Post on 14-Dec-2015
A brief introduction for the beginning collector
The Art of OrganizingComic Books
Barbara GordonBatgirl/Info ProfessionalOnly Librarian of the DCU!
Comic Book Classification:
Wonder No More!Age
Format
Publisher Character/Universe
Series
Story Arc
Through the AgesGolden Age
Lasting from 1930s to 1950s
First wave of popular comics
The Trinity: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman
Silver AgeLasting from 1956 to
1970Supes down after
WWIIFlash Introduced
Bronze AgeLasting from 1970 to
1985Darker Books
Modern AgeLasting from 1985 to
NowPsychological, adult
topics“The Dark Ages of
Comics”The Anti-Hero
The Graphic FormatFloppies vs. Trades
FloppiesAlso known as issuesAbout 30 pages in lengthPublished in serial
formatTrades
Popularly known as the graphic novel
Book-length publication usually collecting 6 to 10 issues
Lower purchase price – Less collectable value
Manga/Anime
Other FormatsDigital Comic
Issues published in digital format
Viewed and stored digitally
Comic StripPublished in print
publications like newspaper; often also published online
Collected in trade formatEpisodic – No continuous
storylineWeb Comic
Who’s WhoThe Big Two The Independents
MarvelMarvel KnightsUltimates
DCVertigoWildStorm
What’s It Mean?Major namesLong, convoluted
story lines
Dark HorseImageOniTop CowTop ShelfWhat’s It Mean?
Focus on other genres
Limited story lines
The Character UniverseComics defined by
character NOT series/title
Many characters, story lines, and titles can exist in one universe – held together by one character
Character-Specific DetailsSettingBasic HistorySkills/PowersPersonality
Example: Batman UniverseSetting: Gotham CityHistory: Orphaned,
Rich, Double LifeSkills/Powers: Average
Man, Tech-SavvyPersonality: Dark &
Brooding
Down to the Details
Series Story Arc Can be any length
Continuous Series: Detective Comics, 1939 - 2011
Limited Series: Watchman Reboot Character details are
series specific Multiple series running
concurrently can conflictAmazing SpidermanNew Avengers
Story details contained within story arc
Usually 3 to 10 issues
Arc(s) usually published as graphic novel
Easy jumping-in points
How to Store Your BooksThe Long Box Method The Binder Method
BinderPlastic Storage
SlipsTabs
Bags & BoardsLong BoxDividers
The Final Product
Example @ Prairie Dog Comics – Wichita, KS
AnyQuestions
?