Penny & ComicVault
Hey Penny, I’m working on a new filing system for my comic collection and I could use a second pair of hands—especially when it comes to figuring out the best way to keep those old paper pages from warping. Do you have any tricks from the garage for keeping delicate items stable, or maybe you know a comic that was engineered in a weird way?
Hey, for keeping those old pages from warping, I’d start with a few things that worked in my garage. First, use acid‑free folders and boxes—those keep the paper from absorbing any moisture or acids that can cause it to buckle. Then, store them flat on a sturdy shelf, not stacked too high; if you need to stack, put a clean, dry sheet of parchment or paper between each stack to keep the pressure even. I’d also put a few silica gel packets in the storage area or keep the whole setup in a climate‑controlled room; humidity is the biggest enemy of paper. If you can, add a small dehumidifier or a desiccant bag in each box.
For a comic that’s a bit engineered, check out the 1988 issue of *The Incredible Hulk* that was printed on a special, flexible metal backing so the pages wouldn’t curl. It’s a weird hack, but it kept that issue from warping for decades. Hope that helps—let me know if you need a hand with the actual setup!