How To Buy Comics - Part I: Retail
© Robert Smithers
The first step in buying comics is the least fun and the one few people want to discuss. The first step is to BUDGET!
Comic books are an entertainment medium. I encourage you to pay all of your bills, debts, and credit cards; purchase this weeks groceries and gasoline, prior to buying comics.
Set a weekly limit on how much you can spend, and stick to it. Most titles, even if they are new this week, will be around next week too. If they are not at your favorite store, someone else is bound to have them.
The second step is take the decide on what comics you like. Perhaps you like a particular artist or writer. Maybe you like the style and story line of a specific publisher. Some people swear by independents and small publishers. As with all entertainment, you are free to decide for yourself what you like. I can give further guidelines on this subject in future editorials if people are interested.
The third, and last, step is to decide where to purchase comics.
My first choice is an independent comic book specialty shop. They will have the widest selection and usually keep their comics in the best condition. After all, comics are a significant source of income for these shops. Almost all have "hold" services, so you don't miss an issue of your favorite title. With hold services the buyer is usually offered a small discount. This service greatly helps out the dealer in deciding quantities of each title to order. Most independent dealers will work with you on your budget. They would prefer to see you spend five to ten dollars a week consistently. They should be willing to let you leave some comics in you hold box for a few weeks if you continue to send five or ten dollars at their place weekly. This helps the budget if all the titles you want to buy come in on the same week.
My second choice would be a national chain book store. In my region, they book stores do an excellent job of keeping the comics in prime condition, as they us a solid plastic front the comics can rest on and stay flat.
I have purchased comics from convenience stores and national discount stores, but I am often disappointed in the condition of the comics in these places. Many have wire racks, which can destroy that "new comic" feeling. As well, Comics are an extremely small and relatively unimportant part of the company's income. My only advise is to check the comics carefully if you buy at these stores.
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