I recently got the opportunity to interview Warren Bernard, the Assistant Executive Director of the SPX - the Small Press Expo. We corresponded via email and I was glad for the opportunity to pick Warren's brain about SPX and what makes it so special. We talked about what small press comics can offer the Marvel/DC fanboy or fangirl, its close link to the CBLDF, the Ignatz, and more. Warren did a great job with the questions I shot his way and I am very pleased with how it turned out. Check out this interview with Warren Bernard of the SPX and see what this convention has in store for its attendees.

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I've recently had a couple of people email me about the value of their comics. One was worth around $15 at best and was a bit of a letdown to the owner. Another email had my attention though as a kind person was helping an elderly friend determine the value of her collection. One of the comics in question from that collection was Amazing Spider-Man #60 and could be worth as much as $220. This had definitely piqued my interest as while I don't think she has Action Comics #1 lying around, she certainly could have more comics worth hundreds or thousands of dollars as most are from the early to mid sixties.

I'm trying to help sort out what is worthy and what is worthless, but it can be difficult given things are being done via email. It's all good though because to me it's like a treasure hunt and if I find something worthwhile for them than it will all be worth it. Already it's been exciting to see some of the items she has, it's an eclectic mix, and I hope to be able to help them more.

Although summer is winding down, it is still pretty nice in many parts of America and the mild weather makes it the perfect time for garage sales. The garage sale, as my daughter describes it, is a mystery. People come not knowing what they will find and pour over the details hoping to stumble upon something great. A recent garage sale I went to had some great finds. Among some of the cool stuff they had for sale were some Silver Age and Modern Age comic books.

The comics were only fifty cents apiece and while I didn't find anything for my collection, I was excited about the opportunity to peruse their wares. The thought that I might find either something truly valuable or something sought after for my collection pushes me to keep looking. Just make sure you're ready to wade through the seas of the garage sale waters with these tips and you'll be fine.

Be ready to haggle, but don't argue. A simple offer with cash on hand is very likely to be accepted, especially at a garage sale. If the offer is refused, don't hesitate to walk away as getting emotionally attached before the purchase can easily lead to overpaying. Also, be sure to take your time as you could easily miss the one gem amidst the long box of comics. If you really want to go the extra mile, having an internet ready device can help you determine if the comic in question is worth the time. A quick search on an eBay app or at an online price guide could be invaluable and save you from wasting your money.

Where do you find these kinds of garage sales? Craigslist is going to be the best bet right now. You can even search just in the garage sale section for comics. Don't stop with just comics though. You can find all kinds of collectibles and comic related items at garage sales if you just take the time and do some research beforehand.

Have you ever found a cool comic book related item at a garage sale? What was it and did you get a deal or find out it was a bust?

One of the great things about the expansion of the comic book world is that many new niches have opened up for the comic book reader. There is a comic book for just about everyone as we have comics for the Cthulhu fan, the high-octave adventure seeker, and even those that enjoy the poignant memoirs of an artist. Small press comics are doing a pretty bang up job of giving readers not only a lot of selection, but a lot of high quality selection as well. Of course with the plethora of reading material some rotten eggs get through, but keep in mind that what is rotten to one can be quite lovely to another.

SPX, the Small Press Expo, truly seeks to embrace the world of independent comics with a convention that seeks to bring creators and publishers together with their fans. It is a small convention that only offers exhibitor tables to creators and publishers of small press comics and seeks to create an intimate setting for conversation, appreciation, and education of the independent world of comic books. Check out this profile of the SPX and get ready because SPX launches in just a couple of weeks.

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