How to grade a comic book – how comic book quality is assessed and graded using a comic book grading scale (ONE and CGC comic book grading system examples).

A comic book grading scale is used to grade comics using a wide variety of factors including evidence of rat or mouse chews, staple rust, mothball smells, and even fingerprints. Grading also involves some unusual terms such as “cockling” and “foxing”. Here’s the inside scoop on how comic books are assessed, rated, and graded using a pre-defined comic book grading system.

The ONE Comic Book Grading System – the de facto standard comic book grading system

Comic books are graded using a formally defined grading system – a “comic book grading scale”. The most common comic book grading system is the Overstreet standard ONE or Overstreet Numerical Equivalency grading system. The ONE grading system defines a comic book grading scale using the following comic book conditions and grading scores. It is the standard grading system used by CGA.

10.0 Gem Mint (GM)

9.9 Mint (M)

9.8 Near Mint / Mint (NM/MT)

9.6 Near Mint + (NM+)

9.4 Near Mint (NM)

9.2 Near Mint – (NM-)

9.0 Very Fine/Near Mint (VF/NM)

8.5 Very Fine + (VF+)

8.0 Very Fine (VF)

7.5 Very Fine – (VF-)

7.0 Fine/Very Fine (FN/VF)

6.5 Fine + (FN+)

6.0 Fine (FN)

5.5 Fine – (FN-)

5.0 Very Good/ Fine (VG/FN)

4.5 Very Good + (VG+)

4.0 Very Good (VG)

3.5 Very Good – (VG-)

3.0 Good/Very Good (GD/VG)

2.5 Good + (GD+)

2.0 Good (GD)

1.8 Good – (GD-)

1.5 Fair/Good (FR)

1.0 Fair (FR)

0.5 Poor (PR)

0.0 No Grade (NG)

ONE comic book grading system examples

Below are examples and descriptions of the comic book attributes that impact the score on the comic book grading scale used in the ONE comic book grading system.

10.0 GEM MINT (GM)

This is an exceptional example of a given book – the best ever seen. The overall look is “as if it has never been handled or released for purchase.” The slightest bindery defects and/or printing flaws may be seen only upon very close inspection. A 10 is the highest value awarded on the ONE comic book grading scale.

May have

• Only the slightest bindery or printing defects are allowed, and these would be imperceptible on first viewing.
• The cover is flat with no surface wear.
• Inks are bright with high reflectivity.
• Well centered and firmly secured to interior pages.
• Corners are cut square and sharp.
• Spine is tight and flat.
• Staples must be original, centered, and clean with no rust.
• Paper is white, supple, and fresh.

Does not have

• No bindery tears.
• No creases.
• No dates or stamped markings allowed.
• No soiling, staining or other discoloration.
• No spine roll or split allowed.
• No staple tears or stress lines.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.
• No interior autographs or owner signatures.
• No interior tears.

9.9 MINT (MT)

Near perfect in every way.

May have

• Only subtle bindery or printing defects are allowed.
• The cover is flat with no surface wear.
• Inks are bright with high reflectivity.
• Generally well centered and firmly secured to interior pages.
• Corners are cut square and sharp.
• Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped, or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location.
• Spine is tight and flat.
• Staples must be original, generally centered and clean with no rust.
• Paper is white, supple, and fresh.
• The centerfold is firmly secure.

Does not have

• No bindery tears.
• No creases.
• No soiling, staining or other discoloration.
• No spine roll or split allowed.
• No staple tears or stress lines.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.
• No interior tears.

9.8 NEAR MINT/MINT (NM/MT)

Nearly perfect in every way with only minor imperfections that keep it from the next higher grade.

May have

• Only subtle bindery or printing defects are allowed.
• The cover is flat with no surface wear.
• Inks are bright with high reflectivity.
• Generally well centered and firmly secured to interior pages.
• Corners are cut square and sharp.
• Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped, or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location.
• Spine is tight and flat.
• Staples must be original, generally centered and clean with no rust.
• Paper is off-white to white, supple, and fresh.
• The centerfold is firmly secure.
• Only the slightest interior tears are allowed.

Does not have

• No creases.
• No bindery tears.
• No soiling, staining or other discoloration.
• No spine roll or split allowed.
• No staple tears or stress lines.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.

