Comic Collections - Spin-off: Storage [Archive]

gentlesatirist

09-09-2004, 08:39 AM

...and just to relive my own comics horror story : Basements are bad.

Most of my 3000-plus issue collection got damaged or ruined in August 2001 when the basement of my house flooded because of a "100-year rain" - meaning the Cleveland area only gets that much rain once every 100 years.

The painful irony which haunts me to this day is that the flood occurred only a month or so after I had transferred the comics from a dry, above-ground storage facility where they had been for about a decade. I foolishly put them in the basement - as opposed to the attic - because it was a shorter walk from the back door.

Curse me for a fool! And get your comics out of the basement!

- FE

MDG

09-09-2004, 02:21 PM

...and just to relive my own comics horror story : Basements are bad.

Most of my 3000-plus issue collection got damaged or ruined in August 2001 when the basement of my house flooded because of a "100-year rain" - meaning the Cleveland area only gets that much rain once every 100 years.
I just finished spending about 6 hours cleaning up my basement after a heavy rain (actually, the rug in my office, where I'm writing this is still damp). This is the first major storm we've had since moving here. 90% of my comics were down here, but I have the boxes on a pallate. No casualties.

The other 10% are waiting to be sold at our garage sale tomorrow. Just the tip of the iceberg of The Big Divestiture. I'm having a harder time justifying a hobby that I keep in boxes in the basement.

Only loss today: a box of paperbacks--but good ones. Damn!

Mysterio

09-09-2004, 02:51 PM

I built a special platform for mine underneath my workbench in my garage. It creates an enclosed box. I need to finish it off with doors to keep dust out. I even insulated and carpeted the interior of it this last weekend. (they were scraps left over from other jobs. I HAD to use them! :D)

telerites

09-09-2004, 05:13 PM

I cheat a little - I store almost my entire collection at my parent's house. My old room is basically a store room (I have 25 long boxes, 15 short) including two lateral file cabinets with my Golden Age comics (mylar or CGC). I have a pretty good collection of action figures and comic related stuff also so the closet is full. I know one of these days, I am going to open the door and everything will fall out. I do keep some at my house but what are parents for anyhow.

JCMAHAL

09-09-2004, 05:59 PM

I ahve 2 long boxes stored of on the top of my closet a few smaller boxes under my bead a few in my book case a few in my sock drawer... wow those things just get everywhere.

_ender

09-12-2004, 03:39 PM

Man...

I feel like a young up-n-commer in here....with my measly 3 short boxes! Mind you, I used to have 5 long before I sold off all by half of one 15 years ago. I've only been back at this for 2 weeks, and I think I'm subconsiously playing catch-up for all those years, because I managed to fill almost 2 small boxes in that time!

At this rate, I'll have build another house! :p

I have my own sizable office in this one though, and we have a very nice hidden room where our 'attic' would be. The house is also hardwood, top to bottom, and my boxes will never go below ground level, I can assure you...

Red Oak Kid

09-12-2004, 06:58 PM

Long box?

What is a long box?

I store mine in these little stackable plastic bins that you can buy at office supply stores.

_ender

09-13-2004, 05:26 AM

Long box?

What is a long box?

I store mine in these little stackable plastic bins that you can buy at office supply stores.

In case you've never seen these before, here's a shot of my short boxes. Long boxes are identical...only longer, as the name implies. :p

UniqueFrequency

09-13-2004, 07:12 AM

i too am using short boxes (i think i'm at 26)

basically i have shelving, and they fit in

what do you guys use for dividers in the short boxes?

UniqueFrequency

09-13-2004, 07:13 AM

Long box?

What is a long box?

I store mine in these little stackable plastic bins that you can buy at office supply stores.

by the way, these bins are a pretty good idea.. waterproof too (my boxes got leaked on by my aircon a few years back)

_ender

09-13-2004, 07:42 AM

i too am using short boxes (i think i'm at 26)

basically i have shelving, and they fit in

what do you guys use for dividers in the short boxes?

If you look at the picture I took, UniqueFrequency, you'll see that I've got dividers in my boxes between titles. What I did, was tape 2 comic backing boards together, slightly staggered, so that the top portion of one would stick above the comics themselves. Then, all I do is write the name on the little portion I left sticking out. It beats throwing out backing boards that are either; a) not in good enough shape to use for the comics themselves, or b) came with comics you bought used or online.

Since I always like to keep all my comics in fresh bags whenever I get them, I usually have a stack of old backing boards available. So, I use them as dividers in the way I just mentioned, or for packing on stuff I would ship out. :)

Slam_Bradley

09-13-2004, 07:48 AM

My boxes are in a closet in the computer/toy/comic book room. But they take up way too freakin' much room. I'm planning on getting rid of a huge chunk of them. I now buy almost exclusively tpb's. They are all in a single bookcase.

UniqueFrequency

09-13-2004, 09:09 AM

If you look at the picture I took, UniqueFrequency, you'll see that I've got dividers in my boxes between titles. What I did, was tape 2 comic backing boards together, slightly staggered, so that the top portion of one would stick above the comics themselves. Then, all I do is write the name on the little portion I left sticking out. It beats throwing out backing boards that are either; a) not in good enough shape to use for the comics themselves, or b) came with comics you bought used or online.

Since I always like to keep all my comics in fresh bags whenever I get them, I usually have a stack of old backing boards available. So, I use them as dividers in the way I just mentioned, or for packing on stuff I would ship out. :)

ahh.. that's quite genius ender. i shall definitely use that idea! :D

outlander78

09-13-2004, 09:27 AM

I just number my boxes (I, II, III ... IX) and keep a list of what is in each one. As most of my titles are represented by at least 12 issues (most 30+), only the box of minis requires more than a few seconds to locate the title I'm looking for.

Otherwise, the home-made dividers sound like a great idea.

UniqueFrequency

09-13-2004, 09:33 AM

_ender

09-13-2004, 09:52 AM

Glad you liked the idea, UniqueFrequency.

Just one of those 'duh' moments I had while re-bagging my comics...and looking at the pile of old backing boards. It's better than throwing them out.

My next plan is to either; a) create an excel spreadsheet of the titles I have, or b) pick up comic base, and put them in that.

I know comic base isn't cheap, but I really like the idea of a web-based module it has. Granted, I'm pretty comfortable using databases on my existing sites, so it wouldn't be too big a deal to create an online database of my stuff. Of course, you wouldn't get all the fancy pictures...but I guess I could use a scanner for that. :p

However, spare time is a pretty valuable commodity these days, and being able to simply use a program to do all of that may just end up saving me more grief in the long-run. ;)

UniqueFrequency

09-16-2004, 07:28 PM

My next plan is to either; a) create an excel spreadsheet of the titles I have, or b) pick up comic base, and put them in that.

this is what i do. an excel spreadsheet. got all my boxes labelled and numbered plus my expenditure list and which titles i've dropped/started etc

Sir Tim Drake

09-17-2004, 09:10 AM

this is what i do. an excel spreadsheet. got all my boxes labelled and numbered plus my expenditure list and which titles i've dropped/started etc

I use an Excel spreadsheet too. I spent many hours compiling it during the summer of 2003.

Currently, my 12 or 13 long boxes are stored in the two closets in my bedroom at home. I also have a pile of loose comics that will eventually go into another long box. In my dorm room I have another long box, plus another box that wasn't intended to store comics but works well anyway, plus another pile of excess comics that I don't have room for. My comic store never has long boxes available and I keep forgetting to ask them to get me one.

I keep all my comics in strict alphabetical order by title, which can get really, really annoying. Whenever I put new comics into a box, I have to take some comics out of it to make room, then put those comics in the box that comes next in alphabetical order, and then I have to take more comics out of that box, and so on. I only have to do this every few months, though, since I only go home for vacations.

I look forward to the time when I have my own apartment and I can keep all my comics together. But I might have to figure out a more convenient storage system.

Lone Ranger

09-17-2004, 03:17 PM

I know that I have posted these before on the old board - but I thought that some newer members might get a kick of them.

I store my comics in both long and short boxes. I agree that short boxes are easier to manage - so if I can organize one thematically (say 100 Daredevil comics or pre-code horror), I will sort them out that way.

I have long boxes from my best Golden and Silver Age books I keep on the bottom shelves of a wall to ceiling bookshelf in my second floor hallway.

I decorated these using covers and interior pages from incomplete books I had around the house.

The first two pics show these boxes.

Then I had a a really good idea - why not scan some covers and colour print them so glue them to boxes.

