Buying Bound Comic Readers: Better than Digital

In the first article of this series, I talked about some Golden Age gems locked away in hardback tomes.  Next, I followed with Silver Age Bound Comics and illustrated the disparity between realized prices for collected comics and values if sold individually.  Finally, let's pontificate on the beauty of buying bound comic readers.  I think it could be an option better than digital for some.  Frankly, it's also better than cracking your slabs open to settle a bet or resolve a nagging memory--graded comics are for looking not touching!

Fans of DC's 2006 Trinity series could enjoy the complete set in two bound volumes.  An eBay seller seeks just under $200 for the 52 issue set including shipping.  That could be a satisfying way to read the stories without expending the time to find the full series.  Especially if you prefer the tactile element of reading paper comics rather than a digital swipe motion.

Funny Thing, Bound Comics Make Good Readers

Lately, I limit my reading to loose, low-grade comics and digital comics.  I rarely pull my nicer comics out of their mylar bags.  It's become a barrier to reading!  In addition, I recently subscribed to Marvel Unlimited. That was coupled with my daughter subscribing to DC Universe.  So, the opportunity to read an interesting issue or storyline is ever-present.  But, many fans despise the bright, fresh colors of digital.  Further, just when you think of something you want to read, it's not available.  AAARRRGGHH!  Thus, I find myself poking through my bookcase and usually settling for a low grade reading comic.

By contrast, a bound comic often offers higher grade reading with optimal protection.  And, depending on how bound, storylines may be organized sequentially and completely.
As another example, an eBay seller lists Jack Kirby's complete sixteen issue Demon run in one tome for $185.  The 1970s series features a respectable binder.  Apparently, high-grade comics are all gathered for easy consumption.  True, the speculator loses the opportunity of grading and selling one by one.  But, purchasing the old fashioned way means even just Demon #1 in graded FN 6.0 runs about a hundred dollars.

Samplers

While some bound comics exemplify order, others feature a sampling of stories.  The one pictured pulls together Adventure Comics featuring Supergirl and Superboy issues.  It's organized better than some, but doesn't feature a complete set or run.  The owner of this one is asking roughly $10 per comic.  Some sell cheaper when disorganized this way, but certainly fantastic reading.

If you enjoy humorous Dell comics or old westerns, I've seen many books along those lines.  Frequently, they do not feature a consecutive run but rather a sample.  As a side note, Dell publisher file volumes exist that may exhibit an amazing pristine interior.  These fall in the collector/speculator realm rather than the reader playground.

One Last Thought on Buying Bound Comics as Readers

The reader who picks up a low-grade comic, often finds things missing (like the centerfold pages and coupons).  The reader who fires up his Kindle to read digitally ALWAYS finds something missing.  Typically, it's the ads, letters to the editor, promos, and sometimes the backup stories!  By enjoying the original form, one experiences deja vu and deja I-wish-I'd-been there.  Though I'm leery about collectors going overboard binding comics, putting together a few sets could be fun.  Whether modern or ancient, every home librarian should be able to pull one or two off their shelf.  So yes, I do recommend buying bound comics as readers.  And no, there's no limit to how creatively you organize and preserve your collection.

Do judge a book by its cover!  An owner created elaborate and unique covers for a set of the first 38 Moon Knight issues.  He's asking $675 or best offer for the set.

Today's feature image originates from a truly unique bound volume.  Unique because no one else could have put together the same delightful hodge-podge of comics.  The binder included Mystery in Space #104, Strange Adventures #182, #184, Captain Atom V2 #79, Our Army at War #163, Aquaman #24 (water stains), Fightin 5 v2 #36, Metamorpho #3, Green Lantern #40, Action Comics #318, Justice League of America #31, and many more.  The asking price is $365, save 15%.  Truly a wonderful book to sit down and read, but challenging for those who prefer order.  The book also illustrates that when buying bound comic readers, an extraordinary number of combinations and options exist.

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