Comic book collectors look forward to trips to their local comic book store for new gems to add to their collections, but what about when they are on vacation? During my time as a writer, I have worked as a travel writer and found myself all over the country. There are certain tips I have for any comic book collector going on vacation.
Silver Age comics
Localized Market
While travelling around the country, I have figured out a few secrets of the industry. What is hot and what is not in the comic book market can sometimes depend on where you are in the country. Comics which are retailing for $50 in Detroit comic book stores might only be retailing for $10 in Las Vegas or in Florida. I always hit the stores in other cities to see which issues I can pick up for less.
Local Gems
When comic book publishing companies are starting out, they find they have an uphill battle in getting their titles on the racks of retailers across the country. They often start out by getting their titles on the racks of their local comic book stores. You might have the chance of picking up an issue created by an out-of-town publisher which could increase in value as word of the title crosses the country.
Signatures
Some comic book collectors will go out of their way to get a copy of their favorite comic signed by one of the creators. The signature market is odd because what has high value in one market might have vary little importance in another part of the country. Sometimes, signatures of local creators sell for less in their hometown than in other parts of the country. Other creators see their signatures go for a premium around the city where they grew up. The only way to see for sure is to head into a comic book store while you are travelling.
What I Bring
I always check to see where the local comic book stores are when I am traveling. I keep some bags and boards in my suitcase so I have them if I visit a shop which does not take the extra care with their issues. Depending on how many shops I will hit while on vacation, I will take between three and ten bags and boards to make sure I am prepared.
Comic book collectors are a strange bunch, but we should always be prepared for what we might find while out on the road.
