Storage of comics

[vulgar_sasquatch]

Hi guys,
I'm new to comics and I have started to build up a modest collection. I only collect them for the purpose of reading them and appreciating the pretty pictures rather than for an investment or to make money.

My question is, should I bother about bagging my comics to store them because I have heard Matthew and the guys mention doing this with there comics. I kinda think "whats the point?" if all of my comics are only within 1 year old and unlikely to ever be worth anything. Is there anything wrong with stacking them in the corner of the room in a big pile or is this considered sacrilege?

[Slappy]

Do it to save them for future readings.  No slabs are needed but get some bags and boxes at the very least.  This will also help you with cataloguing them.

[Navarre]

I agree with Slappy. Your collection will grow more than you think and it's easier to start preserving them now than waiting until you have many of them.

Bagging them will help prevent aging and discoloration. If you are spending the money to buy the comic, may as well preserve it so you can enjoy it for years to come.

[vulgar_sasquatch]

Do it to save them for future readings.  No slabs are needed but get some bags and boxes at the very least.  This will also help you with cataloguing them.

Ok, cool. What are slabs?
What sort of bags would you recommend?

[Navarre]

Slabs are the same as "boards". They are simply pieces of cardboard, treated so as not to damage paper, that are inserted into the comic bag behind the comic itself. Its purpose is to keep the comic from getting bent inside the bag and to make it (much!) easier to file the comic away in a comic box.

[vulgar_sasquatch]

Thanks for the explanation Nav.

Can anyone recommend good site for getting all the supplies I need for storing my comics?

[Navarre]

You're welcome.

There are many places you could buy supplies. Your local comic shop (LCS) would have some. A quick web search will return results for places like comicsupply.com or other places.

It's just a matter of finding the best price and a reputable dealer. I'd recommend a deal with your LCS unless his or her rates are too high. It's always good to support your local business and develop a rapport with them.

[Slappy]

By slabbing, I meant hardcasing it and placing the protective ring around it.
That is for someone who wants it as an investment and never to read it essentially.  Just look at the cover, very similar to what they also do with some baseball cards.

Below is a link to read more about it.
http://reviews.ebay.com/Comparing-the-comic-book-slabbers-graders-CGC-PGX-ACE?ugid=10000000002677480

[The Mighty King Cobra]

Slabbing is generally reserved for a book of pristine mint quality or one which is already valuable.  A slabbed book has a plus side, in that you'll never have issues with grading or wondering whether it's as described, but you also can't read it.  It renders your book into a pure collectible.

I recommend at least bagging a book, if only to protect it for future reading.  Also recall that books like Deadpool #1, Walking Dead #1 and such are modern books that people didn't expect to become valuable, and thus are sometimes hard to find in excellent shape, so it couldn't hurt to be cautious...

[Kirby Krackle]

I always bag & board, comics regardless of the quality of content are things that need care. It's not the biggest expense, the cost for me was around the same as four singles, four singles to preserve one hundred? Worth it every time.
I have very few singles worth anything more than your average one, some Mars Attacks retail incentive varients, a couple of $20-ish singles but I treat them all the same and your comics deserve it.