The 3rd pic is of a short box of my wife's collection. This work very well as I could just print off title banner from various books all on one page by manipulating them in photoshop.

I plan to do this with more boxes (say all DD covers for my DD box).

It's take a litte time, but i think they look pretty cool.

Lone Ranger

09-17-2004, 03:19 PM

Long box?

What is a long box?

I store mine in these little stackable plastic bins that you can buy at office supply stores.

ROK - I love the way you have things organized. Just awesome.

i*love*comics*247

09-17-2004, 03:54 PM

I live in a second floor apartment and I'm always scared I'll come home and find my collection in the apartment below me. I currently have
14 Long Boxes in the dining area
5 Short Boxes on top in the dining area
12 Long Boxes in the closet in the bedroom
3 Short boxes on top plus toys on shelves on either side
3 Long boxes in a smaller second closet
6 Short boxes on top with remainder of toys on shelf above
4 Short boxes in living room area in front of tv
3 Storall boxes in front of tv also
2 Small bookcases on either side of my computer desk holding my hardbacks and tpbs

Red Oak Kid

09-17-2004, 04:33 PM

ROK - I love the way you have things organized. Just awesome.

No dude, YOUR boxes are awsome!

My comics are mainly sorted by artists, which was OK when my collection was small, but as it got bigger this doesn't work too well. :o

Sir Tim Drake

09-17-2004, 05:02 PM

I live in a second floor apartment and I'm always scared I'll come home and find my collection in the apartment below me.

Because the weight of the comics will cause the floor to collapse, so that the comics will fall through to the floor below? Or because you're living upstairs from a thief? ;)

UniqueFrequency

09-18-2004, 07:10 AM

I use an Excel spreadsheet too. I spent many hours compiling it during the summer of 2003.

Currently, my 12 or 13 long boxes are stored in the two closets in my bedroom at home. I also have a pile of loose comics that will eventually go into another long box. In my dorm room I have another long box, plus another box that wasn't intended to store comics but works well anyway, plus another pile of excess comics that I don't have room for. My comic store never has long boxes available and I keep forgetting to ask them to get me one.

I keep all my comics in strict alphabetical order by title, which can get really, really annoying. Whenever I put new comics into a box, I have to take some comics out of it to make room, then put those comics in the box that comes next in alphabetical order, and then I have to take more comics out of that box, and so on. I only have to do this every few months, though, since I only go home for vacations.

I look forward to the time when I have my own apartment and I can keep all my comics together. But I might have to figure out a more convenient storage system.

same here. i totally understand about taking out almost 1/4 of the box to transfer, and just doing that for the next box.

what other ways do you guys organise them if not alphabetically?

founder81

09-18-2004, 12:52 PM

My main system was aphabeticaly, but then I got way to many. So now its:

Any title that will fill (or mostly fill) a long box gets its own.

For all titles that won't fill a box on their own have to share, but they get along pretty well. Except the hero vs non-hero books. They fight alot so I had to seperate them.

So a bulk of my comics are split hero and non-hero (I hate fringe books. I have Astro City and Powers and in my non-hero books. They have hero's in them but seem to NOT be about heroes.)

Any way, after this, a alot of my smaller chunks got lost between the big chunks. The big chunks beat up the small chunks so I had to take action again. So any book that has less then 12 books gets seperated again.

So I have some boxes of big chunks and some of little chunks.

It wasn't long until the small chunks started picking fights with the one or two titles of some books so I put all the "loose" ends in their own box, these books got along hero and non-hero and stay happily in alphabetical order.

:)

TheGoldenAvenger

09-26-2004, 05:19 AM

Are backing Boards good to use? Someone told me they aren't acid free even if they claim to be. Is this true?

Thanks

TheGoldenAvenger

09-27-2004, 09:14 AM

I just have a shoe box that I use to store my ever growing collection. Give me a few years and i'll have a collection just as big as you guys. Any comments about the boards (see above).

nexuscb

09-27-2004, 04:53 PM

I bought a couple of four drawer filing cabinets and keep my collection in those.

founder81

09-28-2004, 06:22 AM

Yet another question.

I know you need to keep an inch or two between the outside wall and comics so Mold doesn't grow on the comics.

Is the same true for Inside walls?

Right now the opposite side of the wall my comics are near is the bedroom. Is it safe to push my boxes aginst this wall??

_ender

09-28-2004, 07:25 AM

Golden Avenger: I've been using backing boards for well over 10 years on my comics, and I can attest that most will never harm your comics. Of course, my own long-term storage views are limited to a 12 year span, so if someone that's been using them longer can give further enlightenment on this, hopefully they'll let us know.

I use them because they help increase the stiffness of the overall package, preventing unecessary bending of the comic, which can lead to spine damage. The boards also help with preventing nicks or creases of the corners of the comics, as it gives some additional protection to these areas. I've used backing boards that were both advertised as being 'acid free', and those that have not. I can't say I've seen a real difference...other than that the better quality boards will have a nice, white, finish on both sides, and are glossy.

Founder 81: While I can't really give you any scientific conclusions to your question, if your bedroom is on an upper floor of a house, and the wall in question isn't an outer wall for the house, I can't see any reason why you can't just put your boxes against the wall. I've stored my comics in a garage on a shelf for years, and not seen any damage, but the garage was always dry and pretty clean.

Currently, I store mine in my office, in short boxes that sit on a shelving rack that I bought just for that purpose. This rack sits in my office closet, which has been set aside for storage. My house has hardwood floors, and is temperature controlled pretty well. So, really, I think I've got one of the best storage areas for the books. I know all of us aren't so lucky, but from my experience, comics are pretty resiliant. I've used poly bags and plain backing boards for years with no detrimental effects seen.

This won't, however, stop me from going into the mylar world this time, and putting a little more attention on my archiving. Granted, being in my 30's, and having just returned to the collecting scene affords me that opportunity now. I can't say I would have been in the same position 6 years ago.

TheGoldenAvenger

09-28-2004, 08:37 AM

Thanks alot ender I'll take your advice and start using them.

_ender

10-04-2004, 03:54 PM

Ok, I've got a new twist on this particular thread to add; what size of bags/boards would you use on 1984 to present comics?

Most of my current collection consists of 'Modern' comics, stuff from about 1999 and on. I also have a few select runs that I saved from the collection I had about 15 years ago, when I sold it off. This mostly consists of 'Jon Sable: Freelance', 'The Warlord', and 'Starslayer' issues. Notice a Mike Grell (http://www.mikegrell.com) theme in there at all? Heh. :p

Anyway, my local comic shop recommended that I use the 'Silver' size bags and boards, as they would give a bit more room for the comic to move around in, and possibly prevent damage better than a more form-fitting 'Modern' bag would.

I'm getting ready to embark on converting my collection thus far entirely over to the 2mil 'Mylites' that E. Gerber Products (http://www.egerber.com/) carries. My plan is to purchase either 500, or 1000 'Mylites', and a corresponding number of their 'Acid Free' boards. This would allow me to put my entire existing collection into Mylar, and cover my future comic purchases for a while. This also represents a rather significant investment in both time and money to embark on this, so I'd like to get some advice from those of you out there that have used Mylar bags, and what you feel would be a better size to invest in; 'Silver' or 'Modern'.

I'm tempted to go with the 'Modern' size, as it fits snugly, and doesn't allow the comic much room to move. It also seems to look better visually...rather than seeing the edging of the backing board around the comic. However, I also need to take into account damage control, so if one were dropped on the floor, would the 'Silver' size products really offer me better protection?

I know this is a fairly loaded question guys, so I really need a response from people who have had experience with the Mylars, and can offer some insights.

This looks like it will cost me about $200 minimum to do this, and that means not buying a LOT of comics, so help me out! :)

Prelude

10-04-2004, 04:49 PM

I love these kind of threads.

_ender: I've tried various sizes of bag/board combinations from both BCE (http://www.bcemylar.com) and E. Gerber (http://www.egerber.com). I'll write what I do with my Modern comics and E. Gerber supplies. Hopefully, it'll give you some insight as well as raise any other questions you might have for the thread.

I use modern size on my secondary Modern comics. The Mylar is 1 mil thick (700M) and the backing board is a half-back (675HB). I don't consider these comics to be in my core collection. They're lucky they even found their way into the wonderful world of Mylar. If a non-dealer wanted to purchase them for 1/3 or 2/3 what I paid for them, I would be more than happy.

