Vintage Comic Book Show marks its 29th year
The show features some of the best vendors in the country, some of whom have done the show for 25 years or more. Over the years, the roster has included four advisors to the Overstreet Price Guide and seven vendors who have their own shows.
The Virginia Vintage Comics and Collectibles Show returns to the Salem Civic Center on Saturday, Aug. 22. This is the 29th year for the longest running comic book show in the state.
Show promoter Roger Mannon of Floyd said, "There are lots of comic book shows and comics can also be found at toy, hobby, and card shows, but this show is one of the few devoted to old comics."
Because of its unique focus, the show has drawn vendors and collectors from 16 states, as far as Florida, New York, and Oklahoma. A vendor from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who has made the 1,100-mile trip several times calls Virginia Vintage "the best one-day small-city show in the United States."
The show features some of the best vendors in the country, some of whom have done the show for 25 years or more. Over the years, the roster has included four advisors to the Overstreet Price Guide and seven vendors who have their own shows.
Comic books were a staple of everyday life in the mid-20th century and have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. One reason is the proliferation of movie and television shows based on comic books.
Iconic superheroes like Superman and Batman have generated blockbuster movies over the last few decades. Now even secondary and obscure comic books and characters are source material for movies and television. Another reason for renewed interest in comic books is that some of them can be extremely valuable. In recent years, there have been several dozen old comics in pristine condition that have sold for a million dollars or more.
While a select few comic books command very high prices, most are still very affordable. "Thousands of comics are priced at $2 to $5 at our show," Mannon said.
Comic books are the main attraction at the show, but there are other vintage collectables like toys, cards, pulps, and original art. Vendors are also interested in buying and trading.
The Salem Civic Center is located at 1001 Roanoke Blvd. Show hours on Aug. 22 are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is $5 for adults; free for children 12 and younger. For additional information, call (540) 320-7056.
