Protecting your comic books is very important to maintain their condition and value over time. Choosing the right comic book protectors can make all the difference in preserving your collection to sell comic books later. Protecting your beloved collection is an important mission for any comic book enthusiast. And it is especially important for professionals who see comic books as a potential investment. So what are the best options to store the most valuable issues and something less valuable but still essential? Let’s figure it out and pinpoint every available option to help you understand how things work.
The Gold Standard: Slabs
When it comes to the best protection for your comic books, slabs are the gold standard. A slab is a hard plastic comic book protector case used by professional grading companies, such as CGC (Certified Guaranty Company), to encapsulate and preserve a comic book. This method not only offers the best protection against physical damage, moisture, and UV light but also includes a professional grade that certifies the comic’s condition.
Slabs are mostly popular among serious collectors and investors, as they ensure the comic will maintain its best condition and highest value possible. While this option is more expensive than others, the highest degree of protection and certification make it a worthwhile investment for valuable or rare comics in your beloved collection.
Can you slab your own comics?
The answer is yes! You can buy a slab kit and put your comic book in a comic book protective case yourself. This comic book hard case DIY method provides almost the same protection and displays your comics nicely. However, it’s important to note that these self-made slabs are not “true slabs” as they lack the professional certification and grading that come with officially graded comics. As a result, they won’t be nearly as valuable on the market. Despite this, DIY slabs can be a great option for preserving issues you personally love but that are not high-value investments. This way, you can still enjoy protection for your cherished comics without the extra cost.
What are soft slabs?
Soft slabs are similar to traditional slabs but are made from a semi-soft material that allows for slight bending. This type of comic book plastic covers provide solid protection while still offering some flexibility. Soft slabs are relatively new and rare, with only a few companies, such as Collect Forever, using them.
Because of their novelty, you won’t find old and rare issues in such a comic book case. However, soft slabs may gain popularity over time due to their unique balance of protection and flexibility. They offer an alternative to traditional hard slabs, making them an interesting option for collectors who want to protect their comics without the rigidity of a hard case.
What about bags and boards?
“Bagged and boarded” is the most popular method for protecting comics, especially among amateur collectors or for storing less valuable issues. This method involves placing the comic in a comic book bag and then adding a backing board to provide support.
The best comic book bags are made from materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, or Mylar, each offering different levels of protection. These bags protect comics from dust, dirt, and minor physical damage.
Backing boards are also important because they provide stiffness and prevent the comic from bending or creasing. Comics are usually made of flimsy paper that can damage under its own weight over time. Using a board helps maintain the comic’s shape and structure.
While this method is not as protective as slabbing, it is affordable and effective for most collectors. Using the best comic book bags and boards can still prolong the life of your collection and keep it in good condition. You may also use a combination of comic book sleeves and boards for even more protection.
What are Top Loaders?
Top loaders are a popular form of comic book protection, offering a simple but effective way of protection. These rigid, plastic comic sleeves open at the top, allowing you to slide the comic book in and out easily. Made from durable materials, top loaders provide good protection against bending, creasing, and other physical damage while still allowing for easy access and display.
Here’s how you can use top loaders:
- Choose the Right Size. Ensure the top loader fits your comic book perfectly.
- Insert the Comic Book. Slide the comic books carefully into the comic book sleeves to avoid bending the corners.
- Store or Display. Use the top loader to store your comic books in boxes or display them on shelves or stands.
Some benefits of Top Loaders:
- Durability. They offer a solid protection against physical damage.
- Visibility. Clear plastic allows for easy viewing of the comic cover.
- Reusability. Easy to open and close, allowing for repeated use without wear and tear.
Using top loaders is a practical solution for both storage and display.
A bit about boxes
Comic book boxes come in various shapes and sizes to fit different storage needs. There are specialized boxes designed to store a single slabbed issue, providing maximum protection for highly valuable comics. On the other end, long boxes are available to store dozens of comics at a time, making them ideal for larger collections of less valuable issues. Both beginners and professional collectors use these boxes to organize and protect their comics.
Whether you need a compact box for a few issues or a larger one for extensive collections, you can find a box to fit your specific needs. Comic book boxes are an important tool for preserving your collection and keeping it in good condition. But do not forget, on their own boxes won’t do much. They are good as a complementary protection.
The Best Protection Options
Slabs are considered the best option for comic book protection, especially when placed into individual boxes for maximum security. These are ideal for valuable comics, providing excellent preservation over time. However, it’s unnecessary to slab every issue you own. For less valuable comics, comic book bags and boards are sufficient, offering protection against dust and minor damage.
Top loaders are a good middle-ground option, providing better protection for medium-value comics without the expense of slabbing. Ultimately, the choice of comic book protectors depends on how much you’re willing to invest. Assess the value of your comics and decide accordingly, balancing protection needs with your budget. Using a variety of protection methods ensures your collection stays in the best possible condition without needlessly overpaying.
