Avid collectors Gary and Dawn Prebula have donated over 75,000 single-issue comics and graphic novels to the University of Pennsylvania Libraries, writes Amanda Alexander for Penn Libraries.

Gary Prebula, a University of Pennsylvania alumnus, received his first comic book when he was just 3, which sparked an interest in him that would grow and develop throughout his entire life. Today, his home is stuffed with comics and graphic novels and all the accessories that go along with them.

To spread their love for the art form, Prebula and his wife Dawn have decided to donate a major part of their collection. Their goal is to generate study and scholarship in both the art form and industry.

Some of the donated items are quite valuable, such as the first issue of X-Men valued at $22,572. The entire collection is currently being appraised but it is already valued at over $500,000.

The collection will be housed in the Jay I. Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts.

“We are honored and delighted that the Prebulas chose to entrust the Penn Libraries with their cherished collection,” said Sean Quimby, Associate University Librarian, Director of the Kislak Center, and Director of the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies.

Read more about how a lifelong love of comics led to a charitable donation in the Penn Libraries.

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