A kid at the local library totally changed how I see collecting comics.

I was at the downtown branch last Saturday, and a boy around ten was looking at the old graphic novel section. He pulled out a worn copy of 'Bone' and told his friend, 'My grandpa gave me his whole box, but this one is my favorite because it's the one he read to me.' He wasn't talking about value or condition at all. It made me realize I got so caught up in grading and keys that I forgot why I started. Has anyone else had a simple moment that reminded them of the real joy in this hobby?

4 comments

4 Comments

henry1501mo ago

My buddy found his old X-Men cards in his mom's attic. He spent an hour just reading the little bios on the back, didn't even check prices online.

the_nora1mo ago

Forget the price guides. That kid gets it.

kevin_williams9d agoMost Upvoted

Man I got caught up in that same trap a few years back with my Amazing Spider-Man run. I had this beat up copy of ASM 50 and I was pissed about the spine crease until my nephew asked if he could read it. Handed it to him and he just sat there on the floor reading it like it was treasure. That kind of hit different. Now I keep a "readers copy" pile on my shelf specifically for kids and friends who actually want to enjoy the stories. Grading companies will still be there tomorrow but watching someone discover a story for the first time is something you can't put in a slab.

kai_ramirez381mo ago

That "didn't even check prices online" part is the real miracle. My first move would have been to see if I could retire. Guess some people still have a soul.