Collecting Is Fun...

My dad bought my first new Disney comic, Uncle Scrooge 210, from a newsstand in 1986. I must have shown a little interest because I received a few comic digests for Christmas in 1986. My interest grew slowly at first. But when Uncle Scrooge Adventures and Donald Duck Adventures debuted in 1987, my dad and uncle, who owned a comic shop, ensured that I had a good supply of reading material. As a young 10-year old, I was hooked. I collected Uncle Scrooge Adventures, Donald Duck Adventures, Mickey and Donald, and DuckTales on a regular basis. Occasionally an issue of some of the other titles would show up as a present or something, but not too often.

Possibly the most exciting comic collecting moment I ever had was on my eleventh birthday. I had seen the advertisements on the back of my comics for these spectacular comic albums. As any kid would, I looked at the advertisements and wished I could have just a couple. Realizing that they were expensive, I figured I would never have any of them. But when I opened one of my birthday presents from my grandmother, there they were...the first three comic albums! I was so excited! I could hardly believe that I now owned three comic albums. Then on Easter came the next three albums. And at each holiday for the next couple of years, I would be able to add to my set of comic albums. Some of my comic albums are nearly worn out, but they still hold the happy memories and excitement of many holidays spent with my late paternal grandparents.

My collection has been growing ever since. While continuing to collect new issues as they were published, I also began collecting back issues. I found this to be a fun way to fill in gaps in my collection or to pick up comics predating 1986. One might assume that the best place to find back issues is to visit your local comic book shop, right? Not necessarily. Comic shops are in short supply in central Pennsylvania, much less one that carries Disney back issues. The best source is probably my uncle's remaining inventory from his store. I have found a few other sources, but the prices are usually book value and thus not necessarily a bargain.

To find a bargain, flea markets are the best. Wandering through flea markets is exciting because you never know what you'll find. I'm always on the lookout for Disney comics at bargain prices. Sometimes they are far and few between or in very bad condition but it's always fun to have something to look for. I've been stung by a few vendors who think they have something when they really don't, but overall, I've found some good comics at flea markets. Not so long ago I found a stack of mint Whitman comics from the early 1980's for a fraction of their book value. It's hard to find mutilated copies of Disney comics, much less mint copies, from the early 1980's because distribution was very low.

If you haven't already, I encourage you to find something that you can enjoy collecting. Maybe not Disney comics, but something. As is evident by the items available at antique malls, there are collectors for everything from dishes to fishhooks. Enjoy!