Looks like a fun project. We appreciate the shoutout, just wanted to add.. if you reach out to GatorGuard directly, we will gladly mix up the colored screws how you'd like. We just don't have that option on our site. We also have the option to personalize the GatorGuards with approved artist logos and sketches, etc. Also we are excited about two more sizes that will be available by Christmas which are the Gator Guard S (silver age) and Gator Guard A (annual or thicker modern books). Of course the TMNT size is way down the road. Again, thank you, we enjoyed your video and channel.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for that additional information about customizing orders and the upcoming sizes. I know a lot of people will be really interested to know that's an option!
I'm glad you liked the sketch cover! Honored you like it enough to display! Keep up the great work on the channel! We will have to do an interview again soon! It was fun last time!
I'm not super handy so I love that you put this out there. I'm just getting into collecting and it's good to know my display options. I also love that you're willing to share what works and what doesn't. Also, congrats on the channel growth! You're getting there! Side note: I'm finally at the point there I desperately need some comic boxes and I almost bought that Batman one you have. I saw an amazing Bombshells one but it was sold out. I’ve also seen some really cool custom short boxes on etsy and might go for that.
I saw the DC Bombshells shortbox on a site and really had to fight the urge to buy it. The Batman shortbox is definitely one of my favorites for sure! I love DIY projects, but this one is easy enough for anyone to tackle. Especially since you can't trim them down very easily. Once you get the hang of it, you can fly through the project. I think my only challenge is choosing which comics because I'd love to display them all. It's hard having so many great choices! Lol!
Thank you! I love that Spider-man Spider's Shadow cover. They have the same virgin variant in black and white but those colors just make it pop. The silver signature stands out the most too in the floating frames. I love it!
I love that you are willing to take chances and risks. You see alternatives and go for it. The results look beautiful. Displaying comics has not been something I have done to this extent. I could do what you did and the hot glue was a great idea. Would I do it? I would like to try. Anyway this was a great tutorial. Cutting plastic is such a challenge and I was rooting for you on that one. Great work. Your persistence and massive patience paid off nicely. Peace.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I was hoping I could trim the plastic and may try again someday ... just not today. Lol! I am always looking for an outside of the box approach. Sometimes they work and other times it's a classic Pinterest Fail. Regardless, I keep trying. Hopefully this gave you some fun ideas for your comic display.
super clean! i love it. now i need to get some covers signed. your channel is really inspiring me to upgrade my collection and take more pride in what i got.
Thank you so much! I try not to push everyone to go on a buying frenzy, but I always think it's so much fun to appreciate what we have and be able to share it with others. I love getting to hear everyone's stories of their favorite character, run, or issue. It's so much fun to look at a collection and see a story - your favorite artist, writer, the comic you wish you'd never sold and took 10 years to get it back, and waiting in line for hours just to meet Stan Lee. Sure, it's "just a comic" but it will always mean so much more!
Those look great! 👍 Years ago, I used the Yoshicast guy's "Ikea hack" comic frame idea (although the frames I bought were actually from Dollarama 😂). And that worked well enough, but this idea is definitely several times better!
Loved this video, but I'm wary of this method for several reasons. 1-- I would recommend testing these frames with a different, non valuable comic first. 2-- Is this glass coated with anything that will remove the signature marker over time? When you change your mind and want to remove that book a year from now, what's going to happen? 3-- Glue around comics is dangerous. If you get any kind of drip/run during this process, you risk damaging the book. 4-- Alignment may also be an issue. If you're displaying three modern books side by side, will they all be exactly the same height in the frame? That may ruin the aesthetic. 5-- Even though you've sealed the edges, what happens if you bump that frame or the comic just shifts slightly on its own? Then you have a troublesome process to remove the book to reframe it. 6-- Same problem if you get any dust particles, pet hair, debris inside that frame when you seal it. Now you're stuck. 7 -- A few dollars of cost savings disappear when you add customization, construction time. 8-- Non-sealed frames allow you the chance to switch out books. I have several I want to display, but I want to rotate some in and out without having to buy new frames each time or dedicate more wall/shelf space. That said, if it works for you -- great! Every collector gets to display their books with their own style and flair. Looking forward to the follow up video.
