his/her personal collection

What to watch for
Buyers should always inquire about the condition of the plastic slab container. Specifically, buyers should ask questions to ensure the slab’s seal isn’t broken and there aren’t any cracks. Also, if a graded book’s barcode number isn’t included in the description of the item, this information should be obtained to allow a buyer to contact the grading company to confirm an item’s authenticity.
Buyers should also keep in mind that graded comics cannot be stored in regular sized comic book boxes. A sturdy box made especially for graded comics is the best way to preserve and store these items.

The Investment-potential, Non-Graded Comic Book

All Star Batman and Robin

What is it?
The Investment-potential, Non-Graded Comic Book is a single issue comic book with one or more of the following distinct qualities:

1. near-mint/mint condition
2. short supply- due to age or low circulation numbers
3. high demand- based on popularity in the collectors’ community

Best buy for…
…an experienced collector, who is familiar enough with the market to make educated assumptions about a book’s current and/or future value.

The Investment-potential, Non-Graded Comic Book is also ideal for:

• the buyer who wants the option to read a book before preserving it for potential resale
  This is not an option with professionally graded books.
• the buyer who wants to minimize costs and maximize potential profits
  By purchasing an investment-potential comic, then personally submitting it to be professionally graded, a buyer can substantially increasing the comic’s value, if it receives a high grade.

What to watch for
It’s easy for someone unfamiliar with the comic book buyers’ market to unintentionally pay too much for an item. Buyers who are interested in a comic book that costs significantly more than its cover price should carefully research buying trends for at-least a week before committing to a purchase.
Because condition can be so subjective, buyers should always get specific details before buying or placing a bid on an Investment-potential, Non-Graded Comic Book. More-than in any other circumstance referenced in this guide, it is important to check a seller’s feedback. Buyers need to avoid or be extremely wary of any seller that has negative feedback indicating a discrepancy between an item’s advertised condition and the actual condition of the product upon delivery. When possible, attempt to get a money-back-guarantee on all Investment-potential, Non-Graded Comic Books.
Note: If you’ve spent a lot of money on an Investment-potential, Non-Graded Comic Book, it is essential to preserve the book’s condition thru proper storage. These books should always be bagged, boarded, boxed and stored in a cool, dry environment.

The Hardcover Graphic Novel

                                                       
Black Hole                                          Spiderman                                               Batman

What is it?
The Hardcover Graphic Novel is an original or collected comic book story presented in hardcover format.

Best buy for…
…The buyer who appreciates comic book stories and art, and wish to enjoy the medium in its most prestigious format. If you’re a die-hard comic book fan, this is the format for you! The hardcover graphic novel conveys that you support the medium beyond the exploits of Hollywood’s latest superhero action movie.
…And they look great on your bookshelf!

The Hardcover Graphic Novel is also ideal for:

• the buyer who wants investment-potential, long-format books (especially signed first editions)
• the buyer who supports the idea of comic books as literature
• the buyer who wants to build a graphic novel library

What to watch for
As with other collectable comic books, the condition of The Hardcover Graphic Novel is an important factor in how much buyers should pay. As a result, buyers need to ask questions if the condition isn’t clearly spelled-out in the item description.

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Buyers purchase comic books for a variety of reasons. Some people buy for the investment-potential. Some people buy to add to their collection. Some people buy for a quick read or to admire the artwork. Thanks to auction sales and competitive pricing from eBay sellers, in many cases, these comics can be bought for a lower price than a buyer would typically pay at a brick and mortar retail store.

If you’re new to comic books, or if you simply wish to re-evaluate your buying habits, I hope this guide is helpful in clarifying which type(s) of comic book is best for you. Feel free to contact me if you have questions.

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*All photos feature items from my collection. Click on the links below the pictures to find similar items.
**For more information about grading, see my guide,  Comic Books: “To Grade or Not To Grade?” How to decide….