1. A brief introduction for the beginning collector The Art of Organizing Comic Books Barbara Gordon Batgirl/Info Professional Only Librarian of the DCU!

2. The Great Comic Book Saga The Big Questions Where to start? How do I catch up? Example: Batman Created in 1939 Included in over 65 ongoing storylines Star of over 100 individual graphic novels

3. Comic Book Classification: Wonder No More!

4. Through the Ages Golden Age Lasting from 1930s to 1950s First wave of popular comics The Trinity: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman Silver Age Lasting from 1956 to 1970 Supes down after WWII Flash Introduced Bronze Age Lasting from 1970 to 1985 Darker Books Modern Age Lasting from 1985 to Now Psychological, adult topics “The Dark Ages of Comics” The Anti-Hero

5. The Graphic Format Floppies vs. Trades Floppies Also known as issues About 30 pages in length Published in serial format Trades Popularly known as the graphic novel Book-length publication usually collecting 6 to 10 issues Lower purchase price – Less collectable value Manga/Anime Other Formats Digital Comic Issues published in digital format Viewed and stored digitally Comic Strip Published in print publications like newspaper; often also published online Collected in trade format Episodic – No continuous storyline Web Comic

6. Who’s Who The Big TwoThe Independents Marvel Marvel Knights Ultimates DC Vertigo WildStorm What’s It Mean? Major names Long, convoluted story lines Dark Horse Image Oni Top Cow Top Shelf What’s It Mean? Focus on other genres Limited story lines

7. The Character Universe Comics defined by character NOT series/title Many characters, story lines, and titles can exist in one universe – held together by one character Character-Specific Details Setting Basic History Skills/Powers Personality Example: Batman Universe Setting: Gotham City History: Orphaned, Rich, Double Life Skills/Powers: Average Man, Tech-Savvy Personality: Dark & Brooding

8. Down to the Details SeriesStory Arc Can be any length Continuous Series: Detective Comics, 1939 - 2011 Limited Series: Watchman Reboot Character details are series specific Multiple series running concurrently can conflict Amazing Spiderman New Avengers Story details contained within story arc Usually 3 to 10 issues Arc(s) usually published as graphic novel Easy jumping-in points

9. How to Store Your Books The Long Box MethodThe Binder Method Binder Plastic Storage Slips Tabs Bags & Boards Long Box Dividers

10. The Final Product Example @ Prairie Dog Comics – Wichita, KS

11. Any Questions?