Try These Free Comic Cataloging Apps
Comic Geeks
First up is Comic Geeks, available in the App Store and on Google Play. one of the most notable aspects of this cataloging system is the inclusion of a barcode scanner. This feature allows you to use your device’s camera to quickly add issues to your collection. Every issue scanned is then automatically categorized by publisher and title for ease of access. So, when checking your collection, you can sort by each individual publisher or view the full list of titles. The versatility helps the app to work best for your personal needs. And if that type of organization isn’t enough, you can set filters for different categories. Being able to sift through variants and annuals with the click of a button makes managing your collection a simple process. For every individual issue or trade paperback added, you can input details including:
- Date of purchase
- Quantity owned
- Media format (print or digital)
- Price paid
- Condition
- Any additional notes
Comic Geeks also allows individual users to review issues in their collection. And it’s possible to begin conversations with other readers. However, the latter feature seems not to be utilized often, making it an interesting but relatively underappreciated option.
Finally, it should be pointed out that this app allows collectors to create lists for pulled issues and subscriptions, as well as read lists and wish lists. These additions make it possible to keep track of both owned comics and upcoming issues simultaneously.
Overall, the ease of access of the Comic Geeks app makes it the perfect option for anyone who wants to stay up on the latest issues. Alternatively, it’s great for casual readers who are just starting out and need a method for quickly organizing their collection.
Comic Run
If the Comic Geeks app represents the perfect option for collectors, Comic Run is the premiere free option for sellers looking to pick up specific issues for resale. You can find it both in the App Store and on Google Play. With this tool, it is possible to create “long boxes”. These curated lists allow you to organize both owned and wanted issues. For each issue included in a long box, you can set details including the grade point, pictures and helpful comments. Then, these lists can quickly be checked for approximate going rates on specific comics and variants. This makes it easy to stay up-to-date on market rates for buying and selling.
Regarding user experience, the Comic Run app allows you to search for keywords, organizing results by title. Then, you can tap these titles in order to view the individual issues. Each issue listed shows the approximate selling price, first appearances of key characters and other important events. Also included are any variant covers. Furthermore, by clicking into a specific issue, you can view lists of graded and ungraded options available on eBay. The provided information includes the grade, asking price, and time left for the auction. So, this app streamlines finding and purchasing top-tier comics for anyone interested in that aspect of the industry.
Key Collector Comics
Finally, there is Key Collector Comics, again available in both the App Store and Google Play. Unlike both of the previous free comic cataloging apps, this database intentionally excludes issues considered commonplace. Instead, it focuses specifically on key events and first appearances. This doesn’t meant the app features high-priced comics alone. However, it only categorizes the most important issues in each title or run. For example, a search for Uncanny X-Men turns up only 197 issues of the total 544 published. In this sense, the app provides a quick glance for collectors who want to get their hands on rare and important issues of a series. And since low, mid, and high-end prices are listed for each issue, it’s possible to get a decent idea of upfront cost.
The app also features five pre-filtered lists that collectors can browse for new and updated information on hot key issues.
- The Randomizer list automatically repopulates every sixty seconds to feature 10 key comics pulled from the site’s database.
- The Key this Week list features a highlighted array of comics for one week, similarly pulled from the site’s database.
- The Trending 20 list compiles a list of twenty issues that have shown a noticeable increase in interest on eBay within the past week.
- The Daily Update list shows new hot key comics daily (both low and high price tiers).
As far as the actual cataloging aspect of the app goes, it’s possible to mark individual issues as owned or wanted. Furthermore, there is an “eBay” button to automatically search the auction site for specific issues. So, in relation to the other two free comic cataloging apps available, Key Collector Comics is tailored to individuals who need to know current price points for individual issues. And in particular, for those which are currently trending.
Concluding Thoughts on These Free Comic Cataloging Apps
Ultimately, each app was designed with a different goal in mind. And though they are all useful for buyers and sellers, the different features make them more or less beneficial depending on specific needs. Collectors not interested in selling might find Comic Geeks to be the best option. Alternatively, Comic Run and Key Comic Collector are best for individuals looking to purchase and resale issues. So, with that in mind, try out one of these free comic cataloging apps. And if it doesn’t meet your needs, check out another. Then, if all else fails, don’t forget there are also paid options like Collectorz for those who need a more comprehensive system.