For my core collection, I use standard size. Depending on how much I emotionally and financially value the comic, I use either 1 mil (725M) or 2 mil (725M2) Mylar with a half-back (700HB) or full-back (700FB). The backing board behind the comic acts as a white frame that forces you to look at the beautiful and precious comic. More importantly, if you're using the thicker 2 mil Mylar, standard size is going to give you that extra space you're going to need. The comic doesn't swim around or anything like that, because Mylar becomes more rigid the thicker it gets.

If you ever decide to buy Silver Age (1956-1969) comics in the future, they won't fit into modern size supplies. However, they'll fit into standard size 1 mil Mylar fine.

I hope I helped.

_ender

10-04-2004, 06:49 PM

Prelude,

Thanks for your answers thus far, I certainly appreciate it...as will my wallet! I've got a few more questions, as you've so appropriately noted that your answers were sure to raise;

a) would you suggest getting, say, half an order of 1mil 'Mylites', and half an order of 2mil 'Mylites', if you were getting 500 or 1000 bags?

b) would the 'half back' boards be sufficient for use overall, or are the 'full-backs' really needed?

c) if I were to go with just one size, and were to use 'half backs' in all of them, would the 'modern' size be better, or the 'standard' size? keep in mind that I would prefer to see less of the board, more of the comic. would the 'modern' bag be too tight on 99% of the comics in the1985-2004 range?

From your comments, I would be inclined to order, say 100 of the 1mil 'mylites' for comics that I consider either 'poor condition', or 'something I picked up to check out, but didn't like' comics, and order say 500 of the 2mil 'mylites' to encompass the comics in my collection that I consider 'permanent'. I'm starting to push the over 400 comics envelope now, after just 2 months of frenzied buying, so keep that in mind.

The overwhelming majority of comics in my collection will be staying right there. I don't 'invest' in comics...I buy them because I enjoy the stories, art, and adventure they give me. However, all of us inevitably end up with some 'mistake' comics in our collection...think it would be wise to even put them in mylar...or just instead focus on putting my 'keepers' in the 2mil 'mylites', and forgo even ordering 1mils?

I also really don't delve into the 'Silver' age or older comics, so there's not much worry of me needing supplies for those. If I ever did, I would invest appropriately in supplies for them...but I don't expect that to happen any day soon. :p

Prelude

10-04-2004, 09:06 PM

_ender: We share a similarity in that we don't really invest in comics, but purchase them to read and enjoy. Going the archival route is never a cheap consideration. It's one way we can shower our love on our comic collections.

a) My answer is below.

b) Half-backs are are more than sufficient. If you want the bagged comic to be extra rigid, you can always use two boards. Since half-backs are half the price of full-backs, half-backs might be the most feasible and maybe more flexible option.

c) If you prefer to see less board, then the modern size may be to your liking. The modern size Mylites should be fine for most Modern comics. Mylites2 may be too snug, use with caution. Note: Some comics might be slightly larger than the bag board. When I say slightly, I mean by a millimeter or so. Really, it's not a big deal. Check your PM for more information.

Substandard condition or trial comics may not even deserve archival bags and boards. That's a personal decision. I chose not to use archival supplies on all my comics because it makes more sense financially. After several years, you might feel this way. I felt like Mylar'ing all my comics when I had around 400 comics also. But now that my collection is larger, I'm glad I didn't go that route.

If you're going to go modern size I suggest purchasing 100 Mylites and 100 half-backs to test it out. Maybe even buy 50 Mylites2. Don't buy a whole lot without even testing them, you never know if you might change your mind. If you're as indecisive about the whole situation like I was, testing is the best solution. You'll feel a lot more confident about purchasing in bulk after you can see and feel the fit and finish in person.

Initially, I spend a lot more money than I should've testing out brands and sizes. I hope my knowledge helped you a little.

_ender

10-04-2004, 10:21 PM

For those of you following this thread, here's a shot of Prelude's example for me;

http://www.mouthofmadness.com/photos/uploads/mylar_shot_10-04-2004.jpg

Comic: Modern (Ultimate X-Men #50 Wizard World Chicago Variant)
Bag: E. Gerber modern sized Mylite Board: E. Gerber modern sized Half-back

_ender

10-04-2004, 10:24 PM

Prelude,

From the shot above, I'm taking it that the bag shown is the 1mil 'Mylite'? If so, what differences are there between the 1mil and the 2mil versions? Are the 2mil versions worth the price...or would 1mils do the job?

For long-term storage of stuff you're keeping for a while, would you recommend the 1mil or 2mil bags? What would be your reasons for choosing one over the other?

Thanks again for your input!!

Prelude

10-04-2004, 10:49 PM

The bag shown in the picture is a 1 mil Mylite.

Mylites (1 mil) tend to be thin and crinkly, but the flaps fold and handle very easily. Mylites2 (2 mil) are thicker and more rigid. Mylites don't pressure the corners of a comic at all, whereas Mylites2 do. You have to be a little more careful placing a comic in a Mylite2. If I had to use Mylites2 for a Modern comic, I would go with the standard size. The extra space lets me sleep better at night.

Advantages of 1 mil
1 mil is easier to work with because they're thinner (although some might say they're flimsy). It's easier to get the excess air out of 1 mil than 2 mil. If you have to Mylar all you comics, then the cheaper price of 1 mil is going to give you the best bang for you buck.

Advantages of 2 mil
2 mil is thicker. It's sturdier if you handle your comics a lot or if you're not as gentle. If you worry about comics swimming inside the bag, you don't have to worry with 2 mil.

If you're careful and the environmental and storage conditions are ideal, then either 1 mil or 2 mil bags are good for long-term storage. Try both and see what you like.

Hope this helps.

_ender

10-05-2004, 07:23 AM

Thanks for all of your help thus far Prelude,

It's nice to have an experienced opinion on some of this stuff, as amazingly, it's not all that easy to find good opinions from users of higher-end archival supplies.

I think what I may end up doing initially, is ordering a small batch (100) of the 'Mylites' (700M) in 'Current' size, and a small batch (100) of 'Half-Back' (700HB) backing boards in 'Standard' size. This will give me a good opportunity to see what this size is like overall, and what my final overall archive choice will be.

Now, with my choices above, are those the same products that you have in the picture? I'm mainly concerned with the 'Half-Back' choice, as I see that there's a smaller size they call 'Current' that's 6 3/4 inches. Is the board in your photo the 'Current' size 'Half-Back', or the 'Standard' size 'Half-Back'?

Prelude

10-05-2004, 10:30 AM

My fault ... for the past few threads I kept referring to current size as modern size. With respects to sizes, anytime I said "modern" I meant "current." You may want to reread my posts to make sense of it.

Both the bag and board in the image is current size.
Bag: Current Mylites (700M)
Board: Current Half-back (675HB)

Make sure you choose the same size for both the bag and board. A standard sized board won't fit into a modern, er, current sized bag. By the way, you can either purchase directly from E. Gerber (http://www.egerber.com) or from Comic Supply (http://www.comicsupply.com). (No, I don't work for either)

_ender

10-05-2004, 08:49 PM

Thanks for clearing that up for me Prelude.

I recently purchased an almost full run of the Tomb Raider series, and all of the comics are supposed to come in 'Mylites'. Whether this is true or not, remains to be seen, but I should be receiving them next week. This will also give me a little sneak-peek at a 'Mylite' before I get ready to order.

I've got one last question for you (I swear); is there a quick way to tell the difference between a 'Mylite', and a regular poly bag, if you're holding them in your hand? Just something I want to have for reference when I receive these comics next week. :p

Prelude

10-05-2004, 09:12 PM

There's a definite difference in look, feel, and level of protection between a Mylite and a regular Poly bag. Trust me, you'll immediately notice the difference when you see the Mylite ... or any type of Mylar for that matter.

Hope that helps.

_ender

10-05-2004, 09:14 PM

Cool!

Thanks yet again Prelude!

mgs

10-07-2004, 07:00 PM

ender, I recently completed a makeover of my collection to mostly mylites. Not only have I been able to go through some comics I have not seen in a while, but I re-evaluated those most important to me. And I have discovered how many I have.

It is right to not bag those comics you don't value. I have gone through a few thousand by now and now I have a little storage of about 800 more. I use these to bag my current purchases that I think are worthy enough. I've tried many sizes from Bill Cole (BCE) and though I liked very much the Silver age size, without boards, they are generally too large for most comics and take up too much space to store.

I now currently gettting only Modern age size, they are still large enough for many comics and even most trades, and they are not as 'bulky' as larger sizes.

aS to your ? about mylites and regular poly bags. Well, I know most bags are made well today, and sight alone may not help since you will be seeing them ion comics in single order. Here's what I'd generally say. First, before handling each one, clean your hands well, with soap and dry them...

