The Virginia Vintage Comics and Collectibles Show returns for the 13th year to the Salem Civic Center on Saturday, August 21. Over the show’s first 12 years, old comic books have become increasingly popular and valuable.
At the end of the 20th Century, the top price for a single comic book sale was $147,000. This year there have been three comic books that each sold for a million dollars or more.
While a few select, pristine old comic books continue to outpace the stock market, real estate and even gold as investments, there are still many thousands of issues that can be bought at the Virginia Vintage Show for only a few dollars. You can still find old comics at comic and hobby shows, but the Salem show is the only vintage comics show in the eastern United States.
That is one of the reasons why dealers and collectors have attended from 13 states, ranging from Florida to New York to the Midwest. Chris Budel, of Nostalgia Zone, who has driven 1,100 miles several times from Minneapolis said the show “is the best one-day, small-city show in the country.”
Comic books, which were an American staple during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years as Hollywood has turned to the iconic superheroes as source material. Superman, Batman and Spider-man have inspired blockbuster action movies, and even some minor characters have been made into recent movies.
While many people attend the show to add to their collection, others may find an opportunity to sell or trade some or all of their comic books. While more recent issues may not currently have much resale value, most of the dealers at the show are anxious to make offers on older material.
Admission is $2 for adults, while 12 and under are admitted free. A portion of admission will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.
The first 200 attendees will receive a free comic book.
Show hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For additional information, call 540-789-7056 or visit: virginiavintagecomics.com.