National Comic Book Day is just around the corner, and there's no better place to celebrate it than Miami, FL. Although it's most famous for its sand and sun, Miami is also home to many world-class comic book stores. Whether you're new to the world of comics, or you have a collection that could fill multiple Florida storage lockers, check out Miami's top-rated comic shops to find new treasures.
Three Must-See Miami, FL Comic Book Stores
- Mac’s Comics & Collectibles specializes in new releases from major publishers as well as back-issue comics. Mac's offers a great selection of comics and graphic novels, competitive pricing and knowledgeable staff.
- A&M Comics is one of the nation's oldest comic book shops. Its dimly lit rows of boxes hold more than 80,000 comic books and 2,000 toys. A&M has won the loyalty of comic book fans with its laid-back atmosphere and great customer service.
- Villain’s Comic Book Shop, formerly known as Superheroes Unlimited, is a small and popular store that is open seven days a week. Visit during the early part of the week to avoid the crowds that appear on Wednesday when new shipments arrive.
How to Prepare and Store Your Comic Book Collection
Although Miami is a great place to find comic books, long-term exposure to the Florida heat and humidity can do real damage to their delicate pages. Here are a few tips to help you store and protect your comic books like a pro.
- Bag and board your comic books. Obtain acid-free backing boards, and place one behind each book with the glossy side facing the comic. The boards will keep the books flat and prevent damage from bending or over-handling. Next, place each book in an acid-free polypropylene or polyethylene plastic bag designed for comic book storage; the bags prevent deterioration caused by dust and harmful gases.
- Handle your comics with care. Oil transferred by your fingers can discolor and deteriorate comic book pages, so always wash your hands thoroughly before handling them. Careful page-turning is also a must if you want your books to survive the test of time.
- Box your comics carefully, and store them in a dry, dark and cool location. They must be protected from sunlight, moisture, insects, extreme temperatures and mold, so never store them in your attic, basement or garage.
For Large Collections, Consider Climate-Controlled Storage Facilities
If your collection has grown too large for your house, a Safeguard Self Storage unit is the ideal solution. Miami self storage allows you to prevent clutter in your home while having secure access to your comics at any time. Most importantly, a climate controlled unit ensures that your prized possessions are kept safe from heat, cold, moisture, mold and bugs. Check with your local Safeguard storage facilities for availability and prices.