If someone were to refer to you as a pannapictagraphist would you: A. need to see a doctor? B. start a diet immediately? or C. confess to a priest and never ever do that again? You most likely wouldn’t do any of the these because you would be too busy hanging at the local comic book store. Pannapictagraphists are people who love to buy, sell, and trade comic books and many of them are searching for 20th century comics that you just might have!
It all began in June of 1938 with the release of DC’s Action Comics #1. Considered now to be the most valuable comic in the world, it contained the first appearance of a superhero, the Man of Steel himself, Superman.
Thus began the 20 year Golden Age of comics. From 1938-1955, the bulk of the major publishers, titles and characters that make up today’s collectible comics was established. The most popular characters in addition to Superman, were Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain America. Innocent as comics may seem to us now, in the early 1950s they were considered by many to be undermining American young people and contributing to juvenile delinquency. With the 1954 release of Fredric Wetherman’s “Seduction of the Innocent,” many publishers were forced out of business and those remaining established the “Comics Code Authority” in 1954 to assure parents that their product was moral, decent and of suitable content for their children.
The Silver Age of comics, 1956-1970, introduced a new group of superheroes including: The Flash, the Fantastic Four, and Spider-Man. Many of the early comics, such as Green Lantern, Atom, and Hawkman, were revived in new formats in the 1960s with enhanced color and graphics. DC Comics and Marvel Comics from this era are of special interest to collectors. Also watch for Harvey Comics, the distributors of Richie Rich, Little Dot and Casper the Friendly Ghost.
A quick way date your comics at a glance, and avoid being fooled by reproduction or reissue, is by their size. New-1970 to present, 6 7/8” by 10 1/2”. Silver Age- 7 1/2” by 10 1/2”. Golden Age- 7 3/4” by 10 1/2”.
As with all paper collectibles, the condition of a comic is a main determining factor in establishing value. Comics are graded by mint, excellent, good, fair, or poor condition. Creases, dog ears, torn pages, and yellowing or detached covers will considerably reduce the value of most books. There are, however, a few very rare comics that will retain their value in spite of condition.
The criteria for establishing the value of vintage comics will parallel the guidelines for valuing all old books. Comics are not necessarily of value just because they are old. Age helps, but remember to factor in rarity, popularity and condition.
Preservation is a key concern to collectors. Humidity, temperature variance, exposure to light and poor air circulation are all factors that can deteriorate the physical condition of your comics. To keep them in tip top shape, store them in polypropylene bags and secure by backing them with acid-free board. In the case of very rare books you might want to upgrade to a hard shell/plastic case. This not only provides extra protection for your investment but allows you to stand the comic for display. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
