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How to store comic books

Posted on Tuesday, 8th July 2025

Whether you have an overflowing collection that dates back to your childhood, or have just started diving into the world of comics, effective comic book storage is key to preserving the condition of your magazines. Functional and fun or purely decorative: whichever way you want to showcase your comic books, careful storage means you can keep your collection safe, accessible, and neatly displayed. 

Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station, says

“As comics are often made up of delicate materials, it’s super important you store them correctly if you want to enjoy them for years to come. This includes keeping them away from direct sunlight, excessive moisture and protecting them from dust.” 

If you’re looking for additional storage for your comic book collection, we can help. Find your nearest Space Station unit to keep your belongings safe and sound. 

The golden rules of comic book storage

  • Store away from direct sunlight: inks are prone to fading and yellowing if exposed to sunlight, so it’s best to keep your comics in a cool, darker environment if you can 
  • Handle your comics with care: washing your hands before you open your comics stops any dirt or oils transferring onto each page, keeping each page in pristine condition 
  • Keep your boxes off the ground: whichever storage method you choose, keeping your comics out of direct contact with the floor helps aid ventilation, and stop any dust buildup

11 comic book storage ideas 

1. Draw dividers

If you’re looking to reinvent the storage you already have available, the best option is to utilise draw dividers. This will allow you to organise your comics neatly and divide them up by publisher or era. You could even create your own dividers using thick card, recycled cardboard, or plastic sheets cut to size and labelled with tabs.

2. Bookshelves

Want your fan favourites on full display? To store your comic books on your shelves without causing any damage, make sure you effectively prop them up using bookends or magazine files. This will help prevent them from slumping, bending, or warping over time. Don’t forget to dust them off every now and again too. 

3. Comic book binders

Invest in a comic book binder with plastic wallets to keep your collection all in one place. This visible catalogue will allow you to flick through and easily find what you’re looking for, without the risk of handling each one.

4. Rotating magazine racks

Storing your comics on a rotating magazine rack allows for 360-degree access, so you can easily spin to view and grab any comic without having to dig through your stacks. They're also great for display purposes, letting you browse your own collection like you would in a shop.

5. Accordion folders 

If you’re looking to store a relatively shorter collection or mini-series, then an accordion folder may be the perfect choice. With multiple internal pockets, you can easily store each item separately, labelling each compartment for an extra level of accessibility.

6. Archival storage boxes

Perhaps one of the most popular comic book storage solutions, archival storage boxes are hard-wearing and tough. f you’re going for this option, you must ensure your boxes are acid-free, as this will help with long-term preservation. Consider how you want to organise each comic inside, whether that’s alphabetically, by date or simply favourites-first.

7. Filing cabinets

Filing cabinets make for great comic book storage. Simply insert folders and guide cards of your choice and fill your cabinets with your collection. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you will be sure to find one that fits your personal stash.

8. Portfolio cases

Great for rare issues or more precious editions, portfolio cases will help keep your comics free from dust and out of direct sunlight. As well as reducing the risk of fading over time, portfolio cases are ideal if you’re trying to save space, and can be stored vertically on a shelf, or stacked. 

9. Shadow boxes

Not all comics need to be put away for safekeeping. Shadow boxes are a great way to showcase the very best of your collection. Their 3D frame gives them a gallery-style feel, and you could even add some interior lighting for additional interest.

10. Stackable storage cubes 

Opt for fabric storage cubes as opposed to plastic where possible, as plastic can trap moisture and contribute to humidity buildup, which may lead to your comics becoming warped or mildewed. Fabric cubes are much more breathable and still provide flexible, lightweight storage that can be customised to your taste.

11. Vacuum-sealed bags

If you’re looking for long-term storage, vacuum-sealed bags offer an ideal space-saving solution. You’ll just need to remember to prep your comics beforehand with interior sleeves and cardboard support for additional structure.

If you’re looking for more ways to organise your home, have a read of our top tips for storing your clothes.

FAQs

Comic books are typically best preserved when stored upright, as they are less likely to bend or get creased.

A quick way to stop your comics from sticking together is to line each comic with a single sheet of baking paper. You could also invest in some wax medium, which dries to a matte finish and stops your pages from getting sticky. 

Even if you’re storing precious comics or books that you don’t often reach for, it’s still important to check on your comics every 6-12 months. If they’re being stored in a high-humidity environment or in direct sunlight, you should aim to check on them every 3 months to help spot early signs of damage.