9.6 NEAR MINT+ (NM+)

Nearly perfect with a minor additional virtue or virtues that raise it from Near Mint. The overall look is “as if it was just purchased and read once or twice.”

May have

• Only subtle bindery or printing defects are allowed.
• The cover is flat with no surface wear.
• Inks are bright with high reflectivity.
• Well centered and firmly secured to interior pages.
• One corner may be almost imperceptibly blunted, but still almost sharp and cut square.
• Almost imperceptible indentations are permissible, but no creases, bends, or color break.
• Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location.
• Spine is tight and flat.
• Staples must be original, generally centered, with only the slightest discoloration.
• Paper is off-white, supple and fresh.
• Centerfold is firmly secure.
• Only the slightest interior tears are allowed.

Does not have

• No bindery tears are allowed, although on Golden Age books bindery tears of up to 1/8” have been noted.
• No soiling, staining or other discoloration.
• No spine roll or split allowed.
• No staple tears, stress lines, or rust migration.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.

9.4 NEAR MINT (NM)

Nearly perfect with only minor imperfections that keep it from the next higher grade. Minor feathering that does not distract from the overall beauty of an otherwise higher grade copy is acceptable for this grade. The overall look is “as if it was just purchased and read once or twice.”

May have

• Subtle bindery defects are allowed.
• Bindery tears must be less than 1/16” on Silver Age and later books, although on Golden Age books bindery tears of up to 1/4” have been noted.
• Cover is flat with no surface wear.
• Inks are bright with high reflectivity.
• Generally well centered and secured to interior pages.
• Corners are cut square and sharp with ever-so-slight blunting permitted.
• A 1/16” bend is permitted with no color break.
• Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location.
• Spine is tight and flat.
• Staples are generally centered; may have slight discoloration.
• In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is not considered a defect.
• Any staple can be replaced on books up to Fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint. Mint books must have original staples.
• Paper is cream to off-white, supple and fresh.
• Centerfold is secure.
• Slight interior tears are allowed.

Does not have

• No creases.
• No soiling, staining or other discoloration apart from slight foxing.
• No spine roll or split allowed.
• No staple tears are allowed; almost no stress lines.
• No rust migration.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.

9.2 NEAR MINT– (NM–)

Nearly perfect with only a minor additional defect or defects that keep it from Near Mint.

May have

• A limited number of minor bindery defects are allowed.
• A light, barely noticeable water stain or minor foxing that does not distract from the beauty of the book is acceptable for this grade.
• Cover is flat with no surface wear.
• Inks are bright with only the slightest dimming of reflectivity.
• Generally well centered and secured to interior pages.
• Corners are cut square and sharp with ever-so-slight blunting permitted.
• A 1/16”-1/8” bend is permitted with no color break.
• Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location.
• Spine is tight and flat.
• Staples may show some discoloration.
• In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is not considered a defect.
• Any staple can be replaced on books up to Fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint. Mint books must have original staples.
• Paper is cream to off-white, supple and fresh.
• Centerfold is secure.
• Slight interior tears are allowed.

Does not have

• No creases.
• No soiling, staining or other discoloration apart from slight foxing.
• No spine roll or split allowed.
• No staple tears are allowed; almost no stress lines.
• No rust migration.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.

9.0 VERY FINE/NEAR MINT (VF/NM)

Nearly perfect with outstanding eye appeal.

May have

• A limited number of bindery defects are allowed.
• Almost flat cover with almost imperceptible wear.
• Inks are bright with slightly diminished reflectivity.
• An 1/8” bend is allowed if color is not broken.
• Corners are cut square and sharp with ever-so-slight blunting permitted but no creases.
• Several lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable.
• Spine is tight and flat.
• Staples may show some discoloration.
• Only the slightest staple tears are allowed.
• A very minor accumulation of stress lines may be present if they are nearly imperceptible.
• In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is not considered a defect.
• Any staple can be replaced on books up to Fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint. Mint books must have original staples.
• Paper is cream to off-white and supple.
• Centerfold is secure.
• Very minor interior tears may be present.

Does not have

• No obvious soiling, staining or other discoloration, except for very minor foxing.
• No spine roll or split allowed.
• No rust migration.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.

