Selling comic books

[Anonymous]

This probably isn't the right place to ask this question, but what the hell....

Back in the early 90s, I was an avid comic book reader. (X-Men, X-Factor, Wolverine, other titles in the Marvel universe, if it matters -- nothing truly vintage or extremely valuable, I think) I fell out of the habit, but I still have many comic books, some of which need to go because they're just taking up space. Is there a local store that would buy back such comics at a fair price? Is there a market for 20 year old comics that would make selling them on my own worth the time and effort?

[Anonymous]

I'll ask DH who is into comics. But my immediate answer is, take them to McKays and don't expect much. They may give store credit or they may give you cash.

http://mckayusedbooks.biz/services.htm

Comic book collecting was a bubble that burst and never came back. They're just not worth much.

[Anonymous]

Fair enough - I figured that might be the answer. I doubt these were ever really collectibles to start with, so I'm not expecting much (though store credit might encourage me to get back into the hobby, and then I'll be in the same place as where I started! )

[Anonymous]

I would try and find the kinds of comics you have for sale on eBay. That will give you an idea.

[Anonymous]

Take a look at the overstreet price guide. You won't be able to get the price they say you can from there but it will give you a general idea on value. I'd try to sell them at a comic book shop vs. a used book store FWIW.

[Anonymous]

The bulk of them are relatively worthless, but you may have a few hidden gems. See http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-10-30/those-comics-in-your-basement-probably-worthless

You should definitely take a look at Overstreet or Ebay.

[Anonymous]

Ugh, that Business Week story was so sad and a little pathetic. I feel for those guys, but did they really think they were going to get a house down payment out of this? I bought Wolverine comics back in the day because I was interested in reading Wolverine.

Anyway, I'll do a bit of investigating and see if I have something worth anything. Thanks for the tips!

[Anonymous]

You might do better by finding a place on-line to buy them. I sold a bunch of Magic cards that way. You should expect to get less than the price guide for them, though.

[Anonymous]

Ebay

[Anonymous]

You may want to contact an auction house if you have any comics that are in pristine condition.

[Anonymous]

My basement full of comics is back-issue feeder stock for when I retire from practicing law and open a comic book shop.

[Anonymous]

Unless you have mint or near mint condition, then you aren't going to get too much for them. For mint or near mint condition you needed to have taken excellent care of them from when you purchased. I have my comics from 20+ years of collecting in acid free bags with cardboard backers and stored in good quality magazine boxes in a climate controlled area of the house. There are a number of comic shops scattered throughout the area. You'll generally get the best return for your purchase if you sell to collectors. Contact your local shop and if they don't purchase, they may be able to get you in contact to local bulletin boards or web-sites where collectors will go to exchange comics or hunt for certain issues. You may be able to get a deal for a long run of a certain title, but otherwise, you may only be able to sell filler issues (people filling in a collection).