Frame It Again, Sam! - Product Review

Cost: $10.95 for most frames

Every comic book collector has those comic books that are prized treasures. There are many reasons a comic may reach this status: comics that gave them chills after they read it, those comics that changed the culture of comics, the most valuable comic in a collection, or those ones that were nostalgic for them because they read them as a kid. Whatever way a comic becomes a treasured item, it’s life is a sad one, for the comic that is. It is sad because it’s life is usually spent in a dark comic book box where no one can view its magnificence. That’s all about to change.

To The Rescue!

Frame It Again, Sam! has, without a doubt, one of the best comic book frames I have seen on the market to date. This is, in my opinion, because the frame was invented by a comic collector and a person who appreciates comic art. This frame isn’t a frame that someone thought would work for comics. Rather, it is a frame that was designed for the comic book itself.

According to his website, owner Sam Billingsley made the frames with comics in mind. He states the reason for creating the frames as: “Nostalgia for the silver age covers, and the insane talent for new comics. I appreciate art. I like to draw and write. Thumbing through my collection and pulling out favorite covers. Having comics all over the place, and not wanting to put them away right away. “Wow, this is a great cover,” I would say. I wanted to find some way of displaying them, but being able to change them easily, and without damaging them of coarse.”

The truth is, there aren’t a lot of options out there to showcase your comics without going to a professional frame maker. Those frames will easily run you fifty dollars and up and then you are stuck with the comic in the frame. If you want to change out the comic, you will need to carefully take everything apart and risk damaging the comic, frame, or both. One of the big reasons I like these frames is that they will allow you to easily change out your comics at any time.

Construction

The frame is a simple pine frame that comes in eighteen different colors. They all have the wood grain showing though as Sam uses different stains to achieve his colors. This allows the buyer to choose frames that will match their showcase space.

The genius of the frames comes from its top loading design. Most frames open from the back and as stated before, can be hard to work and can cause damage if you’re not careful. The design of the frame allows the buyer to easily change out comics at any time. The nice thing about the system is that it is a simple design and doesn't use any hinges or screws. You won't notice that it is even there.

You may be asking if this will damage your comics, and the answer is no, it won’t. The frame has been designed to be used with a comic book bag and board. This helps protect the comic while in the frame and makes it so that you won’t damage the comic in the changing process.

How the top loader system works I can’t say, as it is a closely guarded secret. According to the website, “The top is the most unique part of the frame. That's the true invention. You have to buy one to find out. I will tell you there are no screws, hinges, or any small pieces to look after. You can hold the frame upside down, and carry it around with you and your comics will be secure.” With that said, after seeing the frame, it is rather simple and snug, so you won’t have to worry about your comic book falling out.

Uses

The nice thing about Sam’s frames is that you can buy them for just about any kind of comic. They come in the standard “new” comic size, but they also have Silver Age, Gold Age, and sizes for graded comics as well.

Sam custom builds the frame to order and takes special orders. The frames can be made so that you can display two, three, or more comics together. You just have to ask.

Service

This all leads to the one of the main reasons why the frame is such a good buy. The service and personal touches that Sam puts into each frame is impeccable. He sells top quality Mylar-D comic bags to accompany the frames as well as Microchamber paper that will prevent acid from building up in the comic over time. Most everything has been thought of in the creation of these frames

Pros and Cons

Pros

Nicely designed for comics.

Easy to use.

Fairly inexpensive.

They look sharp.

There are a lot of options in the frames. Cons

Not meant as a permanent storage option.

If the user isn’t careful, the top loader system can be damaged.

The comic is still in danger from damage from direct sunlight.

Doesn’t eliminate danger from temperature or humidity.

In Conclusion

Overall, these frames are a great way for the collector to show what is in their collection. One should note about the Cons section that direct sunlight, temperature, and humidity changes should always be avoided, and were included to show that you shouldn’t consider your comics free from harm while in these great frames. But they aren’t free from harm even if they are in a comic box either.

If you are looking for a way to present those treasures in your collection, don’t hesitate to pick up some of these frames. They will make your treasures look professional and attractive up on your wall, with the knowledge that you can change your decoration on a whim.