8.5 VERY FINE+ (VF+)

Fits the criteria for Very Fine but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book’s appearance by a perceptible amount.

8.0 VERY FINE (VF)

An excellent copy with outstanding eye appeal. Sharp, bright and clean with supple pages. A comic book in this grade has the appearance of having been carefully handled.

May have

• A limited accumulation of minor bindery defects is allowed.
• Cover is relatively flat with minimal surface wear beginning to show, possibly including some minute wear at corners.
• Inks are generally bright with moderate to high reflectivity.
• A 1/4” crease is acceptable if color is not broken.
• Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present.
• Spine is almost flat with no roll.
• Possible minor color break allowed.
• Staples may show some discoloration.
• Very slight staple tears and a few almost very minor to minor stress lines may be present.
• In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is not considered a defect.
• Any staple can be replaced on books up to Fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint. Mint books must have original staples.
• Paper is tan to cream and supple.
• Centerfold is mostly secure.
• Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.

Does not have

• No obvious soiling, staining or other discoloration, except for minor foxing.
• No rust migration.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.

7.5 VERY FINE– (VF–):

Fits the criteria for Very Fine but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book’s appearance by a perceptible amount.

7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF)

An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal.

May have

• A small accumulation of minor bindery defects is allowed.
• Minor cover wear beginning to show with interior yellowing or tanning allowed, possibly including minor creases.
• Corners may be blunted or abraded.
• Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity.
• Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present.
• The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break.
• Staples may show some discoloration.
• Slight staple tears and a slight accumulation of light stress lines may be present.
• Slight rust migration.
• In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is not considered a defect.
• Any staple can be replaced on books up to Fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint. Mint books must have original staples.
• Paper is tan to cream, but not brown.
• Centerfold is mostly secure.

Does not have

• No obvious soiling, staining or other discoloration, except for minor foxing.
• Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.
• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.

6.5 FINE+ (FN+)

Fits the criteria for Fine but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book’s appearance by a perceptible amount.

6.0 FINE (FN)

An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with no significant creasing or other serious defects. Eye appeal is somewhat reduced because of slight surface wear and the accumulation of small defects, especially on the spine and edges. A FINE condition comic book appears to have been read a few times and has been handled with moderate care.

May have

• Some accumulation of minor bindery defects is allowed.
• Minor cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases.
• Inks show a major reduction in reflectivity.
• Blunted or abraded corners are more common, as is minor staining, soiling, discoloration, and/or foxing.
• Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present.
• A minor spine roll is allowed.
• There can also be a 1/4” spine split or severe color break.
• Staples show minor discoloration.
• Minor staple tears and an accumulation of stress lines may be present, as well as minor rust migration.
• In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is not considered a defect.
• Any staple can be replaced on books up to Fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint. Mint books must have original staples.
• Paper is brown to tan and fairly supple with no signs of brittleness.
• Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.
• Centerfold may be loose but not detached.

Does not have

• No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.

5.5 FINE– (FN–)

Fits the criteria for Fine but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book’s appearance by a perceptible amount.

5.0 VERY GOOD/FINE (VG/FN)

An above-average but well-used comic book. A comic in this grade shows some moderate wear; eye appeal is somewhat reduced because of the accumulation of defects. Still a desirable copy that has been handled with some care.

May have

• An accumulation of bindery defects is allowed.
• Minor to moderate cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases and/or dimples.
• Inks have major to extreme reduction in reflectivity.
• Blunted or abraded corners are increasingly common, as is minor to moderate staining, discoloration, and/or foxing.
• Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present.
• A minor to moderate spine roll is allowed.
• A spine split of up to 1/2” may be present.
• Staples show minor discoloration.
• A slight accumulation of minor staple tears and an accumulation of minor stress lines may also be present, as well as minor rust migration.
• In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is not considered a defect.
• Any staple can be replaced on books up to Fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint. Mint books must have original staples.
• Paper is brown to tan with no signs of brittleness.
• May have the faintest trace of an acidic odor.
• Centerfold may be loose but not detached.
• Minor tears may also be present.

4.5 VERY GOOD+ (VG+)

Fits the criteria for Very Good but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book’s appearance by a perceptible amount.

4.0 VERY GOOD (VG)

The average used comic book. A comic in this grade shows some significant moderate wear, but still has not accumulated enough total defects to reduce eye appeal to the point that it is not a desirable copy.

May have

• Cover shows moderate to significant wear, and may be loose but not completely detached.
• Moderate to extreme reduction in reflectivity.
• Can have an accumulation of creases or dimples.
• Corners may be blunted or abraded.
• Store stamps, name stamps, arrival dates, initials, etc. have no effect on this grade.
• Some discoloration, fading, foxing, and even minor soiling is allowed.
• As much as a 1/4” triangle can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8” square is also acceptable.
• Only minor unobtrusive tape and other amateur repair allowed on otherwise high grade copies.
• Moderate spine roll may be present and/or a 1” spine split.
• Staples discolored.
• Minor to moderate staple tears and stress lines may be present, as well as some rust migration.
• Paper is brown but not brittle.
• A minor acidic odor can be detectable.
• Minor to moderate tears may be present.
• Centerfold may be loose or detached at one staple.

3.5 VERY GOOD– (VG-–)

Fits the criteria for Very Good but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book’s appearance by a perceptible amount.

3.0 GOOD/VERY GOOD (GD/VG)

A used comic book showing some substantial wear.

May have

• Cover shows significant wear, and may be loose or even detached at one staple.
• Cover reflectivity is very low.
• Can have a book-length crease and/or dimples.
• Corners may be blunted or even rounded.
• Discoloration, fading, foxing, and even minor to moderate soiling is allowed.
• A triangle from 1/4” to 1/2” can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8” to 1/4” square is also acceptable.
• Tape and other amateur repair may be present.
• Moderate spine roll likely.
• May have a spine split of anywhere from 1” to 1-1/2”.
• Staples may be rusted or replaced.
• Minor to moderate staple tears and moderate stress lines may be present, as well as some rust migration.
• Paper is brown but not brittle.
• Centerfold may be loose or detached at one staple.
• Minor to moderate interior tears may be present.

2.5 GOOD+ (GD+)

Fits the criteria for Good but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book’s appearance by a perceptible amount.

2.0 GOOD (GD)

Shows substantial wear; often considered a “reading copy.”

May have

• Cover shows significant wear and may even be detached.
• Cover reflectivity is low and in some cases completely absent.
• Book-length creases and dimples may be present.
• Rounded corners are more common.
• Moderate soiling, staining, discoloration and foxing may be present.
• The largest piece allowed missing from the front or back cover is usually a 1/2” triangle or a 1/4” square, although some Silver Age books such as 1960s Marvels have had the price corner box clipped from the top left front cover and may be considered Good if they would otherwise have graded higher.
• Tape and other forms of amateur repair are common in Silver Age and older books.
• Spine roll is likely.
• May have up to a 2” spine split.
• Staples may be degraded, replaced or missing.
• Moderate staple tears and stress lines may be present, as well as rust migration.
• Paper is brown but not brittle.
• Centerfold may be loose or detached.
• Moderate interior tears may be present.

1.8 GOOD– (GD–)

Fits the criteria for Good but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book’s appearance by a perceptible amount.

1.5 FAIR/GOOD (FR/GD)

A comic showing substantial to heavy wear. A copy in this grade still has all pages and covers, although there may be pieces missing up to and including missing coupons and/or Marvel Value Stamps that do not impact the story. Books in this grade are commonly creased, scuffed, abraded, soiled, and possibly unattractive, but still generally readable.

May have

• Cover shows considerable wear and may be detached.
• Nearly no reflectivity to no reflectivity remaining.
• Store stamp, name stamp, arrival date and initials are permitted.
• Book-length creases, tears and folds may be present.
• Rounded corners are increasingly common.
• Soiling, staining, discoloration and foxing is generally present.
• Up to 1/10 of the back cover may be missing.
• Tape and other forms of amateur repair are increasingly common in Silver Age and older books.
• Spine roll is common.
• May have a spine split between 2” and 2/3 the length of the book.
• Staples may be degraded, replaced or missing.
• Staple tears and stress lines are common, as well as rust migration.
• Paper is brown and may show brittleness around the edges.
• Acidic odor may be present.
• Centerfold may be loose or detached.
• Interior tears are common.

