Finding Comic Book Art
There are many quality establishments that deal in comic book art. Doing a search on the subject in Google will bring back many sites to choose from. One good resource is the list of sites at the beginning of the Comic Book Art page on this site.Some artists also offer their art for sale at their personal websites. In any event, to be safe, see if they offer certificates of authenticity. Another suggestion is to check them out with the Better Business Bureau. You can even ask around at your local comic shop to see if they know someone. But a great classic piece of advice is always, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Protecting your Purchase
Once you have purchased the art, the most important thing to do is to protect it. You can squirrel it away in a vault someplace, but that’s not necessarily the point in owning art, isn’t it? You want to display it, but take these precautions:
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Have it professionally framed with acid free matting or purchase an art protection alternative
- Keep it in a cool and dry place
- Make sure that it is securely attached to the wall
- For art that is very expensive, consider an alarm system or insurance
Conclusion
As you can see, buying a piece of original comic book art is no quick task. There are many items to consider to ensure that your artwork is preserved and protected. But it is just like buying any piece of original art. The more you research and the more you know, the better off you will be.Just remember these things:
- Make a budget – Don’t overspend or you may regret it later.
- Know the art – Find that art that you like the best.
- Remember the price jumps – You may need to settle for a piece that is in your reach and work your way up.
- Find the art – Research, question, and wait. Make a wise and informed decision.
- Protect your treasure – Keep it safe and protected from the elements and theft.
Following these guides will make your purchase one that you can enjoy and be proud of. There is little better for a collector to have something that is from the original creator, especially if it is of your favorite comic book character. Give me a Jack Kirby or Steve Ditko over Picasso any day…well…maybe.
