Is Your Comic Collection Good Enough?
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Hello everyone! In this video I just wanted to share my thoughts about not letting other people affect your collecting! The hobby should be exactly what YOU want it to be!
/ conlinscomics
#dccomics #cgc #comicbooks #debt #comics #batman #spiderman #marvel #psa
Keeping up with the Joneses in this hobby will get you in trouble. Hard not to have some envy. Good lesson on appreciating what you have. If I couldn’t buy another book ever again I would be happy and content on what I have.
@billyrod1980 said perfectly. Even on busy work weeks, I try to go in my comic room and flip through my books at least once a day. Take some time to really enjoy them instead of just acquiring them and putting them away to be lost in a pile of boxes.
Great video with an important lesson! This really transitions into life outside the hobby as well. There is always gonna be someone with a bigger collection, higher grade books, nicer car, bigger house, higher salary. Just be happy with what you have and strive to improve in your own terms.
@threesixtycomics Thanks, Joe! Somebody else commented with the perfect analogy for that. Had their eyes on a particular car and finally made it happen. Shortly after, started seeing that exact make and model all over the road and lessened the charm for them a bit. While people may feel that envy at times, for the most part, people are not going to notice or care what you have. So it's even more important to do and buy what brings you joy.
It's hard not to compare ourselves to others and their collections, and it can feel like our collections will NEVER be enough. It seems there will always be someone with a better collection, and conversely, someone else will always be envious of our collection.
@dansxmencomics The best way I've found is to take the time and really be selective and proud when I add books. And to go into my comic room at least once a day and look through some boxes and really enjoy MY collection
I love comics and love collecting, I can't match grail stuff and haul stuff that most of the other collectors do..And some of the reason for that is my place of residence but mostly because I want to collect the stuff I like... I don't mind buying new stuff if it is something that interests me and for the big ones I am fine with lower grades, and I mainly want to read my stuff so it is mostly collected ones(cheaper/easier), because I always wanna the whole run 😊😊 Great video and awesome subject that you have done it my friend 😊😊
@ThingComics You are doing it the right way my friend. While I've always enjoyed comics, it wasn't really until covid that I bought my first graded comic. Even then, I was buying popular books that I saw breaking records each week and got swept up in it all. Now, like you, I'm taking my time getting the books I really love 👊💪
@@ConlinsComics And I agree with you that it is easy to be swept with the hype when watching other collectors but if you are with this hobby for the long haul, you will get the books that you like cheaper down the road 😊 Like me with my Marvel Premiere #28.. And it is good to be on the frontier with some of the unnamed books that will blow up after the hype begins with the coming show 🤣😅👏 Bit cryptic, I know but I think that it is a good thing at this point 👏😊🤣😅
I appreciate vids like this bc it keeps me focused and grounded on my comic collecting journey! Thanks 👊
@davidatiles8546 The smaller side missions can be great, but as you said, every now and then, you just need to reset and get back to the bigger goals! Thanks for tuning in!
Great video, I have definitely had those thoughts about my collection but to your point we can only do so much in each of our situations. I just can’t wait to keep growing as a collector and as a part of this community!
@@BrokeBoyComics Well said. That's specifically why I can't wait to hit some Cons this year and meet more of the community in person! Fuels the love and passion
I think the only envious aspect I feel is availability in Canada. Not as many shows up here and not as many dealers. Yes there's eBay but with shipping and exchange rate tacked on, that can be very pricey. However, when I do find what I'm looking for at a price I'm willing to pay, that's a very satisfying feeling.
@michaelhaigh4192 I have a very good friend in Finland who has that problem. The good part is that due to limitations, he can't buy as much even if he wanted to. The bad part is, as you said, he has absolutely nothing local and ends up paying ridiculous amounts on shipping for anything he wants. He, too, has to be choosey and make every purchase count.
Great video and topic!! You are 100% correct that everyone is in a different situation for buying comics. I do find myself spending more than I should sometimes but not to keep up with the Jones but because I’m caught up in the mindset of completing a run quickly. I’m more of a completist when it comes to comic collecting and that can get you into trouble financially as well. First time seeing your channel and I’m going to be a new subscriber. Keep up the good work. 😎
@dalemoyers8881 The completionist mindset is a dangerous one. Many times like you, I'm over buying just to nail a run out that much faster lol thank you very much for checking out my channel and sharing!
Happy 2025, Conlin!
The only thing I'm envious of is your beard. Always impeccably groomed. Mine gets out of control if I skip one day of trimming and shaving.
Seriously tho, the great thing about watching collector UA-cam channels is that I do so vicariously. I've never been committed enough to get out there, do the legwork, find the best deals. Just don't have the stamina for it.* So I love to see committed collectors such as yourself find great new additions to your PC's and feel that same excitement - I steal my smiles from you guys!
