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Window Bag Comic Books for Signing at Comic Conventions
A FREE Step by Step Guide
A 'window bag' is a comic book sleeve with a rectangular cutout, specifically designed for comic book preservation during signing events—such as CGC and CBCS private submissions. This innovative DIY window bag protects the remaining cover from handling while clearly indicating where an artist or creator should sign.
Why Collectors Use Window Bags
Damage Prevention: These bags safeguard the comic book from oils, creases, and handling before and after it is signed, ensuring its condition remains intact.
Signature Placement: By incorporating a window, collectors can precisely control where the creator signs (e.g., in a blank area or over a specific part of the art).
Grading Compliance: Major comic grading facilitators often require window bagging during comic book signing events to ensure compliance during signature submission.
How to Make a DIY Window Bag
- Tape the Area: Place the comic and a backer board in a standard sleeve. Use blue painter's tape on the bag to outline the exact area you want signed.
- Cut the Window: Remove the comic and original backer board, leaving just the taped bag on a sacrificial backer board. Carefully use a razor blade to cut out the taped section.
- Insert the Comic: Slide the comic and a new, clean backer board into your customized window bag. [1]
- Final Prep: Slip the entire window bagged comic into another complete bag to protect the open window during shipping.
Prepare comic books for signatures and sketches.
Prepping a comic book for signatures and sketches
Greetings! I'm here to share how to prep your comic books for conventions like SDCC San Diego Comic Con, MegaCon, or even the big NYCC New York Comicon. This is especially important if you're utilizing convention facilitator service companies for comic book signing events. This method is exactly how I submit books for comic book preservation to CGC or to a convention facilitator.
Today, we will DIY window bag an Amazing Spider-man #1 for Stan Lee to sign! You will need: Mylite2 and Fullback, 1 exacto knife, 1 sharpie black marker, skinny blue painter's tape from the hardware store, and a small cutting board from a kitchen department store area like at Target or Walmart.
Window Bag Comic Books for Signing at Comic Conventions
Mylite2 Comic Bags
Mylite2 Comic Bags
For optimal comic book preservation, I recommend using Mylite2 and Fullback (or BCW). These options provide absolute protection for your 9.8s and 9.9s. While BCW works, I suggest avoiding it in favor of Mylites2 and Fullbacks. Also, steer clear of Ultra Pro and consider using a DIY window bag for additional protection during comic book signing events.
BCW Comic Bags
Mylite2 Comic Bags
(or BCW. Do not use Ultra Pro or resealable bags!) For comic book preservation, an alternative to Mylites2 and Fullbacks is using BCW bags and BCW boards. I personally prefer BCW products over Ultra Pro because they tend to bubble and wrinkle, which can pose issues during the handling of your book, especially when preparing for a comic book signing. However, this is just my personal preference; don't let my opinion deter you from using Ultra Pro if you like it. For those interested in a DIY window bag option, exploring various brands might be worthwhile.
Exacto Knife
An exacto knife or a surgical steel cutting tool can be essential for comic book preservation, especially when preparing for a comic book signing. Additionally, these tools can be useful for crafting a DIY window bag to protect your valuable collection.
Sharpie Marker
A Sharpie black marker is essential for comic book signing events, ensuring that your autographs stand out. Additionally, it can be useful for DIY window bags, allowing you to personalize your comic book preservation efforts with creative designs.
Painter's Tape
For comic book preservation, consider using skinny 1" blue painter's tape from the hardware store, which is also great for securing items during a comic book signing. Additionally, it can be handy for creating a DIY window bag for your projects.
6x9 Bamboo Cutting Board
This 6" x 9" small bamboo cutting board, available in the kitchen department store area, is perfect for those who appreciate comic book preservation. It's also a great addition for anyone preparing for a comic book signing, providing a stylish surface for snacks. Plus, if you're into DIY projects, it can be transformed into a unique DIY window bag for your creative needs.
HOW TO WINDOW BAG A COMIC BOOK
1. Slide the Cutting Board inside Bag/Board
Now you will need to place the fullback inside the mylite2 and slide the cutting board inside the DIY window bag, ensuring proper comic book preservation for your upcoming comic book signing.
2. Cut a Hole
Cut a hole where you want the signature to go, especially if you're considering comic book signing as part of your comic book preservation efforts. This DIY window bag will help protect your valuable comics while displaying the signature beautifully.
3. Verify Placement
Before continuing with your comic book signing, verify the placement of the hole, especially if you're considering comic book preservation techniques or creating a DIY window bag.
4. Remove Cutting Board
Before you proceed with your comic book signing event, make sure to remove the cutting board that you might have used for comic book preservation. If you're looking for an easy way to protect your items, consider creating a DIY window bag to keep your comics safe.
5. Create a Border Around Window
To prepare for a comic book signing, place painter's tape around the hole, creating a visible border for the signer, while ensuring your comic book preservation techniques are in place. This simple DIY window bag setup will help protect your valuable items.
6. Tape over Corners
Double wrap the corners with 1" pieces of skinny blue painter's tape, which is great for DIY window bag projects, especially when it comes to comic book preservation and preparing for a comic book signing.
7. Tape Over All Four Corners
7. Tape Over All Four Corners
7. Tape Over All Four Corners
Double wrap the corners with 1" pieces of skinny blue painter's tape, which is great for DIY window bag projects, especially when it comes to comic book preservation and preparing for a comic book signing.
