This guide is meant as a overall general info guide on collecting Famous Monsters magazines, with collecting facts especially useful for new collectors of this fine publication.

I won't go into the history of this classic, ground-breaking monster magazine...as there is plenty out there on thre web to document it's importance to fans and films worldwide...

First off, FMs were printed on cheap pulp paper, same as comic books and newspapers. This paper self-destructs over time. This deterioration can be slowed down by proper storage, (perhaps if it was hermetically encased with argon gas 60 years ago!)...but rarely stopped.

Storage should be the same as vintage comics-store vertically in a dark/cool/dry place, mags must be bagged/boarded, and changing these every few years.

The first 36 issues  from the late 50s-early 60s of FM are the rarest, and of course (depending on condition) go for the most bucks. Interestingly, the "revivial" issues (numbers printed after issue #196) are now commanding premium prices on eBay, as they were all printed in much lower numbers than the original issues.

Standard comics grading rules/practices apply for FM magazines. Professional grading (as for the time being) is not essential for maximum resale value. It helps, but it's nowhere near as prevelant as in the comics/cards categories.

Condition, condition, condition! ...that is the main factor used to determine final sale price. A rare copy of FM (say below #10) will go for 2-3 hundred if in very fine or better condition. the same issue in "good" will fetch about 10% of that. Very few publications from 50+ years ago are in very fine/near mint condition.

Lastly, a few points to ponder:
-Large scans and good pictures are of great importance when judging quality.
-Autographed copies are (generally) not worth more!
-Judge not a Famous Monsters mag by it's cover, but it's spine!
-Look for "off-white" or "cream" pages.
-Do not mistake the recent repeint of #1 for the original.

Thanx for reading...Hope I have been helpful, if so - take a look at my auctions!