* Most I've ever personally spent on a single book is $550 for the first Uncle Scrooge. Saved up for it for a month!
@johncribbs9472 With great beard, comes great responsibility. I could be Grizzly Adams in 2 days lol Thank you very much, and Happy 2025, Cribbs! I do that exact same with people grabbing the extremely rare and expensive books. Not having many people into comics around me day to day, it's extremely cool knowing you enjoy checking out the pickups and getting a smile from it! Not too many years ago, I saw people spending hundreds on books and thought it was ridiculous. Well look at me know 🤡 but like you did with that Uncle Scrooge, it is so rewarding, and when you set yourself a goal like that and see the hard work and saving, finally come to fruition. And while you may not purchase too many big books, I remember from claim sales that you have great taste in the books you DO choose to grab!
Beard guy is right! Enjoy your beard....enjoy your comics....!
Well said! Thank you!
@@comicfanagain8405 Thanks for checking it out!
So true. Very helpful and useful video, Conlin....! Thanks! (And this from a guy who really wants a book that just FLEW UP since the beginning of the decade....!)
@@RonDale-jy8et Thank you! I've been hunting a lot of DC keys I've wanted before James Gunn potentially makes them fly up!
Great video. I always stick to collecting what I love. Never try to complete with everyone. Like you said there is always a bigger fish lol.
@joshscomics01 Exactly. And over time, you start to evolve and become a bigger fish yourself as time goes on. Look at the books you acquired in 2024. I bet when you first started, you never thought you'd own those books in such great grades! Just a shame it has to be expensive lol
Good advice. I pulled back late in 2024 on my purchases because I did feel a bit too much on the collecting hamster wheel. No regrets. But the bug never fully goes away.
@@markleneker9923 True that. The biggest thing i get into when I'm buying too much is acquiring a book, being excited, tucking it away, and then just moving on to the next one. Now I'm taking time with the books I really want, and I try at least once a day to go into my comic room and go through a box or two enjoying the collection
Great video, great advice, and great channel 👊🏼
@@shadowspwnz Thank you very much!
Grails or not. I like seeing what people get just to discover books I didn't know were out there. I get tired of seeing the same old books, so I'm a fan of beat up books. Nice video to make you think. Collect how you want to collect!😊
@SideQuestComicsChat Many of the Golden and Silver age books I've acquired, I first found out about from other people's channels. That excitement of discovering a cool new book that you don't see every day can't be beat. And while other people chase the hot 10 list, some of the under the radar books you can get for a deal!
Well said.
@@Bel_Izeard Thank you!
I feel fortunate that I hone in on books that are mostly under the radar, nothing crazy expensive. I appreciate old, culturally significant books that are expensive, but have no desire to own them. I don’t buy anything older than I am. And I love finding artists who are under appreciated and collecting their stuff!
@seanmitchell8151 Starting out when I was really getting into the hobby, I wish I'd done that more. I definitely got caught up in the covid era hype, but have since honed in on what I want to collect that makes me happy. As you said, finding particular artists you love is especially rewarding!
Awesome video Bro, very good advice.
@@EvolutionaryComics Thank you very much!
Thank you for some excellent advice. This hobby can be expensive and addicting. To many times, we can get blind sided before it is too late. I recently sold a collection of mine to help family. I included a nice and raw copy of Xmen 141 because I am honest and wanted to make the collection more appealing for the seller. Eventually the seller after reported that he had book graded and it came back a 9.8. Now I wished I never included because I really included some good books in the collection. Despite this, I appreciate your honesty and candor on the topic. You provided some great advice and thank you. I try to be financially responsible in buying books. God Bless and thank you.
@@logantorres6979 Thank you very much for sharing. I have experienced buyers regret, but I believe selling regret like that can hit even harder. We all learn as we go along. Just keep building the collection that makes you happy!
Analogy, I always wanted a BMW. After a bunch of years, I got a used 3 Series. Then, all of a sudden, all I noticed on the road were the higher series 5 and 7 BMW models in newer condition. It seemed like everyone had one because it was all I focused on. To this day, it looks like there is an unending supply of them, but I know it's an illusion, based on my focus, and now I am happier than ever with my car. It's not how much you have; it's how happy you are with what you have. It works the same with comics, so now I try to enjoy what I own and not worry too much about what's missing.
@comicbooknarcissist That's the perfect analogy because I experienced that exact thing when I bought my truck. As soon as I did, I was seeing that make and model all over the road when I hadn't before. And it's two fold. Like you said, I learned to be happy with and love what I have, but also that other people won't even really care or notice anyway lol so much of what we do happens in our head
@@ConlinsComics, your last statement about so much in our imaginations is golden. The challenge is that we often forget this logic entirely once emotion kicks in. Also, when we see someone who has more or better than us, we always should remember that it's frequently not the whole story. Social media is an edited medium, but we become programmed to unconditionally believe it.
