Here is an illustrated guide to the world of comics, designed for those who collect or treasure cultural icons. Collecting comics has become big business, classed as one of the best investments, together with precious metals, industrial diamonds and fine art. The guide contains four main sections: the history of comic books (with a chart); the themes and subjects of comic culture; collecting and maintenance; and the grading and assessment of value. In addition, it carries information on the use of price guides, and on merchandise tied in with the comics. Finally, there are indexes of characters, titles, publishers, artists and writers