Preserving comics for the future
|
Click to Enlarge |
 |
 |
This Batman #1 had a store stamp
glued to the front
cover, but was otherwise a nice mid-grade
copy.
For $120, the sticker was removed and the
appearance
of the book dramatically improved.
|
Regardless of grade, many comics exhibit dangerous agents
that can threaten its future, such as tape and glue repairs,
mold, rust, and stains. All of these defects can contribute
to the comic's degradation if not removed or neutralized.
Glue and tape both contain chemicals that break down paper
over time. This is evidenced by how paper sometimes turns
dark or brittle underneath tape. Mold eventually turns into
foxing, which clearly affects the grade of the comic. Rust,
beginning on a comic book's staples, can continue to migrate
into the paper causing brittleness and eventual detachment.
The staples themselves may disintegrate as well. Depending
on what causes them, stains can break paper down over time
if left alone.
All of these defects can be removed or halted using our
cleaning process. Staple cleaning or even staple replacement
can halt the rust process, although proper storage
conditions are necessary to ensure rust does not reoccur.
Repairing singular defects that dramatically affect a
comic's grade
|
Click to Enlarge |
 |
 |
A More Fun #26 that at first
glance appears to be
beyond help. Closer
inspection revealed that the brown
tape was removable, and the
white area at the bottom
was actually paper from
another book that had adhered
to the cover. Removal and
spine support totaled $220. |
Many times a beautiful comic will exhibit only one or two
major defects that significantly lowers the grade. Examples
range from detached covers and centerfolds to cleanly split
spines, detached pieces, a long tear, or large spine roll.
Minor support or sealing using archival rice paper can
easily correct these defects, bringing the comic's grade
back to where it should be. No piece replacement or color
touch is used in conservation work.
Resuscitating very low grade comics
Ever find those really beat, low grade copies of expensive
comics that are just too cheap to pass up? Sometimes they're
hanging on for dear life, with only the bag and board
holding them together. Even thumbing through it seems
impossible without incurring damage.
|
Click to Enlarge |
 |
 |
This copy of Buck Rogers was
nearly complete, but the
cover was detached,
and suffered from multiple creases
and
tears. After a basic cleaning, rice paper
support and
tear seals, the book is now in
very collectible shape,
and can be handled
safely. Cost: $250. |
Here's where conservation works wonders. A simple cleaning
with necessary support and seals can bring a book back from
the brink of destruction and make it collectible again.
Given the low cost of conservation, it's feasible on just
about any Golden and Silver Age key issue, as well as many
other early issues that are valuable in the guide.
The cost of conservation ranges from $30 (staple
replacement) to $350 (full job), and can include water, dry
and solvent cleaning, tear seals, support, staple
cleaning/replacement and pressing. Turn times are based on
the extent of work performed. See the chart top left of this
page for a complete list of services and prices.
To submit comics for conservation, or any other service,
please go here.
|
Click to Enlarge |
 |
 |
|
Our Certificate of Disclosure
Each restored book comes with a
certificate of disclosure that contains not only
specific
information of each repair performed, but
features “before” pictures and a diagram showing
location of work. Our certificate, the most
comprehensive in the industry, is the ultimate
builder of buyer confidence should you ever
decide to sell your book. |
|