Mylites: Crystal clear, and when together, have an almost, silver shimmer to them. Alone, they are crispy and very thin. With clean fingers, try running one over the surface. It should stick, not move. Mylites are not greasy or slick.

Poly-bags: can also be clear and have a silver shimmer, but they are not crisp and slick, running a finger over them.

don't get ripped off, for the price that you are paying, you should make sure. ;)

And yes, people, I have seen archival, acid free, charcoal activated, quality long boxes too. :p

Chris CCL

10-07-2004, 07:55 PM

ender, I recently completed a makeover of my collection to mostly mylites. Not only have I been able to go through some comics I have not seen in a while, but I re-evaluated those most important to me. And I have discovered how many I have.

I love finding my own treasures in my collection. I ususally go through a box here and there to decide what to sell on eBay. I find out more often then not, that I end up keeping most of my books.

Chris CCL

_ender

10-07-2004, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the info, mgs.

When I get this shipment of comics in, that are supposed to be in Mylites, I'll be sure to run your little test over them, and see what I come up with. The part that sucks is having to wait until you've got the scratch to buy all the supplies.

My next project will be getting myself started on learning how to grade accurately. I'm getting some advice from people by utilizing some scans of stuff I've got on hand. I mean, I'd like to think I know what 'Near Mint' would entail, but you can be your own worst enemy at times.

Prelude

10-08-2004, 10:23 PM

I just realized I posted several times on this thread without actually saying how I store my comics.

Long boxes are just too long, so I only use short boxes. They're a lot easier to carry, and they provide a more flexible solution when finding storage arrangements. Right now, the vast majority of my comics are in my bedroom closet. All the boxes are about two inches away from any wall. I also have a short box or two in other rooms.

Since a lot of posters easily have more than 2000 comics, do you guys use comic dividers? I bought a package of dividers from Ultra Pro, but haven't used them yet. Some boxes I never flip through. Other boxes, I open and flip through a lot ... I might put the dividers in just these boxes. _ender posted that he uses dividers, but what about everyone else?

UniqueFrequency

10-08-2004, 10:40 PM

founder81

10-09-2004, 06:34 AM

Nope, don't use dividers of any sort.

Given how I've split up my comics, I can find what I want very quickly.

_ender

10-09-2004, 07:11 AM

Hey, I'm a virgo, so what can I say?

Being anal when it comes to organizing goes with the territory. :p

Just for the record, in case I hadn't mentioned it before, I too only use short boxes. Long ones aren't as easy to manuver around. Plus, stacking in a smaller room is much easier.

Prelude

10-09-2004, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by founder81
Any way, after this, a alot of my smaller chunks got lost between the big chunks. The big chunks beat up the small chunks so I had to take action again. So any book that has less then 12 books gets seperated again.

So I have some boxes of big chunks and some of little chunks.

It wasn't long until the small chunks started picking fights with the one or two titles of some books so I put all the "loose" ends in their own box, these books got along hero and non-hero and stay happily in alphabetical order.

My collection is organized something like the above. You know what? I just love how that entire post was written. :)

I thought about comic dividers while I was in the shower this morning. Man, I need to get a life. Anyway, I decided to use dividers for just my "reading box." The box sits near my bed and stores recent additions that need to be read/re-bagged/re-boarded before they get put into my closet.

justins7

10-21-2004, 08:20 AM

I have about 6 boxes of Golden Age comics, all valuable. Most are in Mylar, stored in acid-free boxes.

I found clear plastic (Tupperware-type) boxes that the comic boxes fit into perfectly. Anybody have any idea how safe these are? I have read that the comics need some air circulation, and I know some plastic can be harmful. But at least moisture is eliminated with plastic boxes.

Any advice?

SlapAyoda

10-21-2004, 11:57 AM

For you folks with > 2000 comics, where do you store them?

I'm at 29 shortboxes right now and the key is to think vertical :) Before I bought my current comic shelf, I just had all my shortboxes stacked 3 high and against a wall. Not only was it a pain to get to the comics in the lower boxes, but it was bad for the boxes (and the comics inside). It took up more floor space, and didn't look pretty either.

To remedy that mess, I went to Costco and found a great shelf for $50ish called a Gorilla Shelf. It's super-strong and claims to be rated for 3500lbs. It easily fit 25 of my shortboxes and saved me tons of room.

Here's my current set up, using that shelf:
http://fromp.org/comicshelf.jpg

Schmakt

10-21-2004, 12:35 PM

I'm at 29 shortboxes right now and the key is to think vertical :) Before I bought my current comic shelf, I just had all my shortboxes stacked 3 high and against a wall. Not only was it a pain to get to the comics in the lower boxes, but it was bad for the boxes (and the comics inside). It took up more floor space, and didn't look pretty either.

To remedy that mess, I went to Costco and found a great shelf for $50ish called a Gorilla Shelf. It's super-strong and claims to be rated for 3500lbs. It easily fit 25 of my shortboxes and saved me tons of room.

Here's my current set up, using that shelf:
http://fromp.org/comicshelf.jpg

that's exactly the kind of thing I need... except with wheels...
I just moved and had to lug around 19 full long boxes.
Not fun.
Now they're just spread out all over the floor. Definitely need a contraption like that instead... maybe with pull-out shelves as well!

_ender

10-21-2004, 03:08 PM

Hmmmmm....

It might be time for me to give thought to some sort of 'mobile-comic-box-cart' invention! :p

Meanwhile, I'm now going to be picking up boxes #5 and 6 this weekend...as I'm totally out of room again, and I've probably got another 100 or so comics sitting out naked!! :eek:

I shudder to think where I'm going to be in a year. Thank God I got my house built with plenty of room in it. ;)

founder81

10-22-2004, 05:24 AM

Thank God I got my house built with plenty of room in it. ;)

Mistake #1 for the comic fan. There is NEVER enough room.

founder81

10-22-2004, 05:25 AM

I'm at 29 shortboxes right now and the key is to think vertical :) Before I bought my current comic shelf, I just had all my shortboxes stacked 3 high and against a wall. Not only was it a pain to get to the comics in the lower boxes, but it was bad for the boxes (and the comics inside). It took up more floor space, and didn't look pretty either.

To remedy that mess, I went to Costco and found a great shelf for $50ish called a Gorilla Shelf. It's super-strong and claims to be rated for 3500lbs. It easily fit 25 of my shortboxes and saved me tons of room.

Here's my current set up, using that shelf:
http://fromp.org/comicshelf.jpg

Is that shelf metal?

I need to get to costco and take a look at that. Shelf space like that should give me 3x 4x the comic room

SlapAyoda

10-22-2004, 10:52 AM

Is that shelf metal?

The posts and beams are all a sturdy metal and there are wooden shelves that are set onto the beams. I can't speak highly enough of it's sturdiness. In fact, I tested it out by putting in the second shelf only and climbing into it and standing on it :) It didn't budge or wobble. Any shelf that can easily hold a standing 220lbs comic fan seems suitable enough to me to hold some comics.

Anyhow, the only pain in the neck with the shelf was building it, which wasn't too hard but it required a friend, about 30 minutes, and a rubber mallet. It's also quite heavy - be careful lugging it from Costco to your car. ;)

founder81

10-22-2004, 11:05 AM

The posts and beams are all a sturdy metal and there are wooden shelves that are set onto the beams. I can't speak highly enough of it's sturdiness. In fact, I tested it out by putting in the second shelf only and climbing into it and standing on it :) It didn't budge or wobble. Any shelf that can easily hold a standing 220lbs comic fan seems suitable enough to me to hold some comics.

Anyhow, the only pain in the neck with the shelf was building it, which wasn't too hard but it required a friend, about 30 minutes, and a rubber mallet. It's also quite heavy - be careful lugging it from Costco to your car. ;)

You don't know how glad I am to hear your praises of the shelf's sturdiness. I am out of floor space and didn't want to go higher then 2 boxes. This makes me very happy. If I get these shelves, figure I can put 3 in our comic room, I'd have room for 28,000 comics.

SlapAyoda

10-22-2004, 01:27 PM

I don't know about 28k comics :) I guess it depends on the comics, bags, boards, etc. Keep in mind they're about as deep as 1.25 shortboxes, although you could easily stack another in front of it in order to accomodate a longbox. I'm using shortboxes, and they're currently about 90% full. According to my notes, the shelf is currently holding about 2,700 comics, and some extra hardcovers, etc.

