BCW protective pages are one of the most popular mediums to store cards, photos, comics & magazines. Protective pages come in 2 different materials which are distinctly different (Polypropylene & Vinyl). Polypropylene is the most popular choice by collectors because of the archival properties of the material. Below is a list of attributes of the two different types of pages Polypropylene Pages:  Heavy-Duty Polypropylene Material (115 micron)  Archival Safe (contains no PVC)  Highest clarity available  Material manufactured in USA  Highest weld strength attainable for this material  Straight bar seals  Designed for 3 ring binder (holes punched & cleared)  Foil stamped BCW logo  Retail packaging Note:  Polypropylene is considered an archival safe material by the Library of Congress. Vinyl Pages:  Heavy-Duty Vinyl Material (4.5 mil)  Double polished clear finish  Material manufactured in USA  Highest weld strength attainable for this material  Straight bar seals  Designed to fit 3 ring binder  Retail packaging

A D D I T I O N A L    C O M I C    &    M A G A Z I N E    I N F O R M A T I O N It is recommended that you change your comic boards and bags every 3 - 5 years. Most comic books have been printed on newsprint. This includes all comic books printed prior to Modern Age, as well as some Modern Age books. The reason that you will need to change the backing boards is that the newsprint that most comic books are printed on has been bleached with acid prior to printing, and some of the acid from the bleach remains in the paper. The backing boards are coated calcium carbonate so that they absorb the acid that migrates from the book. You will want to store them away from sunlight and in a cool dry place because sunlight, heat, and moisture can accelerate the acid migration process. Miller Hobby Brand backing boards are solid bleached sulfate and conform to ANSI standard Z39.48. The National Archives and Records Administration specified the following with regard to the long-term storage and preservation of photographic documents; "Look for plastic enclosures made from uncoated pure polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester (also called Mylar D or Mellinex 516). These are considered stable and non-damaging to photographs." Miller Hobby Brand comic bags are made of uncoated virgin polypropylene. Classification of Comic Books: Comics are classified into 3 major categories, Victorian Age, Platinum Age, and Modern Age. Comic books came into existence during the Modern Age of comics in February of 1934 with the release of Eastern Color Printing's Famous Funnies #1, Series 1. The Modern Age of comics is classified into 4 sub-categories, Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, and Modern Age (Bronze Age and Modern Age comic books are also referred to as "Current" comics).  Victorian Age - 1795 to 1899  Platinum Age - 1897 to 1938  Modern Age - 1929 to Present  Golden Age - 1934 to 1955 (Miller Hobby Golden Age Comic Bags & Backing Boards)  Silver Age - 1956 to 1969 (Miller Hobby Silver Age Comic Bags & Backing Boards)  Bronze Age - 1970 to 1979 (Miller Hobby Current Comic Bags & Backing Boards)  Modern Age - from 1980 to Present (Miller Hobby Current Comic Bags & Backing Boards) You will need to determine which of the 4 categories of the Modern Age of comics that your comic book falls under to be sure to get the proper size of comic bags and backing boards. We suggest that you measure your comic book or refer to the copyright date to determine which category your comic book falls under.

A D D I T I O N A L    C A R D B O A R D    B O X    I N F O R M A T I O N Miller Hobby Corrugated cardboard storage boxes are one of the most popular mediums for long term storage of cards, comics & magazines. We take great pride in having the highest quality boxes available which means no other company manufactures a higher quality product. Attributes of Miller Hobby corrugated cardboard storage boxes:  All storage boxes are flat bed die-cut in comparison to rotary die-cut  Prevents crushing of box flutes  Allows for better scores which makes box easier to fold  Straight edges rather than saw-tooth edges  "B" flute heavy duty corrugation  Mottled white outside liner  Neatly bundled & strapped

Comic Books Valuable old comic books can still occasionally be found for a fraction of their book price at tag sales, church sales, shops, and country auctions. One day you might get lucky and come across an entire stack of early comics in good condition for say, $50. If you do gamble. If it's a large promising collection of comic books, pay more.  Although most people are aware that good specimens can fetch big dollars, few of us, including antique dealers, understand just how much. Editions where a famous character makes his/her first appearance command highest prices. The following estimates are for first-appearance comics in very fine to near mint condition. Please buckle safety belts before reading. Action Comics #1 June 1938, The first appearance of Superman: $100,000 - $200,000. (Please note* DC Comics produced an oversized exact reproduction of this comic book in 1974.) Detective Comics #27 May 1939, The first appearance of Batman: $100,000 - $200,000. (Please note* DC Comics produced an oversized reproduction of this book as well. The reprints have "Famous First Edition" on the cover that might be removed and sold as an original interior. A coverless reprint is a valueless comic) Captain Marvel Adventures March 1941: $15,000 - $20,000. Captain America #1 March 1941: The cover depicts Captain America whacking Adolph Hitler with hard right to the chin. $40,000 - $75,000. Casper the Friendly Ghost, Harvey Comics Hits #60 September 1952: $150.00 - $200.00. Fantastic Four, Present Marvel Comics Group, November 1961: $7,500 - $15,000. In general, Superhero comics like Spiderman, The Fantastic Four or Green Lantern are more valuable than humorous comics like Casper or Richie Rich. Amongst the most valuable humorous books are early Walt Disney creations that have cross-over appeal with Disney collectors. Generally, old comics are more valuable than later editions. Comic Books are generally assigned by age to the following categories. 1897-1937 Early Period - Not really comic books, most have thick cardboard covers and are found in brittle darkened condition today. Richard Outcalt's Hogan's Alley  was introduced to two newspapers in 1895 and is generally considered the first comic strip. The term "yellow journalism" was probably coined from William Randolph Hearst's political views often reflected by the strip's lead character the Yellow Kid. 1938-1945 Golden Age - Led by early issues of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America and 700 other costumed characters, the most sought after era of comic books. All Golden Era books in good condition have antique value today. Most sold in their day for around 10 cents. In mint condition most are worth $7.00 + today. 1946-1949 Post Golden Age - Many romance and crime comics are introduced. 1950-1956 Pre Silver Age - Satires like Mad and horror comics like Haunt of Fear emerge. 1956-1969 Silver Age - The next great era of comic books. Beautifully drawn early examples of Green Lantern, the Hulk, Flash, Thor, the Amazing Spiderman, and other heroes are hotly sought after today. Many are worth several dollars and some are worth thousands each. 1970-1979 Post Silver Age - Collectors should seek out near mint editions. Keep in mind that you don't have to come across a superhero first-appearance issue to stumble into a significant find. Look for issues that have appeal. Are the heroes well known?  Does the comic introduce a new villain to the scene?  The introduction of any significant new character (good or evil) adds value. Is there a sentimental or cross-over market? Buy from a qualified dealer if you want to be a collector. Take a shot at a legitimate tag sale if you want to leap tall buildings in a single bound. by AntiqueTalk.com Reprinted with permission Copyright by Wayne Mattox ©