Look, buying brand new books is a wonderful feeling. The smooth, clean, unbent pages. The fresh, bright ink. The untarnished cover.
Wonderful stuff.
However, buying nothing but new books – especially if you want to start building a collection – can add up quickly. One book alone can sometimes cost more than your hourly pay. It gets expensive.
If you can afford it, then more power to you! Buy as many books as you’d like. But if you want to start buying comic books, graphic novels, or other printed media on a limited budget, then we have a few suggestions.
Comics vs. Trade Paperbacks
First, let’s establish a difference between individual comic books and trade paperbacks. An individual comic is exactly what it sounds like, one printed comic book with a paper or cardstock cover, that is often (but not necessarily) a part of a larger series. A trade paperback (or TPB) is the industry name for a comic series that has been collected into a paperback book. This can be an entire collection for one series or a single volume out of multiple volumes. We talk about Superman: Secret Origin in the first episode of our podcast, and the TPB collects the entire series, which is 6 issues total.
There are also hardcover versions as well, but printing paperbacks is a cheaper process, and many independent series are not popular enough to justify the extra cost. Plus, reading paperback comics is often just easier and more practical. Paperbacks are going to be cheaper than hardcovers. Individual comics will cost less per issue but may cost more overall if you plan to buy all issues in a series.
Local Libraries
The absolute cheapest option when it comes to reading almost any type of comic is to get it for FREE. Check with your local library and see if they have a copy, either physical or digital. It is possible there will be a waiting period if it is not immediately available, so be sure to put yourself as next in line on the waitlist whenever possible.
If your library doesn’t have the book you’re looking for at all, most libraries are able to get books on request, either by purchasing it for the library or using an interlibrary loan system. If you still can’t get a copy from your local library, see if there are any others near you that would allow you to get a library card. I live in the United States, and can personally get a library card from any library in my county as opposed to only from the city I live in. Sometimes there are libraries that allow you access statewide or countrywide.
It never hurts to ask!
Used Book Websites
There are some fantastic websites out there for buying used books. We’re talking anything from some random person shrinking their collection, damaged copies a store can’t sell, donated books, or ex-library books that have been permanently withdrawn from a library. Sometimes these books will be in great condition, and sometimes they won’t. If you’re on a site like eBay or Mercari, you may be able to see the exact copy you’re getting. But if you use a website like ThriftBooks or Alibris then they typically don’t show you any photos and instead give the book a sometimes vague rating.
It’s a bit of a roulette game, but if you don’t mind books with library stickers or slightly bent pages and scuffed covers, then give these websites a try. You can get books at a fraction of the cost, and if it turns out you love the book then you can buy a fresh new copy and donate your used copy to a person or organization that would love to have it.
Other Methods
A few other things you can try are local garage sales, local shopping apps, donation stores, vintage/antique stores, used book stores, and even your local library may host their own book sales.
Buying New
While websites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble will often have exactly what you’re looking for in stock and with fast shipping, I can’t help but also suggest your local comic book store if you have one. Supporting local small businesses is incredibly valuable, and they are usually fantastic places with knowledgeable people who can help you find great stories. My local comic book shop can also order specific books for me and hold them (you can also create what’s called a “pull list” but we’ll go over that in a future article), so be sure to ask them what your options are.
Don’t have a local store? There are plenty of brick-and-mortar comic book shops all over the place with online shopping options or even small businesses that are exclusively e-commerce based. Do some searching and see what you can find! They will greatly appreciate your support.
May you fill your shelves with greatness!