The best way to figure it out is probably to bring an empty {long,short}box with you when you go to Costco. At my local Costco (Burbank, CA), they had one already set up, and I was able to measure it out and get a good idea for how many boxes I could fit on there (25 comfortably, more if I wanted to get creative).

It must sound like I work for Costco or something, but I'm actually just really thrilled that I found something that works so well. I spent quite a lot of time at IKEA and other furniture stores to find something that would meet the minimum requirements, and finding this shelf unexpectedly was a blessing.

_ender

10-22-2004, 02:59 PM

Well, after about 3 weeks of waiting, I finally got that run of comics I had bought, that were all supposed to be in mylite bags.

They sure aren't poly bags, so I'm going to assume these are the real deal. They're pretty rough at the edges, and have a real 'crinkly' aspect to them. Feeling quite a bit different to any other comic bag I've handled before. I'm pretty sure if they are mylites, they've got to be the 1mil version, as a couple have already split a bit at the side, and they're overall pretty thin.

I'm going to put a good, thick backing board in one tonight, and see how it all looks. I got lucky, and the bags seems to be 'Modern' sized, which is the size I'm most wanting to see. If this goes well, I'm definitely going to go with the 2mil mylite2's that E. Gerber sells.

The only question that will remain, is what size to go with in the 2mils. I'm more than likely going to get the 'full back' boards, as I've heard a lot of people rave about them. So, I'm curious to know if the fit of a current comic, in a 'current' sized 2mil mylite2, will be too tight with a full-back in it.

Prelude...any suggestions?

founder81

10-23-2004, 06:31 AM

I don't know about 28k comics :) although you could easily stack another in front of it in order to accomodate a longbox.

That was my plan :D

I showed this to my fiance, she loved the idea, then remined me, the room isn't that tall, how tall are these shelves?

(don't mean to pester, but its not that easy for me to get into costco's since I have no membership)

Prelude

10-23-2004, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by SlapAyoda
Here's my current set up, using that shelf:
http://fromp.org/comicshelf.jpg

Great set up you have there! It's always nice to see other pictures of other people's collections. You're definitely right about "vertical" being the key to comics and storage. Since the shelves look a little tall, how do you access the boxes on the top shelf?

Originally posted by _ender
Prelude...any suggestions?

Your description of the bags sound like E. Gerber's Mylites or BCE's Arklites. Speaking of 1 mil Mylar, I'm surprised whenever I read that someone's Mylites are split. My nephew and I have gone through hundreds of Mylites and Arklites and never found split Mylar.

Anyway, I never used Current sized Mylite2s with full-backs. From my experience with Mylite2s, my guess would be that it's too tight. Example: I once tried to fit a Silver Age comic book into a Standard sized Mylite2 with a full-back. Inserting the comic was more difficult than I anticipated since the comic was practically the same width as the backing board. Since a Modern comic is not that much smaller than a Current sized board, I'm assuming you'd run into the same problem.

Here are my suggestions for helping you decide what size Mylite2s you may want to purchase.

1) Ask another poster on the CBR or CGC board if they want to donate a Mylite2 and full-back. Believe me, if I had any extra bags and boards I would already be sending a sample off to you. I've been relying on Poly bags (Ultra Pro) from my local comic shop for the last three weeks.

2) Follow my lead. I use Standard sized supplies for all my Modern comics. The larger size provides clearance for prestige format or thicker comics. It also makes the process of placing the comic back into the bag easier.

3) Purchase a single package of all the supplies you want to try. This is how I went about trying different sizes. Not only was I able to choose a bag and board combination I liked, but I was able to see why I didn't like the other combination(s). If you're as indecisive as I initially was, then you won't be satisified with any advice until you tried it all. Since this is your treasured collection, make sure you have bags and boards you're comfortable with.

SlapAyoda

10-23-2004, 11:56 AM

Since the shelves look a little tall, how do you access the boxes on the top shelf?

Here are the dimensions for the shelf itself: 6 feet tall, 4 feet wide, 1.5 feet deep. It will, of course, be taller if you stack boxes on the top of the shelf like I do. I'm a semi-tall guy, so I don't have any problem grabbing the boxes from the top shelf and pulling them down to work with them. Otherwise, I'm sure a small stool would help anyone who is vertically-challenged to get up there (my girlfriend, for instance, does this).

Regarding Costco, if you can find a friend who has a card, just borrow theirs. They don't compare your membership card to your ID, and if you pay in cash, the cashier won't get your real name anyhow. (At least, this is how it worked out at my local Costco - your mileage may vary).

founder81

10-23-2004, 12:32 PM

Here are the dimensions for the shelf itself: 6 feet tall, 4 feet wide, 1.5 feet deep. It will, of course, be taller if you stack boxes on the top of the shelf like I do.

Thanks for the dimesnsions. I think, I have enough room but maybe not for the top shelf, that's still 20 boxes where I only have 10 now. Lots of room to grow.

_ender

10-23-2004, 08:14 PM

Prelude: thanks once again for your thoughts on the mylar-issue-from-hell. :p

I have to agree with you that in the end, I'm going to need a sample of a couple of different sized bags from a supplier, E. Gerber in my case, so that I can do some 'fit tests' to determine what size will best fit my needs. While I may be able to find a member on the boards that has what I'm looking for, I think I'm going to attempt to contact E. Gerber directly, to see if they would be willing to send me a few samples to do some test-fitting with. Honestly, I don't want to end up with a small pile of supplies that I have no use for. I think that if they want my business, it shouldn't be too much to ask for 3 different sized bags, and 2 backing boards for evaluation.

I'm looking at purchasing anywhere from 500 to 1000 bags and backing boards, which will represent a significant investment. I'd like to be able to make the best informed choice that I can.

That being said, I'll definitely let you know how I make out with them. If I do manage to get some samples from them, I'd be more than willing to share them with other members in need of something to compare with as well. Hopefully that will help them to decide to offer some samples. :D

Wish me luck!

Schmakt

10-25-2004, 10:12 AM

Wish me luck!

Good luck... I keep ALMOST ordering from Gerber as well... just scared to spend the cash, really. definitely let us know how it goes.

Anybody have any suggestions on humidity, btw?
I just moved, and I now have all my comics downstairs (basement-ish), which is my room. It was pretty damp in there, so I bought a dehumidifier and put it b/t the two rows of boxes. I have it on 55% humidity (factory default), but I have no idea what that means. Anyone know what percentage I should be shooting for to be safe?

_ender

10-26-2004, 05:45 AM

Well, I e-mailed E. Gerber, to see if there was a way to get a sample pack of bags and boards to try out. I sent them a list of what I was interested in, and what I would need to evaluate them. I asked for both 'Current' and 'Standard' Mylite2 bags, and Full-Back boards in both 'Current' and 'Standard' sizes.

I got a reply from them rather quickly, that a sample pack, with the bags and sizings I wanted to check out, would be $5. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me, and it will allow me to check out fit on everything before placing an order for more. Since I'm currently a bit tapped out, I'll be sending in the funds later this week.

Once I get them, I'll post an update (with pictures) showing my findings. I'm going to be checking out the fit with comics from the 70's, up to moderns.

I may see if I can get one or two Half-Backs thrown in there, but most people say that the Full-Backs are the only way to go. Anyone got an opinion on this? Thus far, I've only asked for the Full-Backs in my sample pack.

Prelude

10-28-2004, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by Schmakt
I just moved, and I now have all my comics downstairs (basement-ish), which is my room. It was pretty damp in there, so I bought a dehumidifier and put it b/t the two rows of boxes.

I wanted to move several of my comic boxes in my basement room, but the room was pretty damp. When I cleaned the desks out several weeks ago, I found some old papers and childhood comics that suffered because of the damp environment. I thought of putting the comic boxes into plastic containers, but that would take too much unnecessary space. I decided to just keep my boxes in an upstairs closet.

Originally posted by _ender
I may see if I can get one or two Half-Backs thrown in there, but most people say that the Full-Backs are the only way to go. Anyone got an opinion on this? Thus far, I've only asked for the Full-Backs in my sample pack.

If you find the thickness of back boards from your local comic shop sufficient, you'd be happy with half-backs. I have a box or two with comics wrapped in Mylites and backed with half-backs. I like that set-up for those particular comics because I save money and more importantly, storage space. Because I feel not all comics are created equal, I try not to take a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to my comic collection. By the way, I found it interesting that the famous DC collector Ian Levine uses 1 mil Mylar (BCE Arklites) for his comic collection.

