How can I store my comics?

Comic books can be printed in so many different sizes. While it is interesting to see the different formats, it can also be a little frustrating for collectors. Recently we have seen an increase in magazine size printings, which is great except if you want to store them!

Outside of the ‘Current’ or Modern Age printing size there are also comic books that are printed in a magazine format. DC Black Label comics are currently being printed in Magazine format. This means that the single issues will fit in standard magazine size bags and boards.

There are two common magazine sizes:

• Magazine comic books are usually 8 ½ x 11 inches (21.7 x 27.9 cm)
• Thick Magazine comic books are usually 8 ¾ x 11 inches (22.2 x 27.9cm).

Batman Damned, Three Jokers and other titles that are released under the DC Black Label and are expected to be printed in the magazine format will fit with a standard magazine bag & board.

One of the best ways to buy bags and boards is in packs, as the price per item is cheaper. However not everyone collects many comic books which means this isn’t always useful. For this very reason so we have made available our bags and boards, in various sizes and styles, for purchase in singles. You can purchase a single Magazine 2mil Mylar for your Batman Damned #01 and feel confident that it is stored well. Click here to look at our magazine storage options.

But what about the other sizes? Well if you want to learn a little more about the different sizes for comic books, have a read below.  

We often have people come in and want the best for their comic collection and they think the bestoption is to choose Golden bags and boards. This is where some confusion comes in. The different terms Golden, Silver/Regular, Bronze, Modern/Current are all in relation to SIZE. ‘Golden’ bags will help protect books that were printed in the Golden Age of Comics. ‘Silver’ bags will help protect comic books that were printed during the Silver Age of Comics.

There are some years of crossover where comic books printed during the final years of the Golden Age and the first years of the Silver Age may be Golden size or Silver size. If you are ever unsure – measure your comics. Have the measurements in cm and inches as most sizes list both.

• Golden Age comics - printed between 1938-1956
  • Fit in Golden age size bags and boards.
• Silver Age comics - includes comics printed from 1956- 1970
• Bronze Age comics - include those printed from 1970-1985
  • Silver and Bronze age comics will fit in Silver or Regular size bags and boards.
• Modern/Current Age comics - printed from 1985 through to present day.

Comic book size break down:

• Current age comic books are usually 6 ^7/8 x 10 ^1/2inches (17.5 x 26.7 cm)
• Bronze age and late Silver Age comic books are usually 7 ^1/4 x 10 ^1/2inches (18.4 x 26.7 cm)
• Silver age comic books are usually 7 ^1/8 x 10 ^1/2inches (18.1 x 26.7 cm)
• Golden age comic books are usually 7 ^3/4 x 10 ^1/2inches (19.7 x 26.7 cm)

Don’t forget there will also be oversize issues, special deluxe issue or extra big annuals. When this happens, it is best to place the comic in a bag and board at least 1 size up. If it is a deluxe size current issue, it will likely fit in a Silver Age bag and board, and if it is a silver age oversize issue, it will likely fit in a Golden Age bag and board.

If you are unsure of the size of your comic book it is a good idea to carefully measure it as there is overlap in printing sizes during the crossover years. If the item you would like to protect isn’t any of these sizes, contact us! We have access to more sizes and can work with you to protect and store your collection.