 I began collecting Beano & Dandy comics and annuals in 1990 and, like most collectors, spent years trawling local bookshops, comic book marts, antique & collectors fairs and car boot sales. Not forgetting local free ads papers, I vividly recall the “box of old Beano comics” advert which led to a terraced house in inner city Birmingham and a near full run from 1967 through 1977… those were the days. A spineless 1958 Beano Book was like the jewel in the crown, being the first pre-1970 book I had seen, and bought. A day trip to Hay-on-Wye, the town of books on the Welsh border, became an enjoyable event each school summer holiday. The first in 1993 was a great success, picking up nine 1960s books for £63. A bargain by today’s market, as a mere paperboy that meant five weeks in the red, but it was worth it!
Being on the books of comic book dealers up and down the country proved invaluable, keeping the postman busy to this day. To the relief of all concerned, no wire-haired Abyssinian tripe hound of the ‘Gnasher’ variety resided at our address! Specialist live and postal comic book auctions have been a real eye opener and proved tense but exciting avenues for collecting. Live auctions provided a convenient platform for meeting fellow collectors and, despite much rivalry, some good friendships have developed.
The 21st century saw the rise of the internet and eBay, adding an interesting new dimension to the world of collecting. Two auctions remain in my mind as key items sold through eBay. The first contained The Beano comic #1-4, from 1938, being sold by a chap in Mexico of all places! The second, from Leeds, contained a Very Fine consecutive run of Beano comics from 1949 through to 1957, all from the same original source. Just two of many scarce items we have seen being auctioned online.
Physically handling an item in person at an auction or fair is second to none - even the smell can influence a purchase - but you have to be in the right place at the right time. Online auctions allow you to buy from the comfort of your own home as well as securing items you might otherwise miss.
Capitalising on ten years collecting experience, phil-comics was established in 2001. Six years on, with hundreds of satisfied customers worldwide, phil-comics auctions are leading online British comic book auctioneers and Beano & Dandy specialists.
Selling on behalf of vendors on a commission basis, we achieve consistently high prices, with 2007 proving to be a fruitful year. Notable results so far include the sale of a near complete collection of Victor and Commando comics, annuals and summer specials, realising just over £10,000, a near complete collection of Eagle comics, from 1950 through 1969, which sold for £1,850, and a run of TV21 comics #1-80, at £1525.
In 2006, in line with our Beano and Dandy specialism, we proudly founded The Beano & Dandy Collectors' Club which is now in its second season with over 100 subscribers. We are looking forward to taking the club further and are actively seeking new subscribers.
Launched in 2006, phil-comics.com is aimed at all those interested in British comics. We hope you enjoy it.
Best Wishes,
Phil Shrimpton | 
