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.