_ender

11-11-2004, 05:36 AM

I've got an update for the little ongoing saga here. I received the sample pack of products from E Gerber yesterday, and had a chance to look over everything:

http://www.mouthofmadness.com/misc/comics/egerber_01.jpg

http://www.mouthofmadness.com/misc/comics/egerber_02.jpg

The only thing that was a disappointment, was that I didn't receive any of their 'Standard' sized products in that sample. This was simply a sampler pack of their 'Current' sized products. I received:

2) 700M 'Mylites' (1mil)
2) 700M2 'Mylites2' (2mil)
2) 700R 'Archives' (4mil)
2) 675HB 'Half-Back' (24mil)
2) 675FB 'Full-Back' (42mil)

I must say, I'm certainly glad that I got this sampler pack, because it really lets you try things out properly, so that you can get a feel for the products. Anyone can request sampler packs from E Gerber via e-mail, and they charge $5.00 to send one to you.

I did a bunch of test fittings last night with various comics, to see how all the different parts affect the fit. I will say, that without a doubt, the 4mil 'Archives' in the 'Current' sizing are just TOO small to take anything thicker than, say, a regular Marvel comic WITHOUT a backing board. Forget about getting ANYTHING in there if you even put a 'Half-Back' in there. I put a copy of 'The Intimates' #1 in an 'Archive', with a 'Full-Back' backing board in it, and it pretty much made the comic take on that 'wavy' shape. :p

If you guys would like to see a photo record of what I did last night, let me know, and I'll post them all with commentary on what I saw. I took photos of various fittings in all the products with both thin comics, and square-bound books.

I can say that I REALLY liked the 'Mylite2' bags, with a 'Full-Back' board in them, and found that even my square-bound books fit just fine in them. The squarebound book was maybe a bit snug in that combo, but no more than it was in a regular poly bag that was in 'Current' sizing. I did find that my copy of 'The Warlord' #1 (1975) fit a bit snug, but not to the point that I was concerned. I think overall, I would go with the 'Mylite2' bags and 'Full-Back' boards in 'Current' size for the majority of my collection, and possibly order a small batch of 'Standard' size 'Mylite2' bags and 'Full-Back' boards for larger books that I ocassionally get.

I didn't find myself having many issues with the 1mil 'Mylites', although many feel that they're too thin. I thought they worked just fine, and I have the bulk of my 'Tomb Raider' issues in them, but there's no denying the much more 'solid' feel of a 'Mylite2'.

I'm still a bit disappointed that I didn't receive any 'Standard' size samplings from E Gerber as I requested, but I plan to e-mail them again today to inquire about that. I may just end up waiting to receive a 'Standard' size sampler from them to test with, before I make any final decisions.

For anyone considering these products, but like myself are unsure of just WHAT would fit their needs, drop them a line for a couple of sampler packs. It's really worth the money for them to ship them to you, as it allows you to see all the various products, and do test fittings on your books. Again, if you want to see photos of what I was looking at last night, let me know and I'll post them!

Prelude

11-12-2004, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by Schmakt
Anybody have any suggestions on humidity, btw?

For comics and other paper-based collections, different sources will state that the stable relative humidity (RH) should be anywhere from 40% to 55%. The key word here is stable. Humidity levels that are slightly too high or too low are better than constant fluctuations in RH. You're comics should be pretty safe the way you described them.

Originally posted by _ender
I think overall, I would go with the 'Mylite2' bags and 'Full-Back' boards in 'Current' size for the majority of my collection, and possibly order a small batch of 'Standard' size 'Mylite2' bags and 'Full-Back' boards for larger books that I ocassionally get.

Glad to see you've come to a decision. Don't forget to buy in bulk. :)

Chris CCL

11-12-2004, 08:06 PM

For comics and other paper-based collections, different sources will state that the stable relative humidity (RH) should be anywhere from 40% to 55%. The key word here is stable. Humidity levels that are slightly too high or too low are better than constant fluctuations in RH. You're comics should be pretty safe the way you described them.

Glad to see you've come to a decision. Don't forget to buy in bulk. :)

Humidity is a factor for me. As a resident of Michigan we have high humidity year-round. I store my comics in the basement and I usually run my de-humidifier. Seems to work well. I’ve never had a problem, but I watch my books closely.

founder81

11-14-2004, 08:10 PM

I'm at 29 shortboxes right now and the key is to think vertical :) Before I bought my current comic shelf, I just had all my shortboxes stacked 3 high and against a wall. Not only was it a pain to get to the comics in the lower boxes, but it was bad for the boxes (and the comics inside). It took up more floor space, and didn't look pretty either.

To remedy that mess, I went to Costco and found a great shelf for $50ish called a Gorilla Shelf. It's super-strong and claims to be rated for 3500lbs. It easily fit 25 of my shortboxes and saved me tons of room.

Here's my current set up, using that shelf:
http://fromp.org/comicshelf.jpg

For the record, they also sell these at Sam's Club and they cost $60.

Prelude

11-15-2004, 07:57 PM

Originally posted by founder81
For the record, they also sell these at Sam's Club and they cost $60.

That's good to know. My father goes to Sam's Club about once a month, so I'll check it out the next time I go with him. I'm seriously thinking about getting one of these shelves, but don't know where to place it.

Everytime I look at SlapAyoda's pic, I get a little jealous. It's so pretty. My juices get going whenever I see how people store their comic collection. There should be a thread where we all post pictures of how our collections are displayed. The thing that sucks is that most of my boxes are in my closet with a lot of other crap. The comic boxes in my basement room are "God knows where."

Chris CCL

11-15-2004, 07:59 PM

For the record, they also sell these at Sam's Club and they cost $60.

Hey, That's the exact same one I have in my basement.
Bought it at Home Depot.

Nate C.

12-20-2004, 05:49 PM

_ender

12-21-2004, 06:09 AM

Great thread.

I have 28 long boxes, and I store them for the time being as high as five and six high. I wouldn't do this long term. Long term, I am building a bookcase to store each box on a shelf, 1 box deep, six boxes wide, and ten boxes tall. That should get me through my lifetime of collecting.

As to bags and boards, thanks for the info on sample pack. My buddy and I have been looking at Gerber bags for over a year now, and didn't know what to do.

You're welcome for the info, noljoner. I was feeling kind of frustrated myself, which is why I went after a sample pack. I still haven't ordered the 'Standard' size sample pack yet, but I fully intend to after Christmas. I've just been too busy lately to focus on this bag issue again.

I also talked to my LCS, who buys supplied directly from that company, and he said that he could most likely get me a BETTER price if he orders them, than if I do. So, once I get the 'Standard' size sample pack, and do more fitting tests, I'll know exactly what size(s) I need. I'll then get a quote from him on what 100 bags/boards would be in the size(s) I want, and compare it with a direct quote from E. Gerber.

I would LOVE to order 500 or more at a whack, but finances aren't THAT good yet. I'll more than likely order them in batches of 100 to start out with, and try and finish with a 500 piece order. Of course, I'll post my results. ;)

Nate C.

12-21-2004, 10:43 PM

Yeah, we are at the point where we each need at least a thousand of each, so we haven't just jumped in there. I will look for your posts!

Prelude

12-21-2004, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by _ender
So, once I get the 'Standard' size sample pack, and do more fitting tests, I'll know exactly what size(s) I need. I'll then get a quote from him on what 100 bags/boards would be in the size(s) I want, and compare it with a direct quote from E. Gerber.

Since you're using Mylites2 and Full-Backs, you'll be really happy with the standard size. This setup gives your comics some room to breath without taking away the rigidness that's needed for physical protection inside the bag. Assuming you don't toss your comic around, it should stay in place inside the bag.

Steeven

01-18-2005, 10:23 AM

This a great thread.

You've all given me some great ideas, and I epsecially like the Gorilla Shelf that SlapAyoda uses.

I've got a decent sized tax return coming to me next month and I plan to take some of that to purchase short boxes, bags, and boards.

Nate C.

01-20-2005, 08:10 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/lander3000/DSCF0545.jpg

Slap Ayoda convinced me to go ahead and make the move. I had been stacking the boxes on top of each other as high as six high, and I knew I couldn't do that long term. The gorrilla shelf, at Sams, 59.00. Worth every penny. I am using long boxes, believe it or not. All you have to do is leave the shelf about five inches out from the wall, and the long box hangs over back and front edge about 3". Boxes get circulation, no mold, and I can store 30 long boxes on one shelf system (I do plan to switch to short boxes in next five years, because I'm getting older and long boxes are getting heavier).

