Patrick J. Kennedy knows comic books aren’t just nostalgic keepsakes, they can be serious assets. The Massapequa Park collector and organizer of the Long Island Convention of Horror has spent decades immersed in fandom, conventions, and the collector market, and a recent Newsday feature puts a spotlight on just how high the stakes can be. From six-figure auction houses to neighborhood comic shops, Kennedy and other Long Island experts explain why some old comics can quietly be worth tens of thousands of dollars and why most aren’t.
Click here to watch Kennedy talk about the Long Island Convention of Horror at last year’s Trek Long Island.
According to Newsday, families hoping to cash in on inherited comic collections often discover that most modern comics hold little value, but older, well-preserved “key” issues can be worth a fortune. The article highlights the case of an Islip Terrace family who sold a pristine 1971 House of Secrets issue, which introduced Swamp Thing, for more than $30,000 after professional grading and auctioning. Experts stress that condition, rarity, and historical significance are everything, with even small grading differences dramatically affecting price.
Kennedy, who balances collecting with organizing one of Long Island’s largest horror conventions, notes that not every collection belongs in an auction catalog. Local comic book shops can offer safer, more realistic options for sellers, especially for mid-range collections or bulk finds.
For readers inspired to dig through their own long boxes, we’ve also put together a list of comic book shops across Long Island, spotlighting places where collectors can browse, sell, or just talk comics with people who know the difference between a hidden gem and a box better suited for donation. Also, check out our list of 2026 cons on Long Island, featuring the Long Island Convention of Horror.
