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  • April 03, 2026 03:47
April 03, 2026 03:47
I have a few different questions about the restoration of comics.
I have certain comics, such as Kwik and Flupke 1-7 from the first series, of which 4 are first editions.
On some, the linen spine is completely detached; the spine is practically gone.
The pages are still nicely attached to each other. I also have one where the cover is detached from the pages.
If I were to have these made by a bookbinder, would the comics come with a special certificate stating that they were made by a specialist, or would the comic simply be beautifully restored and nothing else special?
This question arises because my stepfather has worked as a bookbinder in a bookbinding shop for the past 15 years. Before that, he was always a printer, so he has seen a great many books and comics pass through.
He can paste, glue (because there is a difference between them), re-sew, or bind books and comics properly.
Over the years, he himself has restored his own comics (he always says no one will see the difference between doing it here at home for pleasure or for someone who does it for work); even now that he is retired, he sometimes still takes a course on new techniques because the materials of then and now have changed as well.
Question 1: Can I have these historical comics, which are quite classic to me, restored by him, or would it be better to go to someone who is recognized for this now?
Question 2: Does this affect the category and value of the comics? (I know in some cases authenticity is more important for the comic)
Question 3: has more to do with the catalog and category on this site. From what point is a comic no longer in very good condition but in good condition? With every comic, I still take another look at the accompanying explanation. But even then, I sometimes have doubts. I also sometimes have doubts regarding good and reasonable condition.

This comes up as well, and then I come to the next point regarding the original name of the comics. (Extra info: my uncle stayed in a care facility because he was severely autistic and schizophrenic, and didn't have much contact with anyone other than me.)
My uncle passed away in 2007. He was a huge comic book fan, owning more than 4,500 comics. They are roughly divided between my father and the sisters.
I then received all the Jommeke comics and related comics, as well as all the Spirou and Fantasio comics and all related comics; however, my share was written in the will so that he was certain I would receive it.
My brother only wanted all the Urbanuses. Because my uncle's mother, my grandmother, is still alive, he inherited all the rest of the comics.
I am now living with my grandma to take on the care duties.
While clearing out, I already came across boxes of comics that were no longer in plastic, which had been abandoned and were found in worse condition as a result.
I also found some in the garage that are stuck together by the moisture and have water damage.
I now have a photo of every strip that is still lying here; I have put almost every strip back in plastic—work in progress.
All strips are back together by series and year, and sorted again by print run, but still a work in progress.
Because sometimes when opening a cupboard, another 3 or so strips appear.
While cleaning up, I found the boxes where my uncle had hand-cataloged which comics he owned.
Everything nice, which series, which no., hardcover with linen spine or not. Who the publisher, illustrator, and text. When the first edition, the catalog value, and source, back then still according to the “Hans Matla catalog 9”
The year and edition he owned, its condition, and the owner of the comic are also mentioned.
Nothing was put in writing when the comics were distributed, nor does the will mention how many or which comics. Only a substantial quantity of comics, estimated at around 3,000 comics.
Nobody actually knows which comics are still in possession and in what condition.
(To be clear, I, as her granddaughter, was 34 at the time when I moved in with her for a week after being crammed in for 5 months to take on her care. She has very poor mobility and uses a wheelchair in the house. She also has early-stage 3 dementia. It is now 2 years later; only my father comes here sometimes if he needs something. Besides my father, she has 2 daughters and 6 grandsons. I am her only granddaughter and have 3 great-grandchildren, of whom I know personally that in the last 25 years no one has sought or wanted contact, since I visit at least once a week.)

Now my question is, would it be wrong of me to catalog the comics still lying here, and, like my uncle did, add the owner's name in my name? Is this enough to make me the owner of these comics? My grandma herself already said that if you want the comics, just take them all.
Or do you think that I shouldn't / can't do that?
And does anyone have tips on how to make me the legal owner?


Sorry for the long text, but I wouldn't know who else to ask this. All opinions are welcome.
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  • April 03, 2026 09:15
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April 03, 2026 09:15
Elien90 A long text really isn't a problem, you know. My opinion: I doubt whether it makes sense to ask questions in a collectors' forum about how to proceed regarding the ownership and possession of a comic book collection (or any collection for that matter), especially where a major family matter is involved, with possible discord later on. If you feel the collection has a high value, you (and your family) will need legal advice anyway. And that costs money, and even then you might not be sure what the wise course of action is. Even with a low value, well, you only need a few family members who disagree with you... In short, asking questions in a forum where you don't know the members, nor their knowledge (I am not a lawyer, for example) is difficult. Turn it around to all collectors with collections of all kinds: they would be wise to leave something on paper for later (when you are no longer around), or, if necessary, in a will, specifying who the new owners will be.

Regarding restoration: At Catawiki auctions, for example, the truly valuable French-language first editions of Tintin are offered, some of which have been restored. This is described in the description and is apparently appreciated by buyers/investors. For comics of relatively low value, even those that could still be worth hundreds of euros, it is advised against having them restored. Collectors can see that. But if you personally like the idea of your stepfather restoring comics (with knowledge and skill), why not? Would a recognized book/comic restorer be able to do it better? If I were to buy an expensive comic with an invoice from a recognized restorer, I see no added value in that. I look at the condition of the comic. If you want to sell those comics, it is customary for a buyer to know that they have been restored, even if it is not immediately visible.
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April 03, 2026 11:15
Elien90

The comics you describe have considerable value, but only in pristine condition. Comics with moisture damage or damaged linen spines are worth only a fraction of that mint condition value. I wonder if, given the declining interest in comics, restoration will significantly increase their value. I think the costs do not outweigh the benefits.


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  • 2 messages
  • April 05, 2026 07:04
April 05, 2026 07:04
Thank you for the information.
The restoration of some of the comics is simply because they have come loose from the cover and I don't want to damage the comics any more. So I thought about it: yes, if I have it done.
I'd better just ask if it would matter much who makes it.
Whether the strips rise or fall in value is actually of little importance to me.
I also have no intention of selling any of those comics in any condition whatsoever.
As for the rest of the collection, it is simply because I realize and know what it is like to have a collection of something.
The search for something specific you want, finding the best price, and being able to add it.
My brother-in-law is a lawyer; naturally, I asked him for advice first.
I know what is possible and what is not.
But sometimes I ask an outsider, who has a passion for the object in question, to advise me on what to do with the collection, or whether I really attach too much importance to it to still show and have respect for his work.
I know the value of the comics; it always causes arguments with my family members. I wasn't just going to take them with me. No, someone is coming to appraise the collection, but with all the work I'm putting into it now, and to catalog it. I am also paying for all the material for the collection. I wouldn't pay the full estimated value, but half or a maximum of 65%, or is this wrong of me? I would also have the collection insured like the rest, then it is definitely in my name. But insurance is detailed and takes time, which is why I asked if there happened to be anything that would make me the owner with certainty, even if the transfer is on paper. It could still be called into question if something happens when we start living together.
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