
AUSTRAL WINES LLC Diversifies into Collectible Comic Books: A New Venture for the Atlanta-Based Company
ATLANTA, GA – October 26, 2023 – AUSTRAL WINES LLC, known for its premium wine distribution and importing, is making a surprising, yet exciting, move into the world of collectible comic books. The Atlanta-based company, located at 211 Perimeter Center Pkwy NE STE 1020, is expanding its portfolio, tapping into the growing market for vintage and modern collectables. You might be thinking, “Wine and comics? What’s the connection?” Well, according to CEO Mark Johnson, it’s all about understanding passions. “We've built our business on understanding what people enjoy, on quality, and on building collections. Fine wine is collectible, and so are comic books. It's a natural extension of what we already do – sourcing, curating, and providing items people truly value.” Why Comic Books? The Growing Market The comic book market isn’t just for kids anymore. It's become a multi-billion dollar industry, fueled by blockbuster movies, TV shows, and a renewed interest in nostalgia. The value of key issues has skyrocketed in recent years, with some comics selling for millions of dollars. “We’ve been watching the market closely,” explains Sarah Chen, AUSTRAL WINES LLC’s new Head of Collectibles. “The demand for graded, key issue comics is incredibly strong. It’s not just about the value; it’s about the art, the history, and the connection people have with these characters.” What Kind of Comics Will AUSTRAL WINES LLC Offer? AUSTRAL WINES LLC isn’t aiming to be your average comic book shop. They’re focusing on high-grade, collectible issues, catering to serious collectors and investors. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect: Golden Age Comics (1930s-1950s): These are the truly rare and valuable books, featuring the first appearances of iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and Captain America. Expect to find issues from publishers like DC Comics, Marvel (then Timely Comics), and Fawcett. "We're talking about books that defined a generation," says Chen. "Finding them in good condition is incredibly difficult, which is why we're dedicated to sourcing the best available." Silver Age Comics (1956-1970): This era saw the rise of Marvel Comics and the introduction of characters like Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. These books are still highly collectible, especially first appearances and key issues. "The Silver Age is where a lot of people started collecting," Johnson adds. "It's a sweet spot for both nostalgia and investment." Bronze Age Comics (1970-1985): While often overlooked, the Bronze Age offers opportunities for collectors. This era saw experimentation and the introduction of darker themes and more complex storylines. “There are some real gems to be found in the Bronze Age,” Chen notes. “We’re focusing on books with strong potential for appreciation.” Modern Age Comics (1985-Present): AUSTRAL WINES LLC will also offer select Modern Age comics, focusing on key issues, variant covers, and books with strong collector demand. "We're looking at books that are trending and have a proven track record of appreciation," says Chen. Graded Comics: A major focus for AUSTRAL WINES LLC is offering professionally graded comics. Companies like CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) and PGX (Professional Grading X-plained) evaluate the condition of a comic book and assign it a grade, which significantly impacts its value. “Grading adds a layer of trust and transparency for collectors,” Johnson explains. “We’ll be sourcing primarily graded comics, ensuring their authenticity and condition.” Sourcing and Authentication: The AUSTRAL WINES LLC Difference AUSTRAL WINES LLC isn't just buying comics anywhere. They’ve built a network of trusted sources, including private collections, estate sales, and established comic book dealers. "We're doing our due diligence to ensure everything we offer is authentic and in the condition we represent it to be," says Chen. “We are working with experts to authenticate and verify the provenance of rare and valuable issues.” The company is also investing in technology to help identify potential forgeries and restored comics. “We want to give our customers peace of mind,” Johnson emphasizes. Where to Find AUSTRAL WINES LLC Comic Books For now, AUSTRAL WINES LLC is primarily selling its comic book collection online through a dedicated section on their website (details coming soon). They’re also planning to participate in major comic book conventions and auctions. “We’re starting small and building from there,” says Johnson. “Our goal is to become a trusted source for high-quality, collectible comic books. We are confident that there's a synergy between our wine business and this new venture - both are about appreciating quality, building collections, and enjoying the things you love." Contact Information: AUSTRAL WINES LLC 211 Perimeter Center Pkwy NE STE 1020 Atlanta, GA 30346-1307 Phone: 908-759-0961 Website: (Coming Soon)