Collecting Science Fiction: All Good Things . . .

Investing in the future: the value of rare collectibles
OK, so you've been in the Sci-Fi collecting game for some time, built up an impressive array of items, spend time researching closed auctions of items that interest you to keep abreast of the current market values, hang out in the chat rooms and ask so many questions that you've become a Sci-Fi collectibles expert, and own so much merchandise from your favorite shows that your house is about to become a black hole. If this sounds like you, then you're an advanced collector, and short of moving, you might be thinking about filling in those last few gaps in your expansive collection.

As most Sci-Fi fans will tell you, beyond the easily found merchandise that lingers in toy and book store aisles for years, there are those precious few gems that are rare, sought after, and serve as crowning touches in a truly well-formed collection. From scarce first editions of classic novels (particularly signed volumes) to foreign variations on American items to poorly distributed toys and collectibles that remain very difficult to track down, there are pieces out there that may serve as your Holy Grail of science fiction collecting. There are also a number of high-end collectibles, from carefully reproduced prop and spaceship replicas to original movie storyboards and artwork, that push a collection (and its collector) into a whole new level of memorabilia. When you're hunting for those ultra-rare or ultra-expensive items, you're not only a collector now; you're an investor, both financially and historically.

Seeking the grail: the quest for rare collectibles
If there's one thing the 'Net teaches us, it's that nothing, from the most common action figure to the rarest original "Star Trek" phaser prop, is ever that far away from you and your keyboard. Finding that elusive last item may be as simple as searching for it, and even if it doesn't turn up, the dealers who traffic in your category of merchandise may be able to track down that one item for you. Imported posters, limited edition figures and books, and other collectibles are often high-priced and sought after items worth your time to investigate, while high-end prop recreations and signed memorabilia may add that final touch to your collection and cap off a successful run. Sales for this kind of merchandise are taking place all the time, and a quick search will often turn up even that most rarefied of collectibles.

. . . Must come to an end: selling your collection
As a last note, although most true collectors rarely allow this thought to cross their minds, you might even consider that one day you'll want to sell off at least part of your collection (I know, it's a frightening prospect). The most daunting task is to determine where to begin, but considering that you may have used the Internet to help you acquire your collectibles, why not do the same when you're breaking that collection down? Become a dealer on eBay and sell those collectibles back to other enthusiasts who will give them a good home. The details of that process lie on the eBay Home page. Just click on the "How do I sell" link. Remember: you were a buyer just a short while ago, so treat your customers as you wanted to be treated, and be a courteous and considerate seller. Follow these guidelines to a happy and healthy Sci-Fi collecting experience, and the Force will be with you...always.

Arnold T. Blumberg is a prolific science fiction, comic book and media journalist, serves as Editor for the Gemstone Publishing line of price guides, including the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and Hake's Price Guide to Character Toys, and is a Senior Editor for EON Magazine (www.eonmagazine.com). In his spare time he daydreams about sleeping.