The summary of ‘WHERE TO BUY COMIC BOOKS | Best Places to Buy Comics | Finding Bargain Comic Books | Comics 101’

The video covers various aspects of buying comic books, including where to find them, the importance of local comic shops, online buying options, pre-ordering collected editions, and tips for securing popular titles. Key points include the benefits of community support at local comic shops, recommendations for online retailers like Midtown Comics and DCBS, caution when buying from discount retailers like Tales of Wonder, and the significance of pre-ordering to avoid missing out on popular editions. The importance of enjoying the comics you collect, reading them, and fostering kindness in the community is highlighted as a key message.

00:00:00

In this part of the video, the speaker, BJ Kicks, discusses where to find comic books. He introduces his channel and the content he creates, mentioning that this video is part of his “Comics 101” series. BJ explains that he will cover two main categories: single-issues and collected editions, discussing both in-person and online buying options. For single-issue comics, he explains the concept of a pull list, where readers can subscribe to specific titles at their local comic shop to receive them regularly. He emphasizes that local comic shops are the best places to find brand-new comic books like ongoing weekly releases.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of buying comic books from local comic shops. Local comic shops have knowledgeable staff who can recommend titles based on your interests, such as noir, spy stories, or police procedurals. They also have a wide selection of back issues, which are older comics no longer in production. Local comic shops often buy comics in collections, providing opportunities to discover hidden gems. The speaker emphasizes that local comic shops are the best place to find single issues of comic books, but suggests online options if a local shop is not easily accessible.

00:06:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker talks about buying comics on Facebook Live and how comic shops have shifted to selling online due to the pandemic. They mention that local comic shops have a good web presence. For those looking to buy single issue comics in person, options include flea markets, yard sales, and antique stores where back issues can be found. Moving on to where to buy comics online, the main retailers discussed are Midtown Comics and DCBS (Discount Comic Book Service). Setting up a pull list with these online retailers is highlighted as a convenient alternative for those without a local comic shop nearby. The segment also mentions Atomic Empire as another store offering online pull lists and praises the sense of community and service that comes with shopping at local comic shops.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses various options for buying comics online. They mention scale discounts based on the number of titles you earn or subscribe to, highlighting the benefits of joining specific Facebook groups like the Comic Book Shopping Network for live sales by reputable comic book retailers. The speaker also touches upon buying comics on eBay, advising caution due to potential discrepancies in item descriptions and conditions. They suggest using eBay as a last resort and recommend attending conventions for back issues and rare variants. Additionally, the speaker talks about finding collected editions online, showcasing examples like standard-size hardcovers and deluxe editions, which are their preferred format for buying comic books.

00:12:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the benefits of collected editions over individual comic books, emphasizing their accessibility and presentation. They highlight local comic shops as a prime location to find collected editions, mentioning pre-order opportunities and potential discounts. The speaker also recommends online retailers for cost-effective purchases, specifically mentioning organicpricebooks.com and offering a discount code for viewers. Other online options like Cheap Graphic Novels and In Stock Trades are also mentioned, with a note on their shipping speeds.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the challenges of ordering comics from discount retailers like Tales of Wonder, highlighting slow shipping and poor customer service. They recommend smaller retailers for better service, such as local comic shops or online stores like Organic Price Books. Amazon is suggested as a last resort due to fast shipping but a higher risk of receiving damaged books. The speaker also mentions the option of purchasing from Facebook groups where collectors sell editions, emphasizing the importance of researching sellers and using secure payment methods like PayPal. They further explain the process of on-demand ordering for collected editions and shift the discussion towards pre-orders for comics.

00:18:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of pre-ordering popular collected editions of comic books in advance to secure a copy before they sell out. They recommend three main services for pre-ordering: Organic Price Books, DCBS (Discount Comic Book Service), and Tales of Wonder. Organic Price Books offers a $5 discount before the final order cutoff and an additional $2 off with a coupon code. DCBS provides a 50% discount, but there may be instances of overselling leading to potential refunds. Tales of Wonder, which is under the same company as DCBS, offers pre-order services with slightly less discounts. It’s noted that payment methods and timelines for charging vary among these services, so it’s important to plan and manage your comic book budget accordingly.

00:21:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses pre-ordering from Tales of Wonder, where you can order books before the final order cut-off without paying until the book is shipped. However, there is a limitation with shipping options as they only use USPS media mail, which can result in slower delivery times. Despite the slower shipping, Tales of Wonder offers convenient payment practices for managing budgets. The speaker also mentions other discounted outlets like Ollie’s and Hamiltonbook.com for surplus stock purchases. Additionally, the speaker recommends Organic Price Books for fast shipping and excellent customer service, offering a coupon code for a discount.

00:24:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of buying comic books that you like, reading them, and being kind to others. The key message is to enjoy what you collect, ensure you read them, and spread kindness in the community.