Particularly when it comes to comic books and action figures, there are certain individuals that take a more analytical approach to these purchases. Whereas I treat comic books and action figures as more emotionally fulfilling reward there are certain collectors who see these items as more of an investment. Comic books must be sealed in plastic bags after the initial reading to be forever preserved for possible resale. Action figures must never be removed from their packaging. Poor old G.I.Joe may never be able to serve his country as he will remain forever sealed in his cellophane tomb. I don’t particularly understand this type of collecting. Here are you are Joe Supercollector and you’re buying an item that has the primary purpose of providing enjoyment. Instead of actually taking advantage of that purpose, you put it away waiting for that fateful day when some poor shmuck just might possibly buy it from you at ten times the original cost. Huzzah! You win! You showed us all! Instead of possibly getting years of enjoyment out that particular item you’ve made us look the fool with your monk-like patience and are now somewhat richer for it. Kudos to you.

I admire a person who takes care of their collection only because they want to preserve particular items for future enjoyment. Not because they’re waiting for that big eventual payoff. To me personally I think that this kind of collecting cheapens the act of acquiring these kinds of things to begin with. Instead of looking at particular items with a feeling of respect or emotional attachment you’re looking at them with dollar signs in your eyes and that’s kind of sad. If you’re looking for some kind of long term investment with an eventual payoff, why not put your money into some kind of retirement savings plan or the stock market? Or do you honestly expect your great grandchildren to be appearing on the Antiques Roadshow with some remaining items from your precious collection?