Have you built a collection of your favourite games, trading cards, or comic books over the years. Many people do not realise that these items can be valuable to their estate when they pass away. When you start collecting, it often starts from a hobby or a personal sense of enjoyment. The value of collectables can be influenced by many different factors, so it’s worth thinking about what you want to happen to your collection after you pass away. Without planning, family members may not know the value of what you have gathered, how to look after it or what you would want done with it.
Comic book collection
Blanchards began working on a case involving a deceased individual who passed away without a will and had no contact with his next of kin. We were told he had a collection of antique teapots. However, on arrival we discovered a collection of more than 4,000 comic books. The beginning of the collection had been carefully organised alphabetically and then by publication year. Although, the remainder was disorganised and mixed across various franchises.
The collection consisted mainly of Modern Age comics (1985 – present) and included major franchises such as Marvel, DC, Star Wars and The Simpsons. Notable key issues included Giant-Size Defenders #5 (1974) and New Mutants #98 (1991), the latter being particularly valuable due to the first appearances of Deadpool and Domino.
Overall, the comics were in excellent condition with no visible spine ticks and each stored in a comic bag with a backing board. This suggested they had been carefully preserved and rarely handled. A professional appraisal was carried out to determine the value of the collection.
Factors that influence an item’s value
Condition: Whether the item is damaged or in excellent condition can dramatically change its worth. Some factors can negatively affect a comics condition such as dents, creases, dust, sun or water damage.
Age or rarity: The value of a comic is influenced by how many copies were originally printed and how many still survive today. Older comics can be valuable if they were printed in small quantities or if few copies remain in good condition. The publication year helps collectors identify whether a comic might be rare or part of a valuable era.
Franchise popularity: The cultural impact and overall popularity of a franchise can influence an item’s value. When characters or storylines gain more attention, demand often increases which shifts the franchise’s momentum. The demand can lead to changes in market prices.
Why do people have collectables?
Collecting is often associated with nostalgia. Many people build collections because they feel connected to a particular franchise, artist, or culture. It also has a strong social element, giving people a sense of belonging and a way to share their interests within communities. In recent years, collectables have become more trend‑driven by market demands. The internet has made it easier to determine the value of collectable items and resell them online.
How is collecting different from hoarding?
Collecting and hoarding may appear similar, but they are very different. Collecting involves intentionally buying and organising items around a hobby or interest. Collectors typically seek out specific pieces and maintain their collections.
On the other hand, hoarding is a recognised mental health condition. People with a hoarding disorder have difficulty letting possessions go, regardless of their actual value. Over time, this can lead to the accumulation of large quantities of often unorganised items. As the clutter increases, it can interfere with daily living, affect physical or mental health and create safety risks.
How is technology changing how we collect?
Older comics are increasingly being digitised and made accessible online. This allows people to read titles without needing to buy the original copies. While some collectors still value physical editions to own or complete a collection. Others can be satisfied with digital access. The same shift is happening with films, games, and other media. People purchase digital versions or subscribe to services, but they no longer own a physical product. As a result, future generations may not have the same kind of retro collectables that exist today. This raises the question of whether traditional collectables will decline or simply evolve into new forms of items.
What happens now?
Blanchard’s are actively working on the case. Handling estates can take time when working with valuable assets and properties can take even longer. We will be going to auction for the comics and look forward to finding out how much they can add to the estate. For more articles like this, please read our other blogs and follow us on LinkedIn.
