07-31-2006
"As I do not know what the best way would be to display a comic book on the wall, CGC'd or not, without incurring damage, and such. What would be the best way to display a comic, either CGC'd or not, on a wall for viewing without incurring sun damage as well as maintaining the appearance and condition of the book, and why?"
 Ron - (a.k.a. Rocket2600)Most collectors and comic professionals advise not to display your comics out in the open. But where is the fun in that? I picked up some comic display frames in the mid-90's. For the life of me I can't remember their brand name, but I use them to display my 3 favorite comics. My first issue bought (Captain America #183), my comic grail for the longest (Avengers #53), and one of my favorite books (Uncanny X-Men #9).
Also right below some framed artwork I had some wall space, so I made a comic dispaly "shelf" out of 1/4" round wood and some clear fishing line. I can slide the issues in and change them at anytime. [LINK]
The main thing if you do this is to be sure the room gets almost zero direct sunlight. Another option is to find a cover scan and print out a "mini poster" to display.
 Karen - (a.k.a. klindsay)Hooo boy, I may not be the right person to ask about this. I keep my comics hermetically sealed, and I live in a dungeon-like apartment. But here's my advice anyway.
I would, if I were going to display my comic books, purchase an "archival" quality display frame. I found a few sites that carry such things in a google search, but the most reputable dealer I found that carries them is Bill Cole Enterprises. (bcemylar). They carry both original art specific frames and universal frames here. [LINK]
Mostly, I'd keep them away from direct sunlight, and also away from anyplace with rapid temperature changes. (e.g. don't put it up above your fireplace dummy!)
That being said, if you decide on a course of action and take it, I'd love to see whatever you've chosen to display!
 Sean - (a.k.a. thespectre)My answer would a vacuum sealed case. If a case is not availble then the comic should be bagged and boarded. In mylar if you have the money. CGC comics are nice but your sealing in the gasses that cause problems. Light and air are the biggest causes of comic breakdown.
If you want to display a comic that will come in to contact with light make sure the glass you have on the display case has a UV protection and possibly tinted as well. If you can help it try not to have direct sun light or fluorescent lights which contain high levels of UV radiation. I hope this helps.
 Jeremiah - (a.k.a. Gambit80)I'm no CGC expert but I'll take a crack at it:
I'd say try to find a wall that isn't facing the main source of light directly. If it's a wall that's off to the side or not near the light source, that's even better.
Also, there are places that offer "frames" for comics, such as comicframes.com which uses an acryllic glazing on the glass to help prevent UV rays from deteriorating the comic.
I have a few comics on display in my apartment that are in a bag and board and I used double-sided tape to keep them on the walls. So far they're holding up strong. If the comic is already slabbed, then maybe the double-sided tape may be the best option. Just use extra pieces to ensure it stays there.
 Clyf - (a.k.a. Clyfft)That is a great question Andy! There are two things you can do:
1)This option is the easiest (and cheapest) to show off your comics on the wall. First, you take a very high quality scan of the book you want to display and then print out an 8x10 photo of the book. Once this is done, you can venture to your local Wal-Mart (or other store of your choice) to purchase a frame to display the photo of you precious comic in.
2)The other option would be to display the actual comic in the frame. You wouldn't want to use just any frame because the glass in the frames won't protect the cover of the comic from light damage. You could delay the damage a little by putting the comic up on a wall that does not come into direct contact with the light coming through the window, but that is all that would happen...the damge would occur eventually. The most important you want to look for in a frame is one that offers UV protection. You should be able to find these frames at a custom framing shop or there are some web sites that specialize in selling frames just for comics. The frames on that site appear to be a little pricey, but look to be well made. [LINK]
 David - (a.k.a. Johnturned51)I'd stick it in a a slightly oversized picture frame. It would easily hang on the wall, and you could include notes between the glass and comic.
 Charles - (a.k.a. CKillian)Andy,
In my opinion there is only one thing to do. Seal that baby up and place it in your box with the rest of your comics! Now! Putting it on display will only shorten the life of the book, bleach the cover and god knows what else.
If your like most comic collectors (me not included) then you have toys and statues and other such stuff that will hold up better being displayed. Posters are great to add to the decor, but keep those comics put away!
Remember that you can always put out your prizes to show them off to all your friends and watch them oooooh and aaaah. Do the smart thing and protect them, protect them, protect them!
Ciao.
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