Secret Identity Comics Boughton
I came across this rather interesting new-ish shop on my travels recently. Secret Identity Comics in Boughton. I realise comics are not everyone’s passion or interest, but if you are a keen comic collector, then what a great place to visit. It really is a unique, nichey sort of world. Nichey in the sense that comic enthusiasts may only focus on a particular genre, or era for instance. As an example, Batman comics only. Or, more generally, Marvel comics, that will include Batman and other super heroes. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating world of comics.
Secret Identity Comics Boughton
I popped inside to have a look at what was on offer. What I found was a variety of new and old comics and graphic novels. Everything from Batman and Spider-Man right through to comics made by local indie creators. So, from this short summary, you can see that the comics varieties available are quite wide reaching. However it is worth pointing out that I didn’t see any of the sort of comics I used to collect as a kid. You know the ones. The Beano; The Dandy; Roy of the Rovers and such like. The shop caters more for the sort of Marvel type comics. Of which there is massive interest worldwide.
And from what I can see, it is a market that can generate considerable value in some instances. As an example, take a look at one of the most popular and valuable comics in the market place – Avengers #1, released in 1963. The highest sale of Avengers #1 was a CGC graded NM+ 9.6 that sold for $369,000 in September 2021. Of course it’s fair to say that such a high grade copy is much more rare than the low to mid grade copies. However, a lower graded – CGC GD 2.0 – copy has sold for $300 in 2004 to $2,300 in 2023.
CGC by the way means the Certified Guaranty Company, a Sarasota, Florida collectibles grading company specialising in comic books and trading cards. CGC is an independent member of the Certified Collectibles Group of companies. Certified Guaranty Company, LLC. In other words, if CGC gives the quality of your edition of the comic a high rating, it could well be worth a few bob.
Comics Can Be Big Business
Without a doubt, the comics marketplace can be big business. There are several specialist online auction sites where you can trade (see below), as well as more traditional auction houses themselves. You can also see comics available at venues like Comic Con exhibitions, Ebay and if you are really lucky, a good old local car boot sale. And, of course, you can always visit a dedicated shop like Secret Identity.
Mind you, I imagine the thrill for many comic enthusiasts is the excitement in getting hold of a real classic. Just imagine having all but one edition of a particular comic range, then bingo you see your missing one on display at a comic exhibition. Or on Ebay, or in a dedicated shop like Secret Identity. How much would you be willing to pay to complete that particular collection?
Comics Marketplaces
If you already have your own collection you will probably already know where you can successfully buy and sell comics. But if is something you are looking to get into then have a look at these online options to get you started:
Heritage Auctions – USA based, but popular globally
To name a few. And of course you have the more general marketplaces like Ebay and Facebook Marketplace. And not forgetting of course the local offline option of Secret Identity.
Secret Identity A Welcome Niche
It’s always good to see local independents opening up in Chester. Even better when it is in quite a diverse and specialised niche. As Secret Identity is. Let’s hope it is a roaring success and comic lovers from far and wide enjoy visiting. I’m not a comic enthusiast but after curiosity got the better of me, I popped in for a browse and even this non expert thoroughly enjoyed having a good old shuftie at what was on offer. Comic lovers will have a field day I’m sure.
Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts
Thanks for visiting my Chester Lifestyle website and thanks for reading my latest blog post – Secret Identity Comics Boughton. An interesting new, popular niche retail outlet on the outskirts of the city centre in Boughton. I wish the owner every success.
If you would like to see all of my other blog posts on a variety of topics, then visit HERE.
And going off on a complete tangent and as this is Chester related website. Here’s another “help support a local small business” section.
As This Is A Chester Related Website
As this is a Chester related website, you may be looking for the ideal Chester related gift for your loved ones. If so, then have a look at my Chester section of my new Etsy store. You can find out more about my Etsy store HERE.
Plenty of originally created downloadable digital artwork for you to have a look at HERE. And, as I say, a variety of Chester related products to choose from. Like this artwork image of Chester Bandstand in The Groves:
