Grading
(Books / Trade Paperbacks / Graphic Novels)
(Cards)
(Comic Books)
Books / Trade Paperbacks / Graphic Novels
New
This is a new item and is sold as it comes shipped from the manufacturer. It appears to have never been read or fingered through. If it’s not perfect, it’s shelf damage or because it must have been jostled around a bit in shipping (ie: light scratches in the clear coat of the cover).
Used
Both from and back cover are intact and attached but may show wear. Spine may be creased because this book would have been read. All pages are intact and attached securely to the spine. No writing is present on the front or back covers, although it may have a price sticker. The appearance of this item would be that of a “used” book but not an abused book.
(Cards)
We have one guy that grades all of our cards (CCG, Non-Sports, Sports etc.) He uses a traditional CCG grading system. Grading is highly subjective and it seems like everyone has an opinion as to what grade a card should be, ours is listed in the profile for each of our cards.
Ungraded (U)
Cards in this condition would normally be graded between Moderately Played to Near Mint
Near Mint (NM)
Cards in Near Mint condition show minimal to no wear from shuffling, play or handling and should have an unmarked surface, crisp corners, and unblemished edges outside of minimal handling. Cards in Near Mint condition look fresh out of the pack, and edges and surface should be free from nearly all flaws.
Lightly Played (LP)
Cards in Lightly Played condition may have minor border or corner wear, or even just slight scuffs or scratches. There are no major defects, and there are three or less flaws in the card. Foils in Lightly Played condition may also have slight fading or signs of wear on the front of the card.
Moderately Played (MP)
Cards in Moderately Played condition show moderate wear, or flaws visible to the naked eye. Cards in Moderately Played condition may have moderate border wear, mild corner wear, water damage, scratching or scuffing, creases or whitening, minor dirt buildup, or any combination of mild examples of these defects.
Heavily Played (HP)
Cards in Heavily Played condition show a severe amount of wear. Heavily Played condition can include cards that have major creasing, folding, heavy water damage, heavy whitening, heavy border wear, or tearing.
Damaged (D)
Cards in Damaged condition can exhibit a tear, bend, or crease that may make the card illegal for tournament play, even in a sleeve. Cards in Damaged condition may have extreme border wear, have been written on or major inking (white-bordered cards that are markered on front to look black-bordered), extreme corner wear, heavy scratching or scuffing, folds, creases or tears. Cards with non-factory inking are considered defects, and are listed as Damaged.
Comic Books
(Ungraded)
(10.0)
(9.9)
(9.8)
(9.6)
(9.4)
(9.2)
(9.0)
(8.5)
(8.0)
(7.5)
(7.0)
(6.5)
(6.0)
(5.5)
(5.0)
(4.5)
(4.0)
(3.5)
(3.0)
(2.5)
(2.0)
(1.8)
(1.5)
(1.0)
(0.5)
We have one guy that grades all of our comic books. He uses the "Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide" to determine what a particular grade he believes a comic book will earn. Grading is highly subjective and it seems like everyone has an opinion as to what grade a comic book should be, ours is listed in the profile for each of our comic books.
Ungraded
As you peruse our inventory you will see comics listed as "EEO Comic Book Grade (Ungraded)" This represents a comic book that has not gained enough value to warrant the extra time it takes to grade. You may think of these as "Reader" comics. Meaning, you shouldn't be afraid to read them because at this point they do not have extraordinary monetary value.
Q: Does that mean the staples are falling out?!?
A: No, generally if these comics were to be graded they would fall somewhere between; 3.0 Good / Very Good & 10.0 Gem Mint.
10.0 Gem Mint (GM)
This is an exceptional example of a given book - the best ever seen. The slightest bindery defects and / or printing flaws may be seen only upon very close inspection. The overall look is "as if it has never been handled or released for purchase."
Bindery / Printing Defects
Only the slightest bindery or printing defects are allowed, and these would be imperceptible on first views. no bindery tears.
Cover / Exterior
Flat with no surface wear. Inks are bright with high reflectivity. Well centered and firmly secure to interior pages. Corners are cut square and sharp. no creases. No dates or stamped markings allowed. No soiling, staining or other discoloration.
Spine
Tight and flat. No spine roll or split allowed.
Staples
Must be original, centered and clean with no rust. No staple tears or stress lines.
Paper / Interior
Paper is white, supple, and fresh. No hint of acidity in the color of the newsprint. No interior
autographs or owner signatures. Centerfold is firmly secure. No interior tears.
We will never grade a comic book as a 10.0 Gem Mint
9.9 Mint (MT)
Near perfect in every way. The overall look is "as if it was just purchased."
Bindery Defects
Only Subtel bindery or printing defects are allowed. No bindery tears.
Cover / Exterior
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. No creases. Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location. No soiling, staining or other discoloration.
Spine
Tight and flat. no spine roll or split allowed.
Staples
Must be original, generally centered and clean with no rust. No staple tears or stress lines.
Paper / Interior
Paper is white, supple and fresh. No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint. Centerfold is
firmly secure. no interior tears.
9.8 Near Mint / Mint (NM/MT)
Nearly perfect in every way only minor imperfections that keep it from the next higher grade. The
overall look is "as if it was just purchased."
Bindery Defects
Only subtle bindery or printing defects are allowed. No bindery tears.
Cover / Exterior
Flat with no surface wear. Ink are bright with high reflectivity. Generally well centered and
firmly secured to interior pages. Corners are cut square and sharp. No creases. Small,
inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they
are in an unobtrusive location. No soiling, staining or other discoloration.
Spine
Tight and flat. No spine roll or split allowed.
Staples
Must be original, generally centered and clean with no rust. No staple tears or stress lines.