1.0 FAIR (FR)

A copy in this grade shows heavy wear. Some collectors consider this the lowest collectible grade because comic books in lesser condition are usually incomplete and/or brittle. Comics in this grade are usually soiled, faded, ragged and possibly unattractive. This is the last grade in which a comic remains generally readable. Cover may be detached, and inks have lost all reflectivity. Creases, tears and/or folds are prevalent. Corners are commonly rounded or absent. Soiling and staining is present. Books in this condition generally have all pages and most of the covers, although there may be up to 1/4 of the front cover missing or no back cover, but not both. Tape and other forms of amateur repair are more common. Spine roll is more common; spine split can extend up to 2/3 the length of the book. Staples may be missing or show rust and discoloration. An accumulation of staple tears and stress lines may be present, as well as rust migration. Paper is brown and may show brittleness around the edges but not in the central portion of the pages. Acidic odor may be present. Accumulation of interior tears. Chunks may be missing. The centerfold may be missing if readability is generally preserved (although there may be difficulty). Coupons may be cut.

0.5 POOR (PR)

Most comic books in this grade have been sufficiently degraded to the point where there is little or no collector value; they are easily identified by a complete absence of eye appeal. Comics in this grade are brittle almost to the point of turning to dust with a touch, and are usually incomplete.

May have

• Extreme cover fading may render the cover almost indiscernible.
• May have extremely severe stains, mildew or heavy cover abrasion to the point that some cover inks are indistinct/absent.
• Covers may be detached with large chunks missing.
• Can have extremely ragged edges and extensive creasing.
• Corners are rounded or virtually absent.
• Covers may have been defaced with paints, varnishes, glues, oil, indelible markers or dyes, and may have suffered heavy water damage.
• Can also have extensive amateur repairs such as laminated covers.
• Extreme spine roll present; can have extremely ragged spines or a complete, book-length split.
• Staples can be missing or show extreme rust and discoloration.
• Extensive staple tears and stress lines may be present, as well as extreme rust migration.
• Paper exhibits moderate to severe brittleness (where the comic book literally falls apart when examined).
• Extreme acidic odor may be present.
• Extensive interior tears.
• Multiple pages, including the centerfold, may be missing that affect readability.
• Coupons may be cut.

0.3 INCOMPLETE (INC)

Books that are coverless, but are otherwise complete, or covers missing their interiors.

0.1 INCOMPLETE (INC)

Coverless copies that have incomplete interiors, wraps or single pages will receive a grade of .1 as will just front covers or just back covers.

CGC Standard Grading Scale

Below is the “standard comic book grading scale” as specified by the CGC comic book grading system.

CGC Standard Comic Book Grading Scale

Gem Mint 10

The highest grade assigned on the CGC comic book grading scale. The collectible must have no evidence of any manufacturing or handling defects.

Mint 9.9

The collectible is nearly indistinguishable from a 10.0 but will have a very minor manufacturing defect. It will not have any evidence of handling defects.

NM/M 9.8

A nearly perfect collectible with negligible handling or manufacturing defects.

NM+ 9.6

A very well-preserved collectible with several minor manufacturing or handling defects.

NM 9.4

A very well-preserved collectible with minor wear and small manufacturing or handling defects.

NM- 9.2

A very well-preserved collectible with some wear and small manufacturing or handling defects.

VF/NM 9.0

A very well-preserved collectible with good eye appeal. There will be a number of minor handling and/or manufacturing defects.

VF+ 8.5

An attractive collectible with a moderate defect or a number of small defects.

VF 8.0

An attractive collectible with a moderate defect or an accumulation of small defects.

VF- 7.5

An above-average collectible with a moderate defect or an accumulation of small defects.

FN/VF 7.0

An above-average collectible with a major defect or an accumulation of small defects.

FN+ 6.5

An above-average collectible with a major defect and some smaller defects, or a significant accumulation of small defects.

FN 6.0

A slightly above-average collectible with a major defect and some smaller defects, or a significant accumulation of small defects.

FN- 5.5

A slightly above-average collectible with several moderate defects.

VG/FN 5.0

An average collectible with several moderate defects.

VG+ 4.5

A slightly below-average collectible with multiple moderate defects.

