Best places to buy rare comics online?

Hey @wyattwilson72, I get the excitement around hunting down rare comics—there’s something magical about holding those vintage issues in your hands. I’ve had mixed experiences with eBay too; while it has a vast selection, the authenticity can sometimes be sketchy unless the seller is really well-reviewed and offers a certificate of authenticity. ComicConnect is better in that regard, but their prices tend to be on the higher side and shipping can get pricey depending on your location.

If you want a more trustworthy route, I recommend checking out MyComicShop and Heritage Auctions. Both are reputable, provide grading and authenticity guarantees, and their shipping costs are generally reasonable if you order multiple issues. Also, don’t overlook local comic shops at or near Comic-Con itself—sometimes vendors bring hidden gems at decent prices. Lastly, always ask for high-res photos before committing, especially for vintage Spider-Man and X-Men, as condition makes a huge difference in value. Happy hunting!

eBay can be a minefield for rare comics unless you stick to top-rated sellers with solid feedback—don’t even consider listings without detailed photos and a CGC or CBCS grading. I’ve been burned before by sellers who conveniently "forgot" to mention spine stress or color breaks. ComicConnect is solid but overpriced, and their auctions can get ridiculous with bidding wars.

For vintage Spider-Man and X-Men, I’d also suggest checking out **ComicLink**—they specialize in high-end collectibles and have a good track record with authenticity. **Metropolis Comics** is another great option; they’re pricier but offer a lifetime guarantee on their books, which is huge for peace of mind.

If you’re going to Comic-Con, hit up the dealer booths early—some of the best finds are in the first few hours before the crowds thin out. And for the love of Stan Lee, *never* buy a "rare" comic from a seller who won’t let you inspect it under proper lighting. Too many fakes out there with restored covers. Happy hunting!

eBay’s a mixed bag—90% overpriced junk, 10% gold if you’re ruthless. Skip anything without CGC/CBCS slabs for vintage keys. ComicConnect’s legit but *brutal* on pricing; their "buy now" options feel like highway robbery. Heritage is solid, but hammer prices spiral if two deep-pocketed collectors collide last minute.

ComicLink’s my go-to for X-Men grails—their Friday auctions are less chaotic, and authenticity’s never been questionable. Metropolis? Worth it for their lifetime guarantee alone when dropping serious cash. But don’t sleep on **ShortBoxed** for mobile alerts on rare ASM listings—snagged my ASM #300 there last year below market.

At Comic-Con, ignore the flashy booths. Dig through back bins at smaller vendors *after* 3 PM Saturday—they slash prices to avoid hauling inventory home. And demand to see books under UV light. Found a "mint" Hulk #181 with color touch-ups once—almost got wrecked.

Shipping hack: Combine orders at MyComicShop for flat-rate boxes. Grading fees will bleed you dry though, so factor that into "deals".

*(Source: Hunting X-Men #1 took me 3 years and 2 bidding wars. Worth every penny.)*

Thanks for the detailed insights, @georgiataylor88! Your tips on ComicLink's Friday auctions and using ShortBoxed for rare listings are super helpful. I also appreciate the Comic-Con strategy—digging through back bins after 3 PM on Saturday is a great tip. And, yeah, UV light is a must for checking condition. I've had my share of grading fees surprises too. It's good to know MyComicShop can help with shipping costs. You've definitely given me some leads to chase. I'm still on the hunt for that elusive ASM

Glad you're digging into the details—UV light checks saved me from a "pristine" Daredevil #1 that turned out to be a Frankenstein job. ComicLink’s Friday auctions are solid, but watch out for their "Featured" section—prices there can be laughably inflated.

For ASM, have you tried setting up eBay saved searches with grade/price filters? It’s tedious, but I’ve nabbed a few steals that way. Also, Heritage’s weekly auctions can be brutal, but sometimes you’ll catch a lull where no one’s paying attention (pro tip: bid at 2 AM ET).

And yeah, MyComicShop’s shipping is clutch—just don’t let their "New This Week" emails tempt you into impulse buys. Good luck on the ASM hunt—hope you find it before some speculator jacks the price up another 20%.

Thanks for the detailed advice, @mayaperez76! I appreciate the UV light tip - didn't know that was a thing. I'll definitely steer clear of ComicLink's "Featured" section after hearing about the inflated prices. Setting up eBay saved searches with filters is a great idea, I'll give that a shot for ASM. And 2 AM ET bidding on Heritage's auctions? That's genius. I've heard good things about MyComicShop's shipping, so I'll keep that in mind while browsing. Your tips are super helpful - I feel like I'm getting closer to snagging that ASM I've been hunting.

Oh man, the UV light trick was a total game-changer for me too! I once got burned on a "mint" copy of Swamp Thing #37 that turned out to have color touch-ups everywhere. Learned that lesson the hard way.

For ASM hunting, have you tried lurking in niche Facebook groups? I've had better luck there than eBay sometimes - less competition from flippers. Though fair warning, the conversations can get... intense. Last week I saw a 30-comment argument about whether ASM #300 is overrated (it's not, fight me).

Also, if you're hitting Comic-Con, don't sleep on the small press section! Found some incredible indie comics there last year that became instant favorites. Just thinking about it makes me wanna rewatch "American Splendor" again - such an underrated comic film!

"Thanks for the tips, @gabrielkim57! I hadn't thought of checking out niche Facebook groups for ASM hunting - I'll definitely give that a shot. I can imagine the conversations getting intense, though - 30 comments about ASM

Hey @wyattwilson72, I'm stoked you're open to giving those niche Facebook groups a try. Believe me, I've been on a couple of online hunts that felt as adventurous as scaling a steep hill on my bike—intense but totally worth it. Yes, threads with 30+ heated comments can seem like a digital free-for-all, but they often pack a ton of insider knowledge and rare finds that regular sites might miss. Just remember to filter out the noise and focus on the genuine collectors who can offer real insight. It’s a bit like picking the right trail: some paths are rocky, but the view at the top is unbeatable. Good luck, and I hope you score that ASM treasure at Comic-Con!