STARTER KIT PT. 1

AM I DOING IT RIGHT?

Hello Rookie!

The reason you are here is because you want to know about the comic book world and how to get started. Or maybe you got here by accident. Either way, by the end of this blog, you will now the basics of what comic book shopping really is (a starter's kit if you will), and go from Rookie to Pro.

But Taka, don't I just go to my local comic book shop and buy whatever I want? Well, technically, yes... But I know that once you visit your local shop for the very first time, you're gonna start asking yourself a bunch of questions: Where do I start? What do they have? What comic book should I start with? What's a Trade (TPB)? Bag and board? They don't have it? Why didn't I read Taka's starter blog?

It might sound a bit dramatic, but these are actual questions that people asks themselves when dealing with something new. I know I did. If you're lucky enough, the employees there will answer your questions and provide you with all the information you need. Most of the time you will find knowledgeable employees and will help you as much as they can, but they're not always available, or might not know the answer to your questions, leaving you high and dry. That's why I've created this blog. To help with making sure: 1) You know what you're looking for, 2) How to get it if they don't have it, 3) What questions to ask, 4) How much to pay, and 5) How far back should you go.

I'll divide all the information into different categories, so that way you don't suffer an information overload, cover more topics, and to make it much easier to read. 

The sections will be as follow:

• Wants & Research
• Local Comic Shop (Variants, Bag/Board, & Subscriptions) 
• eBay (Price & Shipping)
• Grading (Variants, CGC & PGX)
• Comic Conventions (Locations, Events, & Prices)

Wants & Research:

This section will deal with YOU. What are you likes and dislikes? What got you interested in comics? Where do you start? The big two or independent? Regardless of your choice, you have infinite possibilities.

Local Comic Shop:

This Section will tell you which comic book shop to look for. Do they bag and board every comic? Why are variants more expensive? Can you subscribe with them? Do they have events or sales? Selecting the right comic book shop makes a huge difference in how you enjoy comics.

eBay:

What happens when your store sells out of your favorite title? Do you just go to another store and hope that they have it? Or just skip it and hope that nothing great happens? Just because you can't find it in you local shop, doesn't mean it's lost forever. A great new tool that all comic book stores and buyers are using these days is eBay. I will teach you how it works, how to search for the titles, what to avoid, and maybe pay even less than what you thought possible.

Grading:

You'd be surprised at how many options you have with only one title. When it comes to new comics, they don't just release one version of it, they release at least three or four right of the bat! Especially if its an anticipated title. And if you want that title to be worth something one day, grading your comic is very important. *This will tie in with the eBay section*

Comic Conventions:

Comic-Cons are the events comic book lovers (pretty much any geek/nerd lover) dream of attending. These are the main events when it comes to Comics, Toys, Movies, Music, Tech, and everything in between! Who knows... Your town might be hosting one this year.

Once you are done with all the sections, you should know the ins and outs of the comic book world! Congratulations! Now all you have to do is get out there and start reading some comics.

Thanks for reading,

Taka