The Virginia Vintage Comics and Collectibles Shows returns for the 14th year to the Salem Civic Center on Saturday, July 23.
Over the show's first 13 years, old comic books have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity and value.
One reason is that Hollywood is turning increasingly to the iconic comic book characters as source material for blockbuster movies, from Superman to Batman, to Captain America and the Green Lantern.
At the end of the 20th Century, the top price for a single comic book sale was $147,000. Within the past year, there have been four comic books that each sold for a million dollars or more!
While a few select, pristine old comic books continue to outpace the stock market, real estate and even gold as investments, thousands of issues can be found at the Virginia Vintage Show for only a few dollars. You can still find old comics and toy and hobby shows, but the Salem show is the only vintage comic book show in the Eastern United States.
Started in 1998 by Roger and Nancy Mannon of Floyd, the show has developed a national reputation among collectors of old comics. That is one of the reasons why dealers and collectors have attended the show from 13 states, from as far away as Florida, New York, and the Midwest.
While many people attend the show to add to their collection, others may find an opportunity to sell or trade some or all of their comic books.
Admission to the show is only $2 for adults. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
A portion of the admission will be donated to Feeding America Southwest Virginia, a food bank serving 27 counties in the region.
Just bring a flier, newspaper clipping, church bulletin or any other written notice, and a $1 donation will be made!
Gas cards and door prizes will also be given out.
Just head to the Salem Civic Center anytime from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
For additional information, call 540-789-7056, or visit the show's website.
