Physical and Digital COmic bOOKS 

The leading cause of damage to comic books (Post 1990s) is physical damage. More than often physical damage to comic books is caused by human error and accidents.  Physical damage is instant and usually non-reversible. 

 

Types of Physical Damage

• Lose stack- The lose stack method can cause comics to form a lopsided “U” shape. This is because the spine side is normally thicker and eventually the spine will start to roll.

• Food Stains 

• Water Damage 

• Tear 

• Damagefrom staples

• Binding damage

 

 

Proper Handling 

• Have clean hands

• Make sure you read comics in a clean area

• Keep away food and drink

• Do not open the book more than 180 degrees (Do not fold the book back on itself)

• Do not use paper clips, dog-ears or insert any acidic inserts to bookmark page.

Humidity 

• Though less apparent the damage caused by humidly is just as harmful as human mishandling.  Humidity will cause the paper to curl resulting with creases or a wave pattern in the paper.