You make a lot of great points. I will say that once they're sealed the comics don't shift around. You can always use silicone instead of hot glue but it takes longer to dry. However, this is one of the main reasons I wanted a bigger margin between the edge and the actual comic so there was no possible damage. If you don't seal the comic, it is easier to swap it out. If you plan on doing that a lot, I would avoid signed and remarked comics. I'm still tweaking this method of course and will try some other alternatives, especially as I find other fun possibilities. If I find any new, better solutions I'll definitely let you know.
180 or 200 tooth blade for plastic..more teeth more betterer...and probably easier to use 100% silicon to seal it ..you can use different colors too if that's your thing..there's also a double sided "tape" called alien tape that is clear and could be used as kinda a gasket..but that would be a one shot deal kinda thing haha
This looks like a nice alternative,I'd definitely go with the smaller size if I did it. I like the gator guards personally,I even mix and match the screws sometimes. For instance two blue/two red for a spiderman comic. A for effort Laura,the covers you did look great.
I think it's a good choice and they look nice.. I know the CGC and other comic grading companies put them into cases and of course set a grade to them, but if you are only going to display your comics and not resell them, then this in my opinion is a viable option. Glad your thinking out of the box, and I'm curious what comes next. see ya then.
Thank you so much! I agree, these are definitely comics I plan to keep and not resell. It's an outside of the box alternative which may not be everyone's cup of tea aesthetically. I can't wait to see them in their final display!
Looks good, but I would be afraid of being archival or not. I just go with Gerber Mylar, backs and then top loaders. Look great. But I’m always looking at options
I am hoping to do a video soon talking about mylars, clear boards, and Gator Guards. There are definitely some great alternatives to a simple bag and board which is great for us collectors.
@@MarriedwithComics I’m thinking about using clear boards for front and back. Protect front and you can still see it. Or even just front cause they are expensive
I did a video review on clear boards. I love them for wraparound covers! They're definitely a better, more cost effective choice but I've also thought about using them for silver or golden age comics so they have even more protection.
You have to have a really big bag to fit a clear board for the front and bag. In the video review I intentionally load the board on the and back of the comic to see if there's a difference. I didn't notice one, but the clear boards definitely make the comic feel sturdier because there's no natural bend in the board. It's why I'd recommend them for older comics you want to protect but may not want in a Gator Guard.
The frames aren't PVC or acid free right? It's freaking me out a bit ngl! What about putting the books in Mylar or something and then put them in the frame?
Below are the details about the type of plastic used for the frame. You can certainly put it in a Mylar bag first and then put it in the frame, it's just a bit of overkill. However, it means you wouldn't have to "seal" the frame with hot glue. "MADE-IN-JAPAN ACRYLIC: Unlike others cheap extruded acrylic, Meetu acrylic picture frame is cast from Made-In-Japan acrylics, which makes our picture frame has the highest clarity without dimming or turning yellow even when continuously exposed to sunlight. Exceptionally strong and has excellent resistance to aging and cracking"
@Married with Comics Oh thank goodness! Very cool! Love the UV protection too. And well if it does all that I guess you don't need the bag! Looks much cleaner without. Thanks for info!
Anytime! I didn't mean to cause the heart attack. Lol! I did a follow up video with a different size and ran into a few issues and additional considerations. There are definitely times that I recommend these over a Gator Guard and sometimes where these are a fantastic alternative.
Well you could go to a full service glass shop and have them just cut acrylic sheets to whatever dimension you want. Based on the tooth size, dimensions of the material you were cutting, lack of support of the material you were cutting and failure to use any mechanical hold down in what is obviously to most people a risky type of cut, you are damn lucky you didnt get a large sliver of plexiglass penetrating through your neck or abdomen. Cutting that type of material requires a precise type of blade on a table saw. Also, it is not recommended to wear gloves when using most woodworking power tools and it is highly recommended to wear ear protection, which you were not. A lot of people misuse miter and sliding miter saws as if they can also function as tool for making certain sheet good cuts. This is an extremely bad idea, made more dangerous in your case by cutting an unsupported material that shatters easily, plus OMG that blade you used!!!!!! Please consider my comments carefully so you can keep making videos and enjoy your comics without getting serious shrapnel wounds.
This is a really great idea. I had been thinking of doing something similar, with a bit of thick mount board sandwiched in between with a cutout for the comic book. Just can’t find the floating frames in the UK for a good price 😕
