Comic Books: 1. (noun) a magazine containing sequences of comic strips. 2. (geek) art of the finest quality that only the discerning eye can truly enjoy.

Do you have a relative or friend who is a bit of a comic book geek, and you just don’t know what to buy them for Christmas? Well, it’s great that you asked, because treading into the turbulent world that is today’s comic book market can be dangerous without proper instruction. That’s where I come in.

Here are my views on how to shop for your little (or big) comic book worm.

1. Do not just buy a comic even if it’s his favorite character.

Just because it’s got Spider-Man on the cover doesn’t mean your Spider-Fan is gonna swoon for it. In comic books, as in most series in entertainment, there are periods where the book is well written, drawn or the story is more compelling. And then there are the periods that look like Saturday Night Live 80’s with Gilbert Gottfried. If you don’t know, ask someone. And that leads me to …

2. Shop at a local comic book store. This does not include Wal-Mart.

Check Google for your closest comic book store and spend the time to drive there. While you’re there, look around and ask the workers there about what they suggest as a gift for your loved one. Describe his or her likes and interests and more often than not they will come back with some excellent ideas. But, if all else fails, and the native begin to get restless …

3. Gift cards are your friend.

There is not a geek in this world who wouldn’t leap for joy at the thought of a shopping spree in their favorite store, or if the drive is a bit much, go online and buy a gift card from Amazon or E-bay.

Your geek not into comics? Stay tuned. Next week I will delve into the world of the gamer geek.

Until then, class dismissed.