Evaluating the Condition
Comic books can be evaluated according to a variety of grades, from mint all the way to poor. If ads or coupons are cut out; the color is faded; the cover is wrinkled or detached; or anything else is damaged, it will reduce the value of the comic. A serious collector might also send her comics in to Comics Guaranty LLC (also known as CGC), which will certify the condition of the comic and make notes about any defects in the book. This provides potential buyers with a more objective evaluation of the condition of the comic book.
Checking the Price
Collectors will usually refer to a comic book price guide. Outside of the condition of the comic, the edition and the issue number are the primary determinants of the value of a book. A first-edition comic will be dramatically more valuable than a reprint, and older comics are usually rarer and more valuable than newer ones. The popularity of the series and the number of copies that were printed also play significant roles in determining price. The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide is considered the authority on comic book values, but there are many other resources as well.
The Role of Demand
Price guides are a major factor in determining the value of a comic book, but individual demand may play a part. If a collector has a complete first-edition series in good condition, for example, he may be able to find a buyer willing to pay more money for it. Similarly, a collector who is missing one particular comic from a hard-to-find series might be willing to pay more for it.