I look through my collection and I feel joy when I remember when and where I got that book and the story behind it
Great video!
@@Paulscomics9 Thank you very much!
Can’t wait to grow my collection
@@emilycharuhas3680 I see it growing every day..
@@emilycharuhas3680 take your time and every once in awhile take look what you really enjoy... Collection grows in a blink of the eye ,just enjoy the ride 🔥😊
Hey!! I’m a big fan of your channel! I just started a comic book series on my channel and shouted out Conlin’s Comics in the intro!
I usually have 2 lists a dream list prices 1000 or more and the realistic affordable list. I also focus on scarce books few collectors are chasing. I am careful of not being swayed by the hottest books of the week or month. Thank you.
@michaeltan4204 That is a great idea. Anytime I'm contemplating buying a big book now, I compare that price to other books on my list and decide which is more worth the money. Kind of a would you rather have this or that, instead of getting caught up in deals for books I want, but really don't need to be spending the money right now. Stay focused, friend!
I have to shift focus if comics gets too frustrating! Movies, stamps! I shift gears for a bit....!
@RonDale-jy8et Same! I'm also into figures, statues, 4K steelbooks, pokemon etc..it's good to take a break from one and move to another!
💛
I've been collecting most of my adult life, and have gotten some habits and routines that makes me don't fall into the traps of overspending and fomo.
I have a few dogma's that I follow that's really nice, they are not for everyone, especially not for completionism collectors.
@DanThrue I think most people will start out that way, and then hopefully learn and adjust as they go like you did. While I always enjoyed comics, it wasn't until the covid era that I hard-core got back into it and started making my first graded purchases. At the time I was definitely buying the books I saw everyone else chasing. Now, like you, I know exactly what I want and the type of collection I want 👍
@@ConlinsComics Yeah it's easy to jump on the hype train...
I very rarely buy high grades for high value books. That's one of my dogma's as well.
I (like you) collect Neal Adams Batman. And my Batman #227 is a 4.0 but very well presenting one... So I'm aware not to have to much into a single book as well...
i buy the book not the grade. a 2.0 is just a good as a 9.8 to me. i use to feel that way until i got my DD #1.
@casino_comics A book like DD #1 is always amazing in any grade! When it comes to collecting and condition, I was also that one weird 5 year old who kept some of his hot wheels in the box lol might explain some of my collecting habits now
@@ConlinsComics my brother did that too.
If possible also don’t even check what things are for sale. If you need to take a break, do just that. Don’t keep browsing as you may find a book you want for a few hundred dollars below FMV, and then jump on it even though you know you can’t afford it and put it on your credit card and think I’ll just pay it back later.
Next thing you know you’ve done that a couple times and wonder why am I thousands of dollars in debt on my credit card?
If you’re taking a break to catch up on your expenses, do just that. Don’t even look at any books that are for sale anywhere.
@@DW3010 I have definitely been guilty of that very thing. Almost to a tee. Amazing advice!
@ yeah, it’s hard not to look is the only difficult thing 😄
I spend way too much weekly only buy 1 or 2 dollar Facebook bids
@Comiccomplter55 I started to run into that with claim sales. I wasn't always spending a lot, but it was slowly adding up week after week until it was taking away from my bigger goals
i have beard envy.
I wrote a target list for 2025 on Jan 1st, yesterday I spent 3k on a book not on it, plan destroyed after 10 days, such is collecting
@johnmoran6418 I've been there myself! My problem is usually getting a "deal" on a book I wasn't even after. I'll come across it, like it, and the seller will make an offer decently below what it's been selling for. So, while I may have gotten a deal, I also may have just spent $1000 I didn't need to that could have gone towards a book i really wanted on my list
@ConlinsComics Easily done, however I'll let myself off this time as it was a 5.5 Batman 121, steal i thought
@johnmoran6418 That is an AMAZING book, and one I DO have on my list for 2025. Huge congrats! Luckily, when you do spend money, if it's on books like that, you could easily sell and make that money back if you ever needed to. Phenomenal way to start off the year, my friend!
You need to be honest about what you can afford and tailor your needs to that. Trade up over time that's a nice methodology. If I'm in the market to buy a Toyota, I'm not worried about who's getting a decked out Porsche.
And also, or the love of God, stop thinking of your collection as good investment. Comics are not a good alternative investment class for anyone who's watching these vids. Get a nice low cost mutual fund if you want to invest -- that doesn't require you to find the needle in a haystack like collectibles do -- that mutual fund is the entire haystack.
@davidsamuelson2089 Perfectly said! If my comics hold or go up in value, it's a bonus, but people shouldn't dump money in them banking on that. I have a fair amount in my savings and 401k, along with some stocks. It's important to have those life safety nets in place. You never know when an unexpected bill or expense is going to hit.