Your comic book collection represents both a financial investment and a personal passion. Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the condition of your comics and preserving their value over time. Unfortunately, many collectors make simple storage mistakes that can lead to damaged comics. Here are the top five comic storage mistakes to avoid:
An ounce of preservation is worth a pound of restoration. No amount of conservation work can fully reverse damage from improper storage.
1. Using the Wrong Bags and Boards
One of the most common mistakes is using improper materials to bag and board your comics.
Material Matters
The wrong bag material can actually accelerate comic deterioration through acid migration and off-gassing that yellows pages and breaks down paper fibers.
The Problem:
- Using acidic or low-quality bags that yellow over time
- Using boards that aren’t acid-free
- Mixing sizes (current age bags for silver age comics)
- Keeping comics in old, deteriorating bags
The Solution:
- Use archival-quality, acid-free polypropylene or Mylar bags
- Pair with acid-free backing boards
- Match bag size to comic size (current, silver, golden age)
- Replace yellowing bags every 5-7 years
Archival Storage
Mylar D (polyester) bags are the gold standard for valuable comics, offering the best protection and clarity. While more expensive, they can last 20+ years without replacement.
Remember: The small extra cost for quality supplies is negligible compared to the potential loss in value from damage.
2. Improper Box Storage
How and where you store your comic boxes can significantly impact their contents.
The Problem:
- Stacking boxes too high, causing compression
- Storing boxes on concrete floors
- Overfilling boxes (making comics difficult to remove)
- Using damaged or collapsing boxes
The Solution:
- Limit stacking to 3-4 boxes high
- Use shelving units instead of stacking directly
- Place boxes on pallets or shelves, never directly on concrete
- Fill boxes properly—not too tight, not too loose
- Replace damaged boxes immediately
Pro tip: Consider drawer boxes for frequently accessed comics to minimize handling damage.
3. Ignoring Environmental Factors
The environment where you store your comics is perhaps the most critical factor in long-term preservation.
The Problem:
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Storing in areas with high humidity
- Temperature fluctuations
- Keeping comics in attics, basements, or garages
The Solution:
- Store comics in a climate-controlled environment
- Maintain consistent temperature (65-72°F / 18-22°C)
- Keep humidity between 40-50%
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
- Keep comics away from exterior walls
- Never store in attics, basements, or garages
Humidity Impact
For every 5% increase in humidity above 50%, the rate of paper deterioration nearly doubles. This is why maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for valuable comics.
Remember: Light, heat, and moisture are the three biggest enemies of comic preservation.
4. Poor Handling Practices
Even with perfect storage conditions, improper handling can quickly damage comics.
The Problem:
- Reading bagged comics without removing them
- Forcing comics into tight bags
- Bending covers back while reading
- Handling comics with dirty hands
The Solution:
- Always remove comics from bags before reading
- Never force a comic into a too-small bag
- Use a clean, flat surface when reading
- Wash and dry hands before handling
- Consider wearing cotton gloves for valuable issues
Handling High-Value Comics
For comics valued over $1,000, consider using archival cotton gloves and a dedicated reading mat to prevent oils, dirt, and accidental damage.
Pro tip: Create a dedicated “reading copy” of your most treasured comics to preserve the original.
5. Disorganized Inventory Management
Poor organization can lead to physical damage and make it difficult to track your collection’s value.
The most successful collectors I've met are those who manage their comics with the same care and attention to detail that they'd apply to any other significant financial investment.
The Problem:
- Constantly shuffling comics to find specific issues
- No inventory system or database
- Not knowing what you own or where it’s stored
- Difficulty tracking value and condition
The Solution:
- Implement a consistent organization system (alphabetical, by publisher, etc.)
- Use dividers in your boxes for easy navigation
- Use Tabi to scan and catalog your entire collection
- Update your inventory regularly
- Track purchase prices and current values
With Tabi’s scanning and collection management features, you can quickly build a complete digital inventory of your comics, making it easy to keep track of what you own and its current market value.
Conclusion
Proper comic storage is an investment in preserving both the joy your collection brings and its potential financial value. By avoiding these five common storage mistakes, you’ll ensure your comics remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Many collectors spend thousands of dollars building their collections but neglect to invest in proper storage solutions. Remember that prevention is always less expensive than restoration, and some damage simply cannot be undone at any price.
Annual Storage Check
Schedule an annual “collection checkup” where you inspect your storage setup, replace deteriorating supplies, and verify environmental conditions to prevent long-term damage.
Remember that Tabi makes tracking your collection’s condition easy with our digital grading feature. Simply scan your comics, and Tabi will help you assess and record the condition of each issue in your collection.
Have you discovered any damage to your comics due to improper storage? Share your experiences and additional storage tips in the comments below!