VG 4.0

A below-average collectible with multiple moderate defects.

VG- 3.5

A below-average collectible with several major defects or an accumulation of multiple moderate defects.

G/VG 3.0

A collectible that shows significant evidence of handling with several moderate-to-major defects.

G 2.5

A collectible that shows extensive evidence of handling with multiple moderate-to-major defects.

G 2.0

A collectible that shows extensive evidence of handling with numerous moderate-to-major defects.

G- 1.8

A collectible that shows extensive evidence of handling with numerous major defects.

Fa/G 1.5

A collectible that shows extensive evidence of handling with a heavy accumulation of major defects.

Fa 1.0

A very poorly handled collectible with a heavy accumulation of major defects.

Poor 0.5

A heavily defaced collectible with a number major defects. Some pieces will also be missing.

CGC Page quality guide

Every comic book grading system takes into account the quality level of the paper. White garners the highest score on the comic book grading scale and drifts lower as the pages become darker.

White

Paper that appears the same or very near the same as the day it was printed. Only the slightest traces of aging are allowed to a small area, such as the corner. Most comic books printed after 1990 exhibit white pages due to the discontinued use of pulp paper in printing comic books at that time. Only a white page designation is allowed in the 10.0 grade.

Off-White to White

Paper that is still white, but exhibits very slight aging to the outer edges. A significant number of comic books from the mid ‘70s to late ‘80s exhibit this page quality. This designation is the lowest allowed in the 9.9 grade.

Off-White

Paper that exhibits very light aging through the middle of each page, or white pages that exhibit light aging to the outer edges. With rare exception, comic books considered for the grade of 9.8 or better must achieve at least an off-white page designation.

Cream to Off-White

Paper that appears white or off-white in the middle with aged outer edges, or exhibits an overall aged color that is more close to brown than white. This page quality is most prevalent in comic books from the ‘30s, 40’s and ‘50s, but also includes a significant number of Silver Age comic books as well.

Cream

Rarely given, this designation is for pages that are a uniform cream in color from the edges to the middle of each page. Early Silver Age DC’s tend to exhibit cream pages more often than other comics from the same time period.

Light Tan to Off-White

Paper that still appears off-white in the middle of each page, but the edges have developed a tanned appearance considerably darker than cream to off-white. This type of page quality is common among file copies, particularly from Dell and Harvey. A comic book cannot achieve a grade higher than 8.5 with this page quality.

Light Tan to Cream

Similar to light tan to off-white, but the center of each page exhibits a cream color, while the edges are darker.

Light Tan

Like cream pages, this category is for interior pages that exhibit a uniform color edges to middle, but are slightly darker than cream.

Tan to Off-White

Similar to light tan to off-white pages, but the edges of the pages are darker. The best grade a comic book can achieve with this page quality is 7.5.

Tan to Cream

The same as tan to off-white, but the center of the pages are darker.

Tan

Dark colored pages that exhibit a uniform tint from edges to middle.

Dark Tan to Off-White

Pages that are very dark on the edges, but still retain off-white color in the middle.

Dark Tan

Pages that exhibit a very dark, uniform tint from edges to middle, but show no signs of brittleness.

Brown to Off-White

Extremely dark pages that still exhibit off-white color in the middle, and yet do not show signs of brittleness.

Brown to Tan

Extremely dark pages with a slightly less dark tint to the middle of each page.

Brown

Pages that exhibit a uniform color of extreme darkness edges to middle, but do not show signs of brittleness.

Brown / Brittle

Pages that are uniformly extremely dark, but are beginning to show slight signs of brittleness, such as corner chipping or edge tears that have formed from handling.

CGC Brittle Designation Guide

Paper brittleness increases over time. The rate of decay is impacted by how well the comic book is stored. Brittle paper is given a lower score on the comic book grading scale and decreases the value of the comic book.

Slightly Brittle

This grade refers more to the structural integrity of the interior paper than its color. Slightly brittle pages exhibit slight splitting to top and bottom spine of interior pages or minor chipping to the corners. Both slightly brittle and brittle pages may not necessarily appear brown or tan in color, particularly if the brittleness is relegated to only one edge or corner of a comic book. The highest grade achievable with a slightly brittle page designation is 6.5.

