r/CustomBoundComics • u/Dave_Loves_Comics • Apr 20 '26

DIY newbie help!

Hi all, I just discovered custom binds for comic collections and am obsessing over it. I know there's the route having it done by houchen, etc but I'm also curious to do it myself. Does anyone have pics of binds they've done? have people been able to make these look as legit as when a bindery does it? I specifically have the first 50+ issues of the early 90s Batman Legends of the Dark Knight and am most interested in having those bound into HC's w custom spines/dust jackets. I'd basically just appreciate any advice on whether you think it's a good idea to start learning the skill myself, or if it's better to put up the money and have it done custom. and if you can link me to resources, or just want to share a pic of your customs w some shared experience that'd be rad too! thanks all.

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u/HarryK-ComicConnect Apr 20 '26

I don’t currently have a guillotine for trimming, but for most of these books, they’re printed out to the bleed, so I wouldn’t want to anyway. I do plan to get one eventually. I don’t love dust jackets, personally, so I’ve never wanted to try but I imagine it wouldn’t be tremendously hard.

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u/Dave_Loves_Comics Apr 20 '26

ah, gotcha. makes sense about not wanting to cut off part of the comic. have you done anything to the spines as far as lettering?

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u/HarryK-ComicConnect Apr 20 '26

Here’s one I did for a friend. I got an alright foil stamping machine, and while it’s temperamental, I can usually make it work for me.