North Wales Comic Jackpot Haul

North Wales Comic Jackpot Haul

"We drove through fog, sheep, and three wrong turns to buy your comics, and we would absolutely do it again."

At Fantasy Road, we often joke that the best comic collections hide in the most unexpected corners of the UK. One week we are loading longboxes in central London car parks, the next we are climbing into lofts in the Lake District. But this time, the road took us deep into North Wales, where one collector’s attic turned out to be a time capsule of comic history.

This post covers how the journey went, what we discovered, and how you can easily sell us your comics, whether you have a single longbox or a whole garage full of vintage treasures.

1. The Call from the Mountains

It started with a phone call that began, "I’ve got a few comics you might want.". 

That phrase, to us, is pure adrenaline. A few comics could mean anything from a handful of Beano issues to a stack of Amazing Fantasy #15 (Though... uh, not so far.) But we can dream right? The caller, a gentleman named Gwyn from a small village near Beddgelert, mentioned that his late grandfather had been collecting "American comics since the sixties."

Naturally, we packed the van before finishing breakfast.

The drive through Snowdonia was straight out of a fantasy film. Sheep wandered across the lanes, mist rolled off the mountains, and Google Maps gave up halfway there. When we finally arrived, Gwyn greeted us with a smile, a flask of tea, and an attic door that looked like it hadn’t been opened since The Beatles topped the charts.

Inside were twenty longboxes, carefully labelled, and a few shelves of slabbed comics that caught the sunlight like trophies. We had no idea what we were in for yet, but it already looked promising.

2. First Glance: Paper Gold

Opening the first box felt like unearthing treasure. Inside, neatly bagged and boarded, sat a near-complete run of Tales of Suspense, including issue #39 - the first appearance of Iron Man. We nearly dropped the tea. The only reason we didn't is because... You know, it would land on the comics.

The rest of the boxes were equally impressive:

• Fantastic Four #48 to #52, including the first Silver Surfer and Galactus.

• X-Men #94 to #100, those early Claremont years that shaped the modern team.

• Batman #251, Neal Adams’ iconic Joker cover.

• A full run of 2000 AD progs #1–100, with Judge Dredd’s earliest appearances.

• British classics like Eagle, Roy of the Rovers, and early Beano and Dandy issues.

This was a collector who truly loved comics. Every bag was clean, boards replaced, and even the old price stickers had been carefully peeled off decades ago.

3. How We Valued the Collection

Whenever we buy comics, especially high value ones, we follow a clear and transparent process. It is the same approach we recommend for anyone trying to sell comic books UK without stress.

Here’s what we did:

By mid-afternoon, we had sorted and graded (condition-wise, we don't claim to be proffesional graders) over 1,000 comics on-site. Gwyn watched us work, curious about how values are determined. We explained the influence of grading, market trends, and rarity, because when you sell comics online, understanding what drives value helps you make informed choices.

If you want to learn how to value your own comics before selling, check out our Comic Book Resources page, where we break down everything from key issues to grading tips.

4. The Offer and the Deal

After a few hours of sorting, checking grades, and drinking alarming amounts of tea, we sat down to talk numbers.

We don’t do pressure tactics or confusing jargon. We were a community first, and the company side of things was born due to the sheer frustration with how the industry was run. We, as collectors, cfreated a place where we could treat people, as we would have liked to have been treated ourselves. We sat him down, and we simply explained how much each section was worth based on condition and demand. Gwyn appreciated the honesty and the fact that our offer included full pickup, packaging, and immediate payment.

He accepted without hesitation.

That’s how selling your collection should feel: fair, fast, and friendly. If you are ready to sell comics without the stress of auctions or the uncertainty of online listings, you can make contact via our Sell to Us page. You can send a list, photos, or just a quick message describing what you have.

5. What Happens After the Sale

One of the most common questions we get is, “What happens to the comics after you buy them?”

Once the North Wales haul was packed and safely transported, we brought it back to our main facility for cataloguing. Every issue was scanned, checked over again under better light, and entered into our digital inventory. Key issues were photographed for insurance and archival purposes.

For anyone who plans to store or sell comics in the future, here are a few important lessons from that process:

• Avoid damp or heat. Attics, basements, and garages can ruin comics over time.

• Use proper bags and boards. Mylar or acid-free polypropylene bags are essential.

• Keep boxes upright and off the floor. Cardboard absorbs moisture quickly.

• Record what you have. A simple spreadsheet with titles and issue numbers helps track value, though if your collection  is insured, check via your insurer what they woiuld require in a worst case scenario. You can never be too careful.