Brittle

This page designation refers strictly to the compromised structural integrity of the interior paper, which exhibits either heavy multiple spine splits, corner and edge chipping, or both. In some cases pages can appear off-white or white, but suffer from an isolated area of brittleness along the spine that has caused heavy splitting. Brittle pages are sometimes impossible to restore because of their fragile nature. The highest grade allowed for brittle interior pages is 3.5.

Pink and Blue Pages

Pink

This page designation is given to a small number of Golden Age comic books that were printed with pink tinted paper, particularly late ‘40s comics published by Fox. Pink is essentially equal to white in this instance.

Cream to Pink

These pages exhibit the same aging as cream to off-white, showing tanning along the edges with a clean pink tint in the middle. Ascertaining the page quality of pink pages is more difficult due to the lack of contrast between the color pink and brown, as compared to white and brown.

Tan to Pink

This designation is similar to cream to pink pages, but the edges are considerably darker.

Blue

Similar to pink pages, this grade is given in those rare instances when comic books were printed on blue tinted paper. Fox publications also occasionally used blue paper when printing their comic books in the late ‘40s.

The difference in certified and uncertified comic books

Comic books can be professionally certified by a 3rd party grading company such as CGC. For a fee, CGC company will assess and grade your comic book (using their CGC comic book grading scale), verify any autographs, and place them in sealed protective cases. Certified comic books are known as “graded” or “slabbed” comics.

Uncertified comic books are more common and are graded by the comic book owner themselves. These are known as “ungraded” or “raw” comics. There is nothing wrong with grading your own comic book since the cost of a professional grading service may exceed the value of the comic book itself.

Common comic book flaws to consider when grading a comic book

There is no hard and fast rule for any comic book grading scale. A degree of experience is required. When grading a comic book, look for these common defects and flaws. Subtract 1/10 of a point for each flaw found – subtract more if the flaw is severe.

Color Loss

Look for reduced color saturation to only parts of the comic’s color.

Fading

Fading is a specific type of color loss. Look for fading due to sun damage or reduced color saturation of the entire comic book cover.

Color Breaks

Color breaks are another type of Color Loss but localized to a specific part of the cover. Color breaks interrupt the color changes on a comic book cover. For instance, white lines caused by creases are a type of color break.

Color Flakes

Look for flakes in the paper greater than 1mm in diameter. The white paper beneath the color will be visible where the flake was removed.

Color Fleck

Look for flakes in the color less than or equal to 1mm in diameter. The white paper beneath the color will be visible where the fleck was removed.

Yellowing

Look for yellowing of the comic book pages due to age (and overexposure to moisture and oxidation). A gauge such as The OWL Card can be used to determine the degree of yellowing.

Yellowing is very common with older comic books that were not printed on quality paper. Thus, you rarely see high grade pre-80s comic books.

Foxing

Look for bacterial or fungal damage to the paper. This typically appears as discolored orange-brown splotches or spotting.

Missing Pages

Look for missing pages or pages that have been torn. This type of damage can be broken down further as follows.

Missing Centerfold: the stapled, four-page middle sheet of the comic is missing.

Missing Coupon: A coupon has been clipped or cut from the comic book.

Missing Digital Code Cover: The digital code, the sticky piece that covers the digital copy code, is missing.

Removed or Lost Pages: Pages that have been detached or are missing entirely.

Chip Cut: A piece of page smaller than 1 square millimeter is missing.

Glasses Detached or Missing: The red/green cellophane 3D glasses are not attached to the comic book.

No Cover: The entire cover is missing.

Rusty Staple or Staple Migration

Look for rust stains around the page staples.

Chipping

Look for chips at the top, bottom, and right edges of the cover. Determine how brittle interior pages are when handled.

Paper Loss

Look for loss of paper due to tape being pulled, scuffing or abrasion, or chemical reactions.

Stripped Cover

A stripped cover is a cover missing 1/2 to 1/3 of its cover page, typically the top part of the cover. In the early days, retailers were allowed to “strip” covers and mail back the strip for credit on unsold copies. Most retailers broke the law and resold the comic book that was supposed to be destroyed.

Tears and Holes

Look for holes or splits in pages caused by the comic being pulled apart.

