AstroBoy Online Forums

So I finally decided to take a look at my AB volume 7, and noticed several things. First off, I own the AB volumes 1 & 2 compilation graphic novel, which is a more recent reprint (obviously) and uses more higher-quality paper that I am more used to in regards to graphic novels. I'm not sure what the kind of paper it is actually called, but the paper feels... I dunno, a little more 'stronger' between my fingers and is probably less fragile.

The AB volume 7 in comparison though, probably because it is an older print, has a different kind of papery feeling in my hands. It feels more fragile and more thinner, not to mention that the pages look like they're starting to tan a bit from the top of the pages, and that the pages don't look quite as 'straight'. (They curving a little from the bottom). I wonder if this is being caused by humidity or by age (age seems likely, given that these books are now pretty much out of print), although I'm unsure of the kind of paper that Dark Horse originally printed off with. My book is still fairly new, I should think, so I imagine that if this was caused by humidity, then was being caused by the my local chain of bookstore's storages.

Either way, I want my novels to last, even if that means not reading them very often. (The cover binding also doesn't seem quite as strong in comparison to the compilation's as well). That said, I'm wondering if there are any good recommendations to keep a book's quality in check. Granted not everything can be kept in good quality for long, but I may well try to. I'd ask a friend this instead of posting here, but he doesn't seem to be around unfortunately.

Humidity, and-or the original manufacturing quality. I have Tezuka's Swallowing The Earth, which has page paper that is about the same texture and thickness as 1980's Scholastic chapter books. Feels bad, man.

I recommend trying to flatten the book a little; keep it between several other books for a few days straight. It's worked before for me with a few other books, so hoprefully it does for you.

"Fauna" wrote:I recommend trying to flatten the book a little; keep it between several other books for a few days straight. It's worked before for me with a few other books, so hoprefully it does for you.

I do that with all of my graphic novels. Although after noticing this, I was debating with myself whether I should keep it close to my other books. Not to mention, I don't think my books would be heavy enough to straighten it out?

So with humidity, what would you suggest for that?

Well, if the humidity effects are coming from the store, there's nothing that can be done. If the effects are coming from home, here's a few things to consider:

1. Are your books near an outside wall?
2. Do you have adequate air circulation?
3. Are there any houseplants nearby?

If any of these apply, moving the books while you can is the best move possible.

(Look at me, I sound like Yahoo Answers...)

They're being kept in a bookcase, which also doubles as my bed. There's also a window in my room, but it is always kept closed.

My room also has an air vent. Since it's close to winter right now, it's blowing warm air right now. During the hot summer months, our air conditioning usually kicks in.

And there are no plants in my room at all.