Proper storage isn’t just for collectors. It keeps your comics in top shape for resale later. For more advice on this, explore our guides at Comic Book Resources.

6. What We Found: The Hidden Gems

The North Wales collection had plenty of surprises. Hidden between runs of Detective Comics and Amazing Spider-Man were some true rarities:

• Marvel Spotlight #5 — First appearance of Ghost Rider.

• Incredible Hulk #181 — First full appearance of Wolverine.

• Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1 — a short-lived crossover now highly sought after.

• Conan the Barbarian #1 — The first issue of the iconic series.

There were even a few unexpected finds: weirdly, a stack of early Pokémon cards, and a couple of rare Star Wars Funko Pops still in their boxes that once belonged to Gwynn's grandchildren. We might be comic specialists, but if you ever need to sell Pokémon cards or sell Funko Pops, we handle that too.

You can learn more about that on our We Buy Pokémon Cards England and We Buy Funko Pops England pages.

7. How to Sell Comics in the UK

If you have been wondering how to start, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to sell comics UK effectively:

1. Sort Your Collection. Separate comics by title and number.

2. Take Photos. Clear, well-lit images make valuations easier.

3. Note Conditions. Mention creases, tears, or stains honestly.

4. Send the Details. Use a form like our Sell to Us page.

5. Get an Offer. We’ll give you a fair and transparent price.

6. Accept and Ship (or Arrange Pickup). We collect across the UK.

7. Get Paid. Usually within 48 hours of receipt.

That’s it. No listing fees, no bids that never come, and no worrying about packaging delicate issues for random online buyers.

8. Why Sell to Fantasy Road

You might be thinking, “Why not just sell my comics online myself?” It’s a fair question. But there are several advantages to selling directly to a specialist buyer like us:

• Speed: You get an offer within days, not weeks.

• Safety: No risk of scammers or lost parcels to strangers.

• Expertise: We know exactly what your comics are worth.

• Nationwide Service: We pick up collections anywhere in the UK.

• Honesty: No hidden fees or fine print.

We also understand the sentimental side of collecting. These aren’t just stacks of paper; they’re pieces of history, of childhood, and of pop culture. That’s why every purchase we make is treated with care and respect.

If you’re ready to find out what your comics are worth, start here: Sell Comics UK.

9. The SEO Magic of Real Collections

Search engines love authenticity, and so do readers. Posts like this one about real collections help collectors and sellers find us because they show how the process works in the real world. When you read about a genuine comic collection in North Wales, complete with Iron Man first appearances and 2000 AD runs, it isn’t just a sales pitch - it’s a window into what we do every day.

For bloggers, journalists, or collectors writing about the UK comic market, stories like this one are perfect reference material. They demonstrate how to identify value, where to sell, and what the collector experience looks like behind the scenes.

That is why we always include plenty of detail. If you ever want to link to this post or quote from it for your own site or article, you are more than welcome to. Plus, we're currently accepting submissions for guest writing. Check out our submission guidelines here.

10. Life After the Haul

Back at HQ, the North Wales comics have now been carefully catalogued, checked over, and stored. Some of the highlights will appear in upcoming videos on our Fantasy Road Videos page, where we showcase collections, rare finds, and the occasional unintentional mishap with packing tape.

A few key issues will eventually make their way into private collections across the UK, while others will be available for trade or resale. Every single one will find a new home where it’s appreciated — which is exactly what every collector hopes for when they part with their books.

11. Tips for Future Sellers

If you are thinking about selling your collection soon, keep these points in mind:

• Timing matters. Movie announcements and anniversaries can spike demand.

• Condition is king. Even small upgrades in presentation can increase offers.

• Documentation helps. Keep notes of where and when you bought key issues.

• Grading can be worth it. Some books double or triple in value when professionally graded.

• Be realistic. Not every issue is rare, but complete runs often sell better than singles.

If you are unsure about whether to grade or not, take a look at our blog posts and resources section for guidance on CGC grading and value assessment.

12. Final Thoughts

That trip to North Wales reminded us why we love this work. Every collection tells a story — of the people who built it, the eras they lived through, and the worlds those comics helped them escape into.

Whether you have fifty comics or five thousand, the process of selling them should be straightforward and fair. That’s what we strive to provide at Fantasy Road.

So if you’re sitting on a collection and thinking, “Maybe it’s time,” head to our Sell to Us page and send us the details. We’ll take care of the rest.

And if you also have trading cards or collectibles lying around, remember we buy those too. Check out We Buy Pokémon Cards England and We Buy Funko Pops England.

Until the next road trip (and the next surprise attic full of history), keep your comics bagged, your shelves steady, and your nostalgia intact.