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The Story Behind the Folsom Collection: Martin’s Comic Book Journey
Every comic has a story, and so does every collection. At Comics Direct USA, our entire inventory comes from a single, remarkable collector—Martin—whose lifelong passion for comics is the foundation of the Folsom Collection.
Childhood Wonder: “I liked to ‘read’ before I could actually interpret written words…”
Martin’s love affair with comics began before he could even read. “I liked to hold in my hand illustrated children’s books, look at the pictures, and imagine what those words said. I would create my own stories based on the pictures.” As his vocabulary grew, so did his fascination with the stories and art inside each issue.
Comics became a constant companion, especially in a quiet neighborhood without many playmates. “I used to lose myself reading and rereading comics because there were no other kids who lived in the neighborhood. I had to make my own entertainment.” Among his earliest treasures were Walt Disney Comics & Stories, Tarzan, and Classics Illustrated—passed down from his older siblings, read and reread across three generations.
The Spark: Superman, Adam Strange, and the Summer of 1961
Martin’s first comic bought at a newsstand was Superman #134, from January 1960. “The cover art reeled me in. I’d heard of Superman from somewhere, and the cover displayed a super bad guy swinging him in a circle and knocking down telephone poles. I wanted to ‘read’ about this hero, even though I couldn’t interpret most of the words.”
Soon after came Mystery in Space #60, featuring Adam Strange ensnared by a tentacled planet. But it was the summer of 1961 that truly changed everything: “I bought (with my own money somehow) 7 comics that changed the course of human history… or, at least, my understanding of DC comics.” Among them were Batman Annual #1, Superman Annual #3, and Secret Origins Annual #1—issues that “enlightened me to the DC Universe” and opened the door to a lifetime of collecting.
A Collector’s Resourcefulness: “That money was also mine! A windfall! Glorioski! Manna from Heaven!”
Martin’s collection grew thanks to a mix of chores, pocket change, and a little ingenuity. He recalls, “My uncle had a favorite easy chair… coins would fall onto the floor underneath the chair. That money was also mine! A windfall! Glorioski! Manna from Heaven!” Even as comic prices and sales tax rose, Martin always found a way to keep collecting.
The Marvel Revolution and a Growing Collection
While DC was his first love, Martin’s curiosity soon led him to Marvel’s new heroes: “Those Marvel issues paved the way for acceptance of the Ant-Man, the Mighty Thor, Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, and especially a teenager called Spider-Man.” He managed to secure copies of Spider-Man #1 and X-Men #1, even if he sometimes missed a few early appearances. “But I did manage to buy copies of Spider-Man #1 and X-Men #1, so I did have some premiere issues.”
From Collector to Seller: “I started selling my collection. As time passed, I started buying other people’s collections.”
By high school, Martin was advertising in fan magazines, buying and selling collections, and learning the basics of business and negotiation. “I started selling my collection. As time passed, I started buying other people’s collections… my goal was to buy as many collections as I could.”
The Folsom Collection Today
After college and a career in retail and entrepreneurship, Martin’s passion for comics never faded. With Alan’s encouragement, he cataloged and preserved over 6,000 comics—now known as the Folsom Collection. Every issue is graded with care and transparency, reflecting Martin’s lifelong commitment to authenticity.
Why This Story Matters
When you buy from Comics Direct USA, you’re not just purchasing a comic. You’re holding a piece of a collector’s journey—a journey that began with childhood wonder, grew with each new issue, and continues today in every graded comic we offer.
As Martin puts it, “Comics were never just about the stories—they were about community, connection, and the thrill of discovery.” We hope that sharing the story behind the Folsom Collection helps you feel that same excitement and trust.
Explore the collection and discover your own story—one comic at a time.
