Ready to hear more about bags than you ever wanted to? Good! Read on, then! The biggest problem with finding the right size bag for the job is that there is a great deal of variability between brands, and even occasionally within the same brand. A ComiCare mag bag is not the same size as an Ultrapro mag bag, and (depending on the batch) a polyeth ComiCare mag bag is not the same size as a polypro ComiCare mag bag. Yes, it's all horribly frustrating but the good news is they're all pretty close. This means that sometimes if you have a module that's just a
tiny bit too big for the bag, trying a different brand or type might make a difference. As for hardbacks, I have never yet found a bag that fits satisfactorily. I happen to like them snug, so I also use the fold over and tape method. There are a number of different sizes that will work, but what they are called depends on the company. Ultrapro makes Role Playing-sized bags which are about an inch wider and taller than the average magazine bag. These also work great on small- and medium-sized boxed sets. Most bag companies also produce something called either Treasury or Life bags which are bigger still. Dimensions vary wildly depending on the company, but the bottom line is that almost any
RPG item made will fit in this size of bag. Most comic stores don't stock these on a regular basis but they
can order them for you. For the really big items that won't fit treasury you'll have to go with something obscenely huge and just settle for the fold over. Some bag companies produce newspaper, folded newspaper, half-sheet and one-sheet sized bags. I've mostly used a company called Fun Yet Bags for these. Smaller items can also be tricky, mainly because dimensions again vary considerably by company. Fun Yet's digest-sized bags are perfect fits for most of the early TSR booklets. Some companies also call these TV Guide bags. If you've got plenty of money to blow on it, I very highly recommend Bill Cole 1mm Arklites, at least for the more expensive or cherished items. I absolutely love these things! They are ultra-thin (so even when you have to fold-and-tape it doesn't get awkward) and they are gorgeously crystal clear! Plus, you
never have to replace them! If you're not into snugness, the 4mm Time-Loks are very nice, but I'm personally not that crazy about them. Yes, these are expensive options, but you absolutely will not regret it! Info and pricing available at
Welcome to BCEMylar.com :: Comic book storage & preservation supplies, including comic bags, mylar sleeves, acid-free boxes and boards from Bill Cole Enterprises, Inc.. (No, I don't own stock in the company, I just
really like the product.)
Hope this info helps! Adrian
