Comic Book Bags and Boards

Bagging and boarding your comic books after they have been purchased and read are the most basic steps in the preservation of your comic book collection.  When it comes to bags, there are two basic types to choose from.  This article will outline these and explain the pros and cons of each.  The article will also discuss the importance of backing boards and comic book extender sheets.

Polypropylene or Polyethylene Bags

These comic book bags are suitable for short-term storage (up to two years).  Within this time, the bag will cloud/ yellow, and wrinkle.  In fact, I have noticed wrinkling in these bags as early as a few weeks after bagging a comic book.   Although these comic book bags are the most inexpensive (around 10 cents per bag),  the fact that they need to be changed often can be a real negative for most, especially for those who have very large collections.

Mylar Bags

Mylar is a clear material made from polyester resin. Mylar comic book bags possess many desirable properties including gas and moisture resistance, chemical stability and high tensile strength.  Mylar products tend to be the staple comic book bag for serious collectors.  I use  the Mylar products manufactured/distributed by E.Gerber Products.  I especially like the Mylites+ line,  which are 1.42 mil thick. These are easy to work with and they make any comic book look fantastic.  Mylars are wonderful, but they do come with a price,  costing more than twice the price  of  a poly comic book bag.  The Mylites+ I like to use, for example,  sell for around 25 cents per comic bag.   E.Gerber also sells  2mil and 4mil Mylar comic book bags (which are also quite awesome), but the thicker you go, the more you pay.  Many collectors don’t like thicker bags as their firmness could potentially harm a comic book as the handler tries to insert the comic into it.  On the other hand, I know collectors who use nothing but the thicker Mylar comic book bags.   After all,  once inserted, the thicker Mylar comic book bags will obviously provide superior  protection.  E.Gerber’s Mylar comic book bags can be purchased directly from their site, or ask your local comic book shop to order you some if they do not stock them.

Comic Book Backing Boards

Boarding your comics is equally as important in the preservation of your comic books as they help keep your comics rigid when stored, hence protecting your book from spine damage and other potential defects.  In the old days, I would use any old firm piece of card board, in fact, the comic book store I frequented would simply have pieces of card stock cut to the appropriate size.  Nowadays, acid free backing boards are recommended as they will ensure that the boards themselves will not emit potentially harmful contaminants as they age, protecting your comics even more.  Acid free backing boards are very smooth to the touch and coated white on either one or both sides.  Some collectors will double-up on boards to ensure maximum protection.  Companies like E. Gerber Products and BCW Collector Supplies offer quality backing boards, yet many comic shops have their own acid free boards cut as well.  Depending on quality and thickness, expect to pay between 5 and 20 cents per board.

Comic Book Extender Sheets

A new addition to the bagged and boarded comic book are book extender sheets.  If you have ever cracked open a graded comic, you will notice that two of these sheets were placed inside of your comic book.  Comic book extenders, according to BCW Supplies, will help prevent yellowing, retards the aging process, and absorbs and neutralizes the contaminants in comic book pages. These 10 mil sheets go inside the book, next to the paper and ink one fourth of the way in from the front and back covers, only two sheets per book are needed to aid in the preservation of your comic books. Each sheet costs around 10 cents.

The Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Comic Books

Have you ever walked by a storefront with a huge window display and noticed that all of the  merchandise and packaging seemed faded and washed out?

This occurred because the products had been exposed to direct sunlight and the ultraviolet radiation that is inherent to it.    It is very important that you store your comic books away from direct sunlight, or any other light source that may emit harmful rays, such as fluorescent light.

The best place to store your comic books in a cool, dry  and dark place such as a closet.  If no closet space is available, at the very least store your comic books  in a handy comic book long box, with the lid in place.  Most comic book storage boxes are made of card board, however, some retailers also carry plastic/ vinyl versions, which repel water/dampness.  While a little more costly, these vinyl comic book storage boxes provide even more protection.   Comic book storage boxes come in two sizes: The “long box” is usually around 28″ long and will hold approximately 200-225 comic books and the “short box” is usually around 16″ and will hold approximately 150-175 comic books.

Storing your Comic Books to Avoid Fungus and Mold

It is also very important to prevent the the growth of  fungus and mold on your comic books.   Be certain to store your comic books in an area that is not too warm and/or humid, as these will promote water damage and the growth of fungus and mold.  If storing your books in a basement, ensure that the humidity levels are not too high.  Stagnant air and the presence of heat and dampness will wreak havoc on your comics.   Your best bet is to throw some silica gel into your comic storage box to help reduce moisture.  You can also run a dehumidifier in the storage area.

If you have any useful tips to help keep fungus and mold away from comic books, please feel free to share!  Your comments and ideas are always welcome.