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Comic Books

By User:riverajessica @timeAndDate(1294857375) ! Who doesn't love relaxing in a Origin Story Comic Book Companies There is no shortage of masked men or a caped heroes saving the local populace from costumed menaces; the two major brands that compete for the top spot in this Marvel's Essentials'' series to get some of the basics for popular characters. 

Superhero Must-Reads

These are the shining stars of superhero comics, the ones fans and critics point to when dissenters say the medium has no merit. List below is just a few of the many the hero-centered tales; beyond that is a variety of worthy titles that explore the world beyond crime fighters and their rogue's galleries.

Don't Need Another Hero

But what if masked men in spandex aren't your deal? Fear not, there are tons of series out there that don't focus on traditional hero tales; these range from comingage stories to the supernatural.

Indie Comics

While there's nothing precluding any of the above from being well-written or deeply touching, the stories below have a much firmer grip on reality, pockmarks and all.  Beautifully drawn, heartbreaking and sometimes bitterly funny, these books tell personal tales that will move even the most hardened of adults.

Comic Books as Gifts

You can't just pick up any old superhero story and expect your comic-loving friend to fall at your feet in awe.  If you're trying to pick out a present for a superfan, there are a few pieces of advice you'll want to follow. * '''Do your research'''! Find out what the recipient tends to read and what the particular type of comic that you want to buy is worth. ** Find out the person's level of interest in comics: *** Does he or she like certain characters best? *** Specific writers or artists? *** See if he or she has a collection going and which titles are missing from it. ** If you are already into comic books yourself, finding a good read won't be difficult.  You may already know some great Web sites where you can find advice on back issues, pricing, auctions, and more. You might even have a subscription to a comic book magazine, so consult that for more guidance. ** If you are a newbie, be sure to talk over your purchasing possibilities with a knowledgeable salesperson and do some research ahead of time, too. There's nothing wrong with being prepared to bargain for that onekind comic that you just have to get your hands on. ** Keep it age appropriate. Kids probably shouldn't be reading ''Little Archie collection.

Comic Books for Kids

Comic books are an excellent gift for kids, especially those that aren't big into readingthink of them as a gateway drug to greater literacy. Because the market is increasingly geared toward adult storytelling, finding fun and suitable stories for children can be a huge chore, but below are some of the top picks. Don't forget international comics such as ''Johnny DC, respectively.

Collecting Comic Books

From a collector's perspective, titles from the Modern Age basically have no value. Collectors hoarding large numbers anticipating a big boom in the collecting industry, along with company-created lures like holograms covers and reboots to make issues with a No. 1 label, have created an artificially high demand and rendered issues from this time period virtually worthless. The most valuable books range from the introduction of the superhero theme (Golden Age) to the end of the Bronze Age (1979). * Educate yourself on the industry. Research the titles, items that you are looking for. * Get smart with the ''Comic Buyer's Guide'' magazine or download Robert M. Overstreet's ''Comic Book Price Guide'' (not a free download). * The best way to identify comics is through the '''indicia''': a small block of text on the inside front cover or on the first page that contains the issue number, publication date and exact title. * Since heroes often cross platforms and have multiple titles, the indicia is one of the true ways you can match information. * Remember that the most important element to collecting is the passion that you have for a particular series, storyline.

Comic Book Grading

When buying or selling comic books, the item's '''condition''' is the most important factor in determining price. Books in the best condition will have little signs of wear, retain good color, and possess sharp edges and few creases. Often the buyer and seller will disagree over the exact conditionit's personal bias to grade something higher if you're selling it, and if you're buying, it's often the opposite. This can cause problems since there needs to be some sort of mutual agreement before the transaction, but luckily there is a service that provides independent grading. * Comics Guaranty is a third-party service specializing in comic book grading. ** CGC will examine any comic book you submit to them, check for restoration, and give an opinion on the item's condition. ** They also assign grades and place books in tamper-proof plastic. ** Look for sales that have been graded by this service. * CGC also has a grading guide.

Related Guides

* Manga * DC Comics * Marvel Comics * Steampunk Comics and Graphic Novels  * How to Start a Comic Book Collection * Action Figures