8. Double Wrap Corners
7. Tape Over All Four Corners
7. Tape Over All Four Corners
Double wrap the corners with 1" pieces of skinny blue painter's tape, which is great for DIY window bag projects, especially when it comes to comic book preservation and preparing for a comic book signing.
9. Tape Below Flap Line!
7. Tape Over All Four Corners
9. Tape Below Flap Line!
When preparing for comic book preservation, be sure to place blue painter's tape at the top corners below the flap line. This ensures that the tape doesn't get stuck when the grader is trying to remove the comic during a comic book signing or while using a DIY window bag!
FINALIZING WINDOW FOR SIGNATURES
1. Write on the window box who you want to sign the comic book. In this example, Stan "The man" Lee:
1. Write on the window box who you want to sign the comic book. In this example, Stan "The man" Lee:
1. Write on the window box who you want to sign the comic book. In this example, Stan "The man" Lee:
This guide was created a few years before Stan passed away, and in honor of his memory, I have decided to keep the original photos in place for this guide on comic book preservation. We miss you and love you, Stan Lee. Your legacy continues to inspire us, especially during events like comic book signing, where we celebrate your contributions to the art. Additionally, for those looking to protect their collections, consider using a DIY window bag to ensure your comics remain in pristine condition.
2. Clear Bottom Edge of Comic
1. Write on the window box who you want to sign the comic book. In this example, Stan "The man" Lee:
1. Write on the window box who you want to sign the comic book. In this example, Stan "The man" Lee:
When you slide the comic book into the DIY window bag, be sure to watch the bottom of the window against the bottom edge of your comic book for proper comic book preservation.
3. Write Your Details on Back
1. Write on the window box who you want to sign the comic book. In this example, Stan "The man" Lee:
3. Write Your Details on Back
On the opposite side, type or write on the backer board your name, address, phone number, and email address. Seal the bag/board with only one piece of skinny blue painter's tape for easy removal for the grader. Attach your details sheet to the backer board that is slid inside the mylite2, which is essential for comic book preservation during the process. In the space provided, write the year, title, publisher, and name of the comic book along with the issue number, making sure everything is clear for the upcoming comic book signing.
4. Remove Cutting Board
5. Alternative Placements
3. Write Your Details on Back
Specify who you want to sign the comic book and outline the services you wish to receive, such as comic book preservation options, any additional instructions, and services like fast pass, yellow label authorized signature witness, pressing, or a DIY window bag.
5. Alternative Placements
5. Alternative Placements
5. Alternative Placements
Of course, there are other artists and creators. Sometimes I feel the placement is just as important, especially when it comes to comic book preservation. This is how I prep all my J Scott Campbell books for his Amazing Spider-man variants, often considering the best methods for DIY window bags during the process.
6. Window Size
5. Alternative Placements
5. Alternative Placements
As Stan Lee was getting older, I’ve been informed by many that he needs more room to see where he signs. I frequently request Stan Lee’s signature right on top of the THOR or SPIDER-MAN logos here, as part of my comic book preservation efforts. This also makes for a great addition to my DIY window bag for showcasing signed comic book art.
7. Overlapping Tape
8. Verify NO Tape Stickiness
8. Verify NO Tape Stickiness
One thing to keep in mind for comic book preservation is that if you have tape overlapping the sides, make sure to protect the book behind it! It might not even be your comic book! This is especially important when preparing for a comic book signing or using a DIY window bag.
8. Verify NO Tape Stickiness
8. Verify NO Tape Stickiness
8. Verify NO Tape Stickiness
So use an extra piece of tape and wrap that bad boy all the way around the sides to ensure there is NO TAPE STICKINESS on the opposite side of your book. This is especially important for comic book preservation, whether you’re preparing for a comic book signing or simply storing your collection. Additionally, consider using a DIY window bag for added protection.
9. Sketch Covers
8. Verify NO Tape Stickiness
10. Clear Sides of Large Windows
Sketch covers are essential for comic book preservation. What if you want a sketch? Or, better yet: What if you have like 5 people you want to sign your book? In that case, make a BIG WINDOW using a DIY window bag!
10. Clear Sides of Large Windows
10. Clear Sides of Large Windows
10. Clear Sides of Large Windows
There are drawbacks to consider when focusing on comic book preservation. If you make the window too big in your DIY window bag, it can bend outwards and defeat the purpose of protecting the edges of your book. Try not to make it too large. If it does end up being too big, double tape it with overlapping strips. Watch for making the window too big during your comic book signing preparation, or it will want to flap out on the sides. Aim to make the window smaller or use double tape for the window frame.
Obtaining Signatures at Comic Book Conventions
WITNESSED SIGNATURE SERIES COMIC BOOK SIGNING
If you want to maintain a 9.6 or 9.8 grade or even higher on your comic book, and you’re looking to get it signed by a super famous movie star or a reclusive artist, you need to focus on comic book preservation! One effective method is to DIY window bag your comics. This is the safest and most reliable way to minimize handling of the comic before and after the signing. Most facilitators require this practice these days. However, some creators, like Jim Starlin, may be against it, so it’s essential to research the person signing first to ensure they are okay with it. Most creators are fine with window bags and even use it as a means for additional income. Here is a page that provides a detailed step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.