I plan on using my computer to make labels for the boxes, and I keep things pretty simple. Organized chronologically by title. Easy to find and easy to store.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/lander3000/DSCF0589.jpg

Here's what I use for the good stuff. Oversized books like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1-3 first prints, Trades, Portfollios, magazines. Wal-Mart has the regular sized magazine box for about 1.75 and the larger one for about 3.00. I use both. I use these for the comics I read really often, like limited series (V for Vendetta, Dark Knight Returns,) or for specialty runs (I have a series I call "The Masters Series", for King, Miller, Moore, Aragones, etc.) and long runs of stuff I really love like Turtles, Groo, Usagi, Nexus.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/lander3000/DSCF0590.jpg

And I store them here. A good old fashioned handbuilt wooden bookcase. Of course, you could use any bookcase for these, part of the allure.

As to heat, I keep them in a closet (soon to be my own room) and I close the vent off in the winter, and open it when we run the air conditioner. This way, the temperature is always lower than 70 degrees fahrenheit. Remember, heat will damage books just as well as humidity or mold.

As to bags, I am still looking into Gerber's mylites.

Love this thread. :)

founder81

01-20-2005, 10:49 AM

Slap Ayoda convinced me to go ahead and make the move. I had been stacking the boxes on top of each other as high as six high, and I knew I couldn't do that long term. The gorrilla shelf, at Sams, 59.00. Worth every penny. I am using long boxes, believe it or not. All you have to do is leave the shelf about five inches out from the wall, and the long box hangs over back and front edge about 3". Boxes get circulation, no mold, and I can store 30 long boxes on one shelf system (I do plan to switch to short boxes in next five years, because I'm getting older and long boxes are getting heavier).

Love this thread. :)

one gorilla shelf = long boxes.

:) :) :)

How full are you boxes?? I have long boxes too and thought I'd have to buy 2 shelves to hold them.

This is, wow. Is that working out? There's enough support on one shelf for the boxes? No problems?

This is just amazing me. If I only half to get one shelf, I know where I'll be this weekend.

Nate C.

01-20-2005, 11:24 AM

one gorilla shelf = long boxes.

:) :) :)

How full are you boxes?? I have long boxes too and thought I'd have to buy 2 shelves to hold them.

This is, wow. Is that working out? There's enough support on one shelf for the boxes? No problems?

This is just amazing me. If I only half to get one shelf, I know where I'll be this weekend.

Yeah, as others have mentioned, short boxes would fit fine, but long boxes (mine) fit just fine, too. About 3" hang over, no big deal. They're all full, so somewhere around 250-300 in a box. So you're talking 30 long boxes (counting top shelf) on 1 gorilla shelf system. And no swaying when I pull a box out. Totally happy with this system.

Deffinately enough support. Very nice steel construction, very strong, very heavy, and easy to put together.

Chris CCL

01-20-2005, 11:45 AM

As you can see, I have the smaller Gorilla shelving unit. I picked it up at Home Depot at a reasonable price. It holds 4 boxes across and it overhangs in the front and back by just a few inches. This unit is the perfect size for me because these are all the long boxes I own, save for three that are not pictured.

Chris CCL

Sir Tim Drake

01-20-2005, 01:14 PM

At present I'm storing everything in my closet, but when I eventually get my own apartment, whenever that is, I will get one of those gorilla shelves.

Lone Ranger

01-20-2005, 01:27 PM

At present I'm storing everything in my closet, but when I eventually get my own apartment, whenever that is, I will get one of those gorilla shelves.

Until you get married, Aaron...

Then the funny books go back in the closet.

Chris CCL

01-20-2005, 02:00 PM

Until you get married, Aaron...

Then the funny books go back in the closet.

That's one big-ass closet you must have.

_ender

01-21-2005, 01:52 PM

Until you get married, Aaron...

Then the funny books go back in the closet.

Not if you build a new house, and have a room added for your comics! :D

Worked for me...

founder81

01-21-2005, 08:33 PM

Not if you build a new house, and have a room added for your comics! :D

Worked for me...

or, more appropriately

Build a house for your comics with a room for yourself in it.

Nate C.

01-21-2005, 11:43 PM

Not if you build a new house, and have a room added for your comics! :D

Worked for me...

Ender, any update on the bags from Gerber? Which ones did you go with, like, etc?

CLavery

01-22-2005, 01:07 AM

or, more appropriately

Build a house for your comics with a room for yourself in it.

lol. That works as well :D

_ender

01-22-2005, 04:27 PM

Ender, any update on the bags from Gerber? Which ones did you go with, like, etc?

No updates yet, noljoner. I haven't ordered the 'standard' size sample pack from Egerber at all, as I've been too busy. However, I'm currently having my LCS price me out 'standard' size Mylite2's, and matching Fullbacks to go with them. I think I'll try and send off for the sample pack from Egerber next week.

Keep your fingers crossed!

_ender

03-21-2005, 10:15 AM

Ok. I thought I would finally make another update, and perhaps give some of you some closure on my Mylar adventures.

I bit the bullet about 3 weeks ago, and ordered 300 of the E. Gerber 'Standard' size Mylite2's, and FullBack backing boards. I ordered them through my LCS, who not only saved me money off of what E. Gerber themselves would have charged me, but I didn't have to pay any shipping either! All told, the 300 bags and boards cost me $90. :D

I decided to go with the 'Standard' size Mylite2's and FullBacks, simply to give myself a little 'extra' room, to accomodate both my modern comics, as well as some of the bronze age stuff that I'm now going after. I actually did my first 'fitting' this morning, with each of the aforementioned comics, and the size is really good! Yes, there's a teensy bit more backing board showing when a modern comic is in the bag than I like to see, but I think it's a fully acceptable trade-off in order to gain additional room for bronze age comics, and for a little 'added protection' for the corners of the books. There's only a 1/4" width difference between the 'Current' size supplies, and the 'Standard' size that I went with, but the more I work with them, the happier I am with my decision.

So, for those of you that have been following my mis-adventures, I can highly recommend the E. Gerber 'Standard' size Mylite2's and FullBack backing boards. Once your comic is in one, you really do have a sense of confidence that it'll be safe in there for years to come, and damn if they don't look sweet to boot! I didn't want to put down some of my books after sitting and admiring how nice they looked!

I also definitely recommend that those of you with access to a regular LCS try and place your order with them. I saved quite a bit of money doing it this way, but I also have a VERY good rappor with my LCS owner. Still though, the savings in shipping costs alone are worth it! Just try picking up a box with 300 FullBacks in it, and you'll know what I mean. My LCS owner dragged the box across to me, because he was surprised by the weight! He also commented that one bundle of 50 FullBack boards is thicker than a 100 pack of regular backing boards. :p

If anyone wants to see a photo of the difference in sizing between a 'Current' size Mylite2, and the 'Standard' size that I went with, let me know and I'll take one to post here. I've got 2 identical issues in each of the sizes, so you can see what the difference would be.

I want to thank everyone for their help and comments during this, and I hope that if nothing else, this thread becomes a good source of information for those of you wanting to extend the life of your cherished books.

Speaking of which...has anyone checked into why this isn't a sticky??

Prelude

03-21-2005, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by _ender
Ok. I thought I would finally make another update, and perhaps give some of you some closure on my Mylar adventures.
Glad you found a combination that you're happy with. The Mylite2 and Full-Back combination protects and beautifully displays your comics. I like how Mylar sometimes makes a comic look better than it really is.

Shellhead

03-22-2005, 11:35 AM

_ender

03-22-2005, 01:11 PM

I reorganized my collection last weekend, pulling out some comics to sell on eBay and consolidating for efficiency. I now have 6 long boxes and 5 short boxes, only I noticed that my short boxes are magazine width, not comic width. When cash flows ease up this summer, I'm going to get a load of short boxes of the proper width and move everything into those. The long boxes are no fun to move, and unwieldy in my walk-in closet. Plus, I don't feel like I can stack the long boxes more than 2 high, while I am willing to go 4 high with the short boxes.

Regarding bags and boards, I go Silver Age for everything. I don't mind the white border showing, because I feel that it provides better protection overall. With the tighter bags and smaller boards on the current/modern stuff, there is greater risk of rolling the spine if you aren't careful.

I can definitely relate with you on a couple of those points, shellhead. I'm up to 8 short boxes now, and I use a racking system for storage. The weight of a shortbox is enough for me these days. I also found that it's true, the modern-size bags/boards actually do induce spine roll if the boxes are packed fairly snug. I almost discovered this too late.

