Collect original comic book art as a hobby.

Original comic book art as a hobby and investment vehicle is alive and kicking! Maybe that's an understatement. Due to economic instability and other usually stable investments going through a rough time, seems like people are starting to look at alternative places to put their money. And why not.

Comic books are starting to be accepted as more than just for geeks. The revenue generated from comic book movies is staggering. 5-10 years ago, comic book movies were risky and usually very poorly made. Remember seeing Arnold as Mr Freeze? Remember Christopher Reeves in Superman 1, 2 or 3. Were there more? Now, people are lining up to see costumed heroes on the big screen, such as the X-Men movies, Spider-Man movies, Fantastic Four movies (with Jessica Alba!!), the new grittier Batman, the new sophisticated and action-less Superman, etc. People want to buy into the merchandising around the characters. And if you are reading this, then I'll assume you are also into original comic book art and want in, on either getting a small piece of this franchise, trying to buy back your childhood or some fond memories, or maybe speculating on the next big investment. But you aren't alone if you think original comic book art is going to only grow in popularity. There is a lot of money moving around in original comic book art.

Original comic book art has been sold and bought on eBay for many many years now. Before internet dealers were selling and buying art, most low-tech dealers (things never change) advertised at cons, through word of mouth or in comics buyer guides. I bought my first piece off eBay back when it still wasn't too cool to be associated with comics, unless you enjoyed hanging out with other nerds including some of those that you see in costume at your local comic book con. I admit, I never dressed up, but I did geek out at a few of those cons. Back in the day, I've met some of my "hero" artists back. Only within the past 10 years or so, I started to get more into collecting art. I guess I liked comics but found that everyone also collected them, and it just seemed too mainstream. I wanted something more "one-of-a-kind".. I saw a few pieces of colored art, and instantly said I want that. My collection grew quickly.

I think I quickly realized that it was becoming a habit, almost a bad habit, to grow my collection. Then I started to understand that it would be wise to only grow the things I really enjoy and really wanted to keep. Otherwise, what was the point of just buying and hoarding. Buy, enjoy and share.

Anyways, this post is getting long and rant-like, but just wanted to quickly share a story on how my passion for collecting original art came from, some thoughts on the hobby, and confirm that I too think it is still growing.