Proper Handling & Storage
Comic Book Storage Boxes
The days of keeping your comic collection in just any “clean” cardboard box are over. It is now a known fact that standard cardboard is damaging to comics over time. The culprit is the acid in the wood pulp, which can migrate into the comic cover and eventually the interior pages. This leads to discoloration and the physical breakdown of the paper structure.
Fortunately, several vendors now produce acid-free storage boxes specifically designed for long-term comic preservation.
Choosing the Right Storage Box
When selecting a box for your collection, keep these three factors in mind:
- Size Compatibility: Ensure you are getting the right size for your specific era (Modern, Silver, or Golden Age). A box that is slightly too large is a waste of space, but a box that is too small can cause structural bending and corner damage.
- Seam Integrity: The seams on storage boxes can break if the container is overloaded or if environmental conditions affect the chemical bond of the adhesive. Do not overstuff your boxes.
- Lid Clearance: Make sure the height of the box (with the lid on) is high enough to fit your encapsulation method. For example, if you use Mylar with vertical flaps, ensure the flap does not sit higher than the box rim, or you will risk crushing the top of the sleeve when closing the lid.
Tape: The Underrated Risk
Tape is the most underrated support material in comic encapsulation. It is used to keep the flaps of Mylar sleeves closed, but before the advent of acid-free tape, many comics were damaged by tape aging and releasing harmful acids.
Pro Tip: Always remove the tape entirely from the Mylar sleeve before taking a comic out. Never leave a piece of “live” tape exposed where it can snag the cover of your book. A small piece of tape is not worth damaging a valued comic.
Paper Conservation: Associations & Education
For those who wish to study the professional science of paper conservation, these organizations provide the gold standard for educational material:
- American Institute for Conservation (AIC): Connecting to Collection Care
- Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC): Preservation 101: Caring for Paper Collections
- Bleeding Cool – CGC Insider: Useful for understanding how condition issues influence professional grading.
- Overstreet Comic Book Grading Scale: The industry standard for defining the physical condition of a book.
Research Tip: When searching these professional archives, use terms like “Paper Conservation,” “Paper Care,” or “Document Stabilization” to find resources applicable to comic books.