Luckily, I've found it early enough, and not only decided to go with slightly larger supplies, but I also changed the way I put the comics in the boxes. Instead of setting them one behind each other, as I've done for the longest time, I started putting them so that 2 comics face one another, front to front, which then offsets the spine locations, and helps to futher prevent dreaded spine roll.

Not as easy to thumb through them, but it sure made a difference in the shape of the books.

Chad Anderson

03-22-2005, 01:46 PM

Here's an on-topic but slightly goofy question: Those of you with humidifiers, any recommendations of a humidifier that operates pretty quietly? The one I've got in the basement now with my comics is making one heck of a racket. it works well, so I'm only interested in replacing it if I can get one with a low hum versus the current lous rumbling I've got.

Bakema NL

03-27-2005, 04:39 PM

Ok, just got here, looks like a nice forum, a little different than another one I frequently visit. Might as well make my first post in this thread. Because I like threads like these and yeah, I'll admit, I like to show off......who doesn't with his/her (yep, they exist) comics, they're cool. Only thing missing in this thread are pics, I love to see pics from other people. I have been reading comics since I could barely read and I never stopped, except for a 5 1/2 year break, becoming a dad and a high interest in computer(games) had everything to do with that. But I have been back into comics for some 8 months now......and like it very much again, like coming home or something.

Ok, storage. I have a room entirely for comics....and some clothes, I don't walk around naked. So yeah guys, there are women you can talk into it, a comic book room and still married, it is possible, don't abandon all hope. :D
I really don't like comic boxes to store the books in. I want to see them, I want to have easy access to them. Everything is in cardboard file holders, real cheap (well, not in the amounts I need them) and they last, perfect fit for comics. And this way you don't need backing boards too, completely unnecessary....saves a lot of space too. I have divided everything in Marvel, DC, Image, Valiant, Dark horse and Indies. With the exception of indies, everything is in a logical order made up by myself, so Avengers titles like Captain America and Iron man next to each other, Spiderman titles together, with after them Silver Sable, Venom etc, like that.........yep, sometimes you have to get creative, now Wolverine and Spiderman have joined the Avengers for example........but it works as long as you have your system.
Indies are in alphabetical order by publisher.
There are some 31 000 comics in there, 21 000 American, the rest is European ((Dutch)translated American comics and European albums). The European stuff is divided in comics, same as the American stuff. The rest is divided in realistic (based on the time-period the story is in, from Neanderthal to SF) and humor (from sex(y) to kids' stuff.....nothing wrong with those).

5 bookcases on the left, 4 in the back, 4 on the right and 2 x 6 (3 and 3 with the backs together) in the middle........it's sort of a library. And I even managed to get a little table and chair inside and a big closet for my clothes, the one with all the posters.
Ceiling looks like crap, there used to be posters on it too, but that wouldn't last for years.

I don't know how many pics I can post......I had too many to begin with, so some pics and the rest as links....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/12.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/nr1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/nr2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/Lady_Morticia/10.jpg

founder81

03-28-2005, 03:19 PM

Bakema NL

that room is fantastic.

devildinosaur

03-28-2005, 08:36 PM

I actually only counted my collection once, and that was when I was 19. I figured out I owned a little over 20,000 books...but I swore to myself I'd never count the damn things again. 15 years later and I've got every last one of my books (well, maybe not ALL of them) stored away in a storage space at a local airport that is temperature controlled and has a humidifier. That humidifier is the most important thing you can do for your books.

UniqueFrequency

03-28-2005, 08:52 PM

whoa dude that's one kick ass comics storage room!! wish i had that much space

SlapAyoda

03-31-2005, 04:28 PM

Slap Ayoda convinced me to go ahead and make the move.

Haven't posted or even read the board for a few months, but I'm happy to hear my suggestion improved somebody's comic collection!

Oh, and Bakema NL: I am SO jealous!

Chris CCL

03-31-2005, 07:16 PM

Sweet room, Bakema NL.
Well put together.

Speaking of storage, anybody see the new "Corrugated plastic" long boxes by ComicCare? They can hold up to 200 lbs.

Prelude

03-31-2005, 09:02 PM

Bakema NL, great room ... but where's the spinner rack?

Originally Posted by Chris CCL
Speaking of storage, anybody see the new "Corrugated plastic" long boxes by ComicCare? They can hold up to 200 lbs.
I haven't tried those particular boxes, but I have tried the corrugated plastic boxes from Bags Unlimited. I like plastic boxes because they look a bit more presentable than the regular white boxes sold at most comic shops.

The Shadow

03-31-2005, 09:25 PM

54 long boxes in a storage compound in my hometown (3000 km's from where I live now... GOD I miss my comics!) but when I was in my hometown I had a 3 bedroom house and 1 bedroom was full of all my comics, original art, action figures, books (on comics) and artwork.

When I moved I left em there because it was too expensive to move ALL of them. Now I have 4 long boxes where I live and can easily pack em into a closet!

All my boxes are organized in alphabetical and then numeretical and the by volume... so I can't wait to merge 4 (and there will be more before I move home) boxes in with the other 54!

Bakema NL

04-01-2005, 11:33 AM

Bakema NL, great room ... but where's the spinner rack?

I haven't tried those particular boxes, but I have tried the corrugated plastic boxes from Bags Unlimited. I like plastic boxes because they look a bit more presentable than the regular white boxes sold at most comic shops.

The spinner rack. I have been thinking about it. Would be very cool to have one in there with all the new "to read" comics. And then to think I have thrown away several of those over the years at work......should have saved one. Maybe someday.... :)

SlapAyoda

04-01-2005, 02:33 PM

I haven't tried those particular boxes, but I have tried the corrugated plastic boxes from Bags Unlimited. I like plastic boxes because they look a bit more presentable than the regular white boxes sold at most comic shops.

Does anybody know if any company is making plastic shortboxes? I'd like to go plastic, but I'm a shortbox devotee.

Prelude

04-01-2005, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by SlapAyoda
Does anybody know if any company is making plastic shortboxes? I'd like to go plastic, but I'm a shortbox devotee.
Like you, I prefer short boxes to long boxes ... much easier to handle and store.

The short plastic corrugated boxes sold at Bags Unlimited are, well, short. They're only 11 inches deep, whereas most short boxes sold at local comic shops are around 15 inches deep. From my experience, the plastic boxes fit around 85-95 bagged and boarded comics.

One day I'm going to try the long plastic corrugated boxes from Bags Unlimited, since they're 20 inches long (about 5 inches more than a standard short box). If anyone has tried them, please post.

Crimson

04-17-2005, 01:34 PM

Bakema NL

04-17-2005, 02:11 PM

After Bakema NL showed me his collection (which is friggen awesome!) I figured I'd post mine here too as I've just got done uploading it... its nothing compared to other collections but its not bad for a relativley new collector

Go to:
http://crimsoncomics.50webs.com
Then click comic collection

For now my collection will be staying in that section as it'd be pretty cheeky of me to turn another room in the house to a comic room when its my parents house so for now thats the corner of my room dedicated to comics. Enjoy!

If I can convince my wife, you can try to convince your parents............kidding of course. Maybe one day when you live on your own.
Nice collection, I like those plastic see-through boxes a lot better than the usual cardboard boxes. And great desktops on your site.

Crimson

04-17-2005, 02:20 PM

If I can convince my wife, you can try to convince your parents............kidding of course. Maybe one day when you live on your own.
Nice collection, I like those plastic see-through boxes a lot better than the usual cardboard boxes. And great desktops on your site.

Heh! I will have my comic room one day, I mean who needs a bathroom? :p

Thanks about the desktops :D

So anyone else got any pictures of their comic collections? I love looking at them.

UniqueFrequency

04-17-2005, 07:29 PM

here's some pics from my room

1) Close up of one shelving unit

2) to be read pile

3) stuff i intend to trade away (currently taking inventory of it)

4) Star Wars figures collection atop my wardrobe

UniqueFrequency

04-17-2005, 07:30 PM

the rest of them

5) adjacent shelves

6) the collection and TPBS

7) another shelf close up

hope you guys like them!

Yommer

10-27-2005, 07:45 PM

Crimson

10-29-2005, 07:20 AM

Crimson I really like those clear plastic boxes that you are using to store your comics in. Please tell me a little more about them, like where you got them and how you like using them.

I have about 10 long boxes and 13 short boxes, but I looking to move from card board to closable plastic boxes as I just moved and am currently dealing with some space and mold issues.

Thanks for your help.

I got them from a DIY chain called B&Q.

Inside the box they have rim the size of the average comic board and bag so it helps keep them in a straight line.

They also stack ontop of each other as well if you have a hard time finding places to put them.