Last Place Comics Cells: A Collector's Guide

Hey comic book enthusiasts! Ever stumbled upon a comic cell that just seems… well, unloved? We're diving deep into the world of "last place comics cells", those panels that, for various reasons, tend to be the least sought after by collectors. Let's explore what makes them the underdogs, why they exist, and whether they might actually hold some hidden value (or at least be interesting!).

What Exactly Are "Last Place" Comics Cells?

Okay, so "last place comics cells" isn't exactly an official term you'll find in a comic book collecting glossary. Think of it more as a conceptual category. These are the panels that, when a comic book is being dissected for individual cell sales or art projects, are typically the last ones chosen. There are many reasons why a cell might end up in this position. It could be because of poor artwork, a lack of recognizable characters, damaged artwork, or that the panel contains nothing that moves the story forward. The basic point is the cell has no value and/or does not look appealing to collectors.

The Usual Suspects: Identifying the Unwanted

So, what characteristics commonly land a cell in the "last place" category? Here's a breakdown:

• Generic Backgrounds: A panel showing a plain brick wall, a nondescript street corner, or just a solid color might not exactly scream excitement. Collectors usually want to see something visually interesting, like a dynamic cityscape, an alien landscape, or a detailed interior.
• Crowd Scenes (Without Key Characters): A huge crowd of people can be cool, but if you can't pick out Spider-Man, Batman, or any other recognizable hero, it loses a lot of appeal. It's the characters that drive the value for many collectors, so a faceless mob isn't going to cut it.
• Dialogue Bubbles Only: Sometimes, a panel might just contain a speech bubble with no accompanying character or action. While dialogue is essential to the story, a disembodied "Meanwhile…!" bubble isn't exactly a collector's item.
• Minor Character Reactions: A panel showing a random bystander looking shocked or surprised might be relevant to the story, but it's unlikely to be highly sought after. Unless that bystander becomes important later on, their reaction shot is probably destined for the bottom of the pile.
• Damaged or Obscured Artwork: Tears, creases, ink blots, or any other damage can significantly devalue a comic cell. Similarly, if the artwork is partially obscured by a printing error or some other defect, it's less likely to be desirable.
• Repetitive Action: Comic book artists will often draw the same action multiple times to create a sense of movement. One example of this is running, when a character is running, the character will be in the same pose in multiple panels to create a sense of action. If all the running panels are the same, most collectors will only want one of them.

Why These Cells End Up in Last Place

The reasons why these cells are less desirable boil down to a few key factors:

• Lack of Visual Appeal: Comics are a visual medium. Collectors are drawn to dynamic artwork, striking character poses, and interesting compositions. A dull or uninspired panel simply doesn't grab the eye.
• Limited Character Recognition: As mentioned earlier, characters are a major driver of value. Cells featuring popular heroes, villains, or even memorable supporting characters are much more likely to be sought after than those with generic figures or no characters at all.
• Narrative Significance: Collectors often want cells that represent important moments in the story, such as a character's first appearance, a major plot twist, or a climactic battle. A panel that simply shows a character walking down the street is less likely to hold the same appeal.

Are "Last Place" Comics Cells Completely Worthless?

Not necessarily! While they might not command top dollar, there are a few reasons why these overlooked panels might still have some value, or at least be interesting to consider.

The Completionist Factor

Some collectors are driven by a desire to own everything related to a particular comic book or character. For these completionists, even the most mundane cell can be a valuable piece of the puzzle. They might want to assemble a complete page of original artwork, or create a comprehensive collection of panels featuring a particular character, regardless of how minor their appearance might be in a given cell.

Artistic Value (Even in the Mundane)

Even if a panel doesn't feature a major character or an exciting action scene, it might still showcase the artist's skill and style. A well-drawn background, a subtle facial expression, or an interesting use of color can all be appreciated by those with an eye for artistic detail. Think of it like appreciating the brushstrokes in the background of a famous painting – even the seemingly insignificant details contribute to the overall artistic value.

Repurposing and Art Projects

"Last place" comics cells can be a treasure trove for artists and crafters looking for affordable materials. These panels can be incorporated into collages, mixed-media artwork, or other creative projects. Their low cost makes them ideal for experimentation and for projects where the individual cells are less important than the overall aesthetic.

Historical Context

Even a seemingly unremarkable panel can offer a glimpse into the historical context of the comic book. The style of the artwork, the language used in the dialogue, and the depiction of social issues can all provide insights into the era in which the comic was created. For example, a panel showing a character using a rotary phone might seem quaint today, but it offers a tangible connection to a bygone era.

The "So Bad, It's Good" Factor

Let's be honest, sometimes a comic panel is just plain bad. The artwork is poorly executed, the dialogue is cheesy, or the scene is just plain nonsensical. But sometimes, this very awfulness can be entertaining in its own right. Collectors with a sense of humor might seek out these panels for their kitsch value, or simply to marvel at the depths of comic book weirdness.

Tips for Dealing with "Last Place" Comics Cells

Okay, so you've got a pile of these less-than-desirable panels. What do you do with them?

• Don't Throw Them Away (Immediately): Before you toss them in the trash, consider the possibilities mentioned above. Could they be used for art projects? Are there any completionists out there who might be interested? Even if they don't have much monetary value, they might still be useful or interesting to someone.
• Bundle and Sell: You might not be able to sell individual "last place" cells for much, but you could bundle them together and sell them as a lot. This could be attractive to artists, crafters, or even collectors looking for bargain-priced materials.
• Donate: Consider donating them to a school, library, or community center. They could be used for educational purposes, art projects, or simply as reading material for kids.
• Repurpose Yourself: Get creative! Use them to decorate your workspace, create personalized greeting cards, or even make your own comic book-themed coasters.
• Educate Yourself: Learn more about comic book art and collecting. The more you know, the better you'll be able to identify potentially valuable cells, even if they seem unremarkable at first glance.

In Conclusion: Every Cell Has a Story

While "last place" comics cells might not be the most glamorous part of the comic book collecting world, they still have a place in the grand scheme of things. They can be a source of artistic inspiration, historical insight, and even humor. So, the next time you come across a seemingly unloved panel, take a closer look. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Remember guys, happy collecting, and don't forget to appreciate the underdogs of the comic book world!