The comic book market is known as an evolving market. Compared to the overall book market, comics are doing great. The more nostalgic collectors are giving way to a flow of new buyers and investors. Because investing in comics has proven to be a profitable business. We went over to one of our comic book experts and asked him some questions.
In collaboration with Louis Girard - expert comic books
Q: How is the comic book market doing?
Louis Girard: Very well! Compared to the overall book market, comics are doing great. The more nostalgic collectors are giving way to a flow of new buyers and investors.
Q.: Does the value of a comic book change over the years?
L.G.: Yes. Coq Hardy, Becassine and La Semaine de Suzette comic books are going down, while more recent authors such as Moebius have steadily risen these past few years.
Q: Are Tintin comic books still at the top?
L.G.: It depends, most are a little cheaper these days, the market had risen very high and is now readjusting itself. But the rare originals of Hergé do continue to rise and break records.
Q: Why such price differences for the same comic book?
L.G.: First of all, the original editions (E.O.) still sell better because they are sought after by collectors. The condition of the comic is also extremely important, a comic in "near mint" condition can sell for ten times the price of the same comic in fair condition, as collectors care about both inside and outside appearance. Wear on the back, scuffed corners, crumpled or folded pages and worn binding are all depreciation points for a comic book.
Q: Is a dedication a plus? Are there any fakes?
L.G.: Yes, always! There are even collectors who care little for value or edition and are only looking for beautiful dedications with a drawing, text and a signature. Unfortunately, false dedications do enter the market as they greatly increase the value of a comic book.
Q.: How are original pages estimated?
L.G.: It obviously depends on the fame of the author, but not only. Indeed, the price of some original artwork from the same comic can take off if the main character is present in all the panels, or the scene crucial is to the scenario. Some authors are also known to have put very few originals up for sale, which considerably increases their value.
Take a look at Louis Girard’s weekly selection within our weekly Comic books and Hergé auctions.