Stamps and Comics
Comics collection is an entirely different world of interest in itself. It is not entirely unheard of however to merge one hobby with another. Merging interests on stamps and comics is one good example.
Stamp Collecting and Comic Book Collecting
Collecting stamps and comic books are two of the most popular hobbies in the world although the latter is a fairly later addition to the list. Both have major followings in terms of organizational support and practicing enthusiasts. Connecting the two hobbies is usually not automatic since stamp collectors are often thought of as having serious temperaments as compared to the expected fun-loving stance of comics collectors.
This is not a valid generalization since temperaments cannot be strictly tied up to a particular hobby. In spite of their obvious differences, both hobbies are pursued for more or less the same reasons. These include appreciation, collection completion, personal significance or nostalgia and profit.
Similarities Between Stamp Collecting and Comic Books Collecting
Aside from the obvious similarity that both stamps and comics are prolifically collected by many, there are other marked similarities between the two. One of these is the great anticipation in their first issues. Like other collecting hobbies, there is much emphasis on rarity, historical value, and the subject as portrayed in stamps and comics. While stamps would probably be featuring a national figure or a world event, the comics worlds will be all agog with the introduction of a new nemesis or the reinvention of the main character.
As both are typically made of paper, the care that is required to keep them in good condition is also quite similar. Both are best stored in cool, dark places and away from direct sunlight to avoid fading or “yellowing” of the paper. Both are also subject to creases which can result to lessened value. It is highly advised to store stamps and comics in acid free storage bags and albums.
The Crossover
Comics characters have recently been gaining much exposure via blockbuster movies such as “The Avengers” and the “The Dark Knight Rises”. Stamp designers picked up this idea and provided their finished products through limited edition stamp issues. This move effectively targeted two groups – the stamp collectors and the comic books collectors. Movie buffs might have been unintentionally targeted along the way.
These Limited Edition issues provided in eye-catching presentations and packaging rarely fail in its objective, relying on the genuine interest of collectors and ingenious marketing and promotional methods. The Avengers Pack featured here includes 3 artprints, 7 biodata and stamp sheets of the Avengers characters, 1 credit card USB flashdrive, and unreleased movie stills. Clearly, the contents seek to cater to people of varying interests and not stamp collectors only.
My Say
Points to Consider:
1. A product can be reinvented many times over to reveal a new aspect that will trigger further interest and sales.
2. Two existing products can be combined in one that will benefit both.
3. Hobbies continue to evolve over time thus providing more reason for long-time enthusiasts to persevere in their chosen interests.
Stamps and comics blend well enough to make collecting both a possibility.
Michelle
It used to puzzle me what made people collect stamps (and coins too). Now I realize the value their collectors put on them. I can relate with the comic books and posters, my mother used to nag me about them, garbage, as she would call them lol. She didn’t understand how important they were to me.
Teresa Martinez
Collectors put a premium to their respective collection but some people may not always see it that way.
Adeline Yuboco
Drats! I remember I used to have a stamp collection back when I was a kid with stamps from different countries we visited back then and those sent to me by my uncle and cousins. I can’t seem to find it anymore. Sigh!
Teresa Martinez
A collection can bring back good memories of childhood.
Jerome Ibuyan
An Avengers stamp, that’s cool! Collectors and Avenger fanatics will surely look for that. The idea of crossover gives life to the old -fashioned hobby. =)
Teresa Martinez
I think so too. My son got so excited about this stamp when he saw the design.
jrplaza
Great views on comic and stamps. I do agree that for generations, many people are engage in this collecting as their coping mechanism from boredom and I myself is a witness to that since I collect list or we say top 10 list of anything. I might say, I’m just bored and comes fascinated by collecting lists. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
You seem to very happy with your collection of lists.
ronleyba (@ronniedare)
Nice collection.! I love collecting stamps before during my high school days.
Teresa Martinez
Addition to my collection now usually comes from gifts from people who know that my husband and I love collecting stamps, coins, postcards, and many others.
Ness
I once got a collection of stamps. But unfortunately, it all caught up during the Ondoy tragedy.. Since then, I never got the interest of collecting again..
Teresa Martinez
That’s too bad but its never too late to start another.
Tess Chancellor
My hubby is a coin collector ,he is spending money to buy coins and paperback online. He used to be a stamps collector .I think these are good investments.
Teresa Martinez
A good collection can be both for investment and entertainment.
Deann
Must have for those who love to collect these kind of things! <3
Teresa Martinez
I think so too.
Mark Morfe
I recall collecting a few stamps and comic books when I was a kid. Though I can’t recall where I hide them.
Teresa Martinez
It’s usually hidden somewhere among other childhood memories.
amayachika
I love collecting stationeries and postcards. Next time I will try collecting stamps.
Teresa Martinez
That might just be a good idea.
Mai Flores (@mai_eaflores)
“Stamps and comics blend well enough to make collecting both a possibility.” This is actually true. My Kuya actually owns both. And as far as one’s temperament is concerned, Kuya actually shows a more fun-loving persona. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
My husband is also trying to do this together with our son.
Alwin
I used to collect stamps… i even had a DIY Starbucks cup decorated with stamps. I lost it though, good thing I still have my stamp book with me. Don’t know if I will ever resume collecting
Teresa Martinez
The interest will come back soon enough when you’re ready.
♍ ℊrasyah ∞ (@gRaSyAh_)
I also love collecting stamps, but it’s just secondary to my collection of postcards! 🙂
Teresa Martinez
You must have an interesting collection of postcards.
Gil Camporazo
Stamps collecting was very inviting when I was a kid for I used to see an album of my cousins. What I like most from the stamps is the different places, different kinds of flowers, and the historical value portrayed in the stamp. Later I learned that philately is more than a stamps collecting. Well in comics reading, I was contented with local komiks though I had several times to read Marvel Comics like Batman, Superman and other super heroes.
Teresa Martinez
Stamps and comics seem to be a good part of many kids’ life.
Gemma|My Dailies
My brothers love to collect comics when we were young, I tried to collect as much stamps as I could too! Mmm, times have changed I think, we don’t do it anymore 🙁
Teresa Martinez
Times have changed indeed, it passes by too fast. Collecting hobbies and a busy life usually cannot go together.
Donald Pagulong
These hobbies is for those who knows how to handle fragile things in life. Once I have a collection of Matchbox. yung lang po ang kaya ko eh.
Teresa Martinez
My brothers had their collection of matchbox cars. It was their treasure.
a WAHM's buggy life
I agree with all the factors you mentioned. Now one product targets two groups of enthusiasts, like hitting two birds with one stone!
Teresa Martinez
That is modern marketing for all of us.
franckxethee
It’s fun to collect comic books and stamps and it get satisfying as you get more of it in the collection.
Teresa Martinez
It is quite enjoyable.