Proper Care and Handling of Comic Books

Taking care when handling any collection item, especially functional items like comic books and magazines with flexing parts, is one of the more effective, cost-efficient, and easily achieved preservation measures.

Take proper care when handling comic books by:

Having clean hands and a clean area to use the comic book

Keeping food and drink away

Not opening the book more than 180 degrees; never folding the book back on itself

Not using paper clips, "dog ear" folding, or acidic inserts to bookmark pages

Not using rubber bands, self-adhesive tape, and/or glue on comic books

Proper Storage of Comic Books

Comic books are modern publications, the earliest of which are from the 19th century industrial era when machine-made, wood pulp paper had already become the dominant paper product. Due to the inherent chemical instabilities of wood pulp papers and the late development of U.S. paper standards (in the 1980s), many comic book collections contain acidic books. Good storage is especially critical to the preservation of acidic paper materials. Guidelines for good storage:

A cool (room temperature or below), relatively dry (about 35% relative humidity), clean, and stable environment (avoid attics, basements, and other locations with high risk of leaks and environmental extremes)

Minimal exposure to all kinds of light; no exposure to direct or intense light

Distance from radiators and vents

Supportive protective enclosures*

* Supportive protective enclosures include: acid- and lignin-free folders, four-flap folders, document "preservation binders," envelopes, and document boxes (all available alkaline buffered or neutral pH); and polyester film sleeves that are stiff enough to adequately support the comic book within. Alkaline buffered storage materials provide a desirable neutralizing effect on acids in paper, but be aware that some inks may be sensitive to alkaline pH. Polyester film has the benefit of being clear, but does not contain an alkaline buffer and with little friction readily produces an electrostatic charge that can lift paper crumbs from embrittled comic books.

The Northeast Document Conservation Center has put together very useful technical leaflets on storage enclosures for small books as well as a list for Conservation/Preservation Supplies and Equipment — Archival Supplies. See additional lists of preservation suppliers.

Dealing with Condition Problems

For condition problems that are insufficiently addressed by the measures outlined above, conservation treatment (which may include neutralizing or reducing inherent acidity) by a book or paper conservator may be necessary:

The national professional association for conservators, the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) , maintains an online directory for finding a conservator by specialty and geographic location and provides information on how to choose a conservator. In addition, AIC also offers guidelines for the care of collections beyond library materials.

Suggested Resources

Williams, Don, and Louisa Jagger. Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2005.

Comic Book Girl

The preservation guidelines described here have been used by the Library of Congress in the care of its collections and are considered suitable by the Library as described; however, the Library will not be responsible for damage to your collection should damage result from the use of these procedures.

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