The Ultimate Guide to Repurposing & Upcycling Comic Books

Before we dive in — if you love the idea of giving comics a second story, don’t miss the Storage Warrior Comic Books auction with BidRush in Vancouver, running now and ending September 7th. Perfect chance to grab affordable issues you can repurpose into creative projects.

Old, water-damaged, reader-copy comics don’t have to die in a longbox. With a little glue, sealer, and imagination, you can turn them into durable decor, wearable art, and gifts people actually keep. Here’s the complete guide to doing it right.

Ground Rules Before You Cut

• Only cut up non-valuable copies. Use damaged issues, dollar-bin finds, reprints, or public-domain scans (e.g. Digital Comic Museum, Comic Book Plus).
• Learn decoupage basics. Clean surface, glue, burnish bubbles, then seal.
• Legal note: One-off crafts are usually fine, but selling mass-produced items with copyrighted art may risk infringement. When in doubt, use public-domain comics.

High-Impact Ways to Repurpose Comics

Everyday Decor

Coasters – Panels sealed on tiles with Mod Podge or epoxy.
👉 Watch: Comic Book Coasters – DweebCast

Lampshades – Thin panels glued to shades for a glowing effect.
👉 Watch: Comic Book Lamp Tutorial

Furniture – Decoupage desks, tables, or dressers with splash pages.

Wearables & Accessories

• Shoes – Canvas sneakers or heels wrapped in comic panels.
  👉 Watch: DIY Comic Book Shoes

Wallets – Tape-laminated or stitched paper wallets.
👉 Watch: Comic Book Wallet Tutorial

Jewelry – Cabochon pendants, bracelets, and resin charms.

Stationery & Gifts

Notebooks & Journals – Covers wrapped in panels, sealed for durability.

Gift tags, envelopes & wrapping – Perfect for geeky gift-giving.

Event Florals

Comic Paper Roses – Popular for weddings and unique bouquets.
👉 Watch: DIY Comic Roses

Statement Builds

Skateboard decks – Full-panel designs sealed under resin.

Guitars – Decoupage guitar bodies for a one-of-a-kind instrument.

👉 Inspiration: Comic Guitar Build

Tips That Actually Work

Paper prep: Matte interiors are easiest; pre-seal glossy pages.

Adhesives: Mod Podge for adhesion, polyurethane or epoxy for final coat.

Curves & edges: Slit and overlap panels to avoid wrinkles.

Outdoor use: Add marine varnish or multiple seal coats for durability.

Where to Source Comics (Ethically)

Public-domain scans: Digital Comic Museum, Comic Book Plus.

Reader copies & bulk lots: BidRush.com, flea markets.

Lightning How-Tos

Comic Coasters (90 minutes):

1. Cut panels slightly smaller than 4" tiles.
2. Adhere with Mod Podge; burnish flat.
3. Seal with 2–3 coats or epoxy pour.

Comic Shoes (2 hours + cure):

1. Tape off soles.
2. Cut panels into small pieces, slit curves.
3. Adhere in sections; seal with flexible topcoat.

Cabochon Pendant (30 minutes + cure):

1. Punch small circles of art.
2. Seal paper, glue to glass cabochon.
3. Mount in tray, cover with resin.

Make-or-Sell Checklist

✅ Use public-domain art for selling.
✅ Keep a log of comics used for provenance.
✅ Provide aftercare instructions for customers.
✅ Package with recycled boards or sleeves.

Final Thoughts

Repurposing comics is about giving forgotten stories a second life. Whether it’s a coaster, a guitar, or a wedding bouquet, you’re not just crafting—you’re storytelling in a new medium.

And if you want a stack of comics to practice on, don’t miss the Storage Warrior Comic Books auction with BidRush in Vancouver — ends September 7th or keep an eye out for future BidRush auctions by signing up for the eNewsletter at the bottom of this page. Grab a bundle, start experimenting, and create something unforgettable.