Scuffing

Look for light abrasions that may not have damaged the color but have interrupted the surface gloss of the comic book.

Spine Stress

Look for spine stress. This shows as a small fold or crease perpendicular to the comic book’s spine.

Spine Rolls

Look for dips, curves, or bowing on the cover along the spine that indicates the comic has been improperly stored.

Spine Split

Look for separation at the spine fold, usually around the staple.

Bindery Tear

Look for horizontal rips in the comic book’s cover that can be seen on both the front and the back.

Stress Lines

Look for bends along the spine (results from mishandling the comic book).

Blunted Corners

Look for dented or dull corners of the comic book cover and pages.

Abraded Corner

Look for corner areas that are rough.

Creases

Look for any heavy folds in the paper that cause a crease.

Denting

Look for indentations in the paper that make the surface uneven. Extensive denting can be caused by water damage.

Dust or Sun Shadow

Look for dark stripes on the edges that indicate the comic book has been exposed to dusty conditions for some time or has suffered from prolonged exposure to light.

Rat or Mouse Chew

Look for nicks and missing pieces that hint the comic was damaged by gnawing rats.

Dirty (Soiling)

Look for dirt or soiled covers and pages.

Direct Damage

Look for damage that is not due to normal wear and tear. This type of damage varies widely but is typically due to careless handling or storage of the comic book. Here are a few examples.

Tape Residue

Look for residue where cellophane tape has been removed.

Smells

Look for unusual smells such as mothball smell.

Eraser Marks

Look for eraser marks that dull or completely remove color from a page or cover.

Binder Holes

Non-collectors will sometimes punch holes into comic books for binding in a three-ring binder. Although great for storage and use, it severely impacts the comic book’s value.

Writing or Drawing

Look for extraneous non-production writing or drawing on the comic.

Water Damage

Look for signs of water damage including staining or swollen paper.

Store Stamps

Look for a store name, address, or date stamped in ink via a rubber stamp or stamp pad.

Production and Shipping Issues

Although not the fault of the buyer, production and shipping issues are considered defects and impact the value of a comic book and lower its comic book grading scale score. Look for the following issues.

Printing/Manufacturing Defect

Look for paper wrinkling, misfolded spines, untrimmed pages (Siamese pages), off-center trimming, misfolded and misbound pages.

Subscription Crease

Look for creases down the center of the comic that could be caused by the comic being folded for mailing.

Double Cover

Look for an extra cover stapled on during manufacturing.

Cockling

Look for bubbling on the cover (a printing defect).

Black Cover

Pay particular attention to black covers. Black covers tend to more easily reveal creasing, fading, scuffing, and color loss.

Bound Short (Joined Pages or Siamese Pages)

Look for pages that are not properly separated along their right edges.

Ink Skip or Ink Spray

Look for streaks or blank spots where ink was not properly applied during printing.

Miswrapped

Look for spines and staples not properly placed or centered causing part of the back cover to be visible from the front (or vice-versa).

Pages out of Order

Look for pages that were bound in the wrong order.

Restoration Work

Restoration work improves the personal value but still detracts from the overall value of a comic book and lowers its comic book grading scale score. Look for evidence of cleaning, color touch-ups, and pages that have been trimmed to make them sharper. Determine if the cover has been reattached using glue.

Note that a Non-Original Cover automatically gives the comic a No Grade (NG).

Damage that is not considered a defect

Not all damage is necessarily a defect. The following of often miscategorized as a defect.

Distributor Stripes

Distributor stripes are blue, green, red, or yellow 1″ wide stripes found along the top edge of the comic book. They are color codes used by the distributor for more efficient distribution. They are not considered a defect.

Pressing

Pressing is the process of dry pressing the comic book to remove dents, folds, and dimples. It does not devalue the comic book in any way and in fact, typically improves the comic’s value.

Perforations

Some comics may have tiny perforations in the page margins that were remnants of the manufacturing process. These produce the satisfying “clicks” heard when a page is first pulled apart. They are not considered defects and in fact, may prove that a comic book has been unread, which of course raises its comic book grading scale score.

Print Though

Print can sometimes be seen on the reverse side of the page or cover (particularly common with white covers). This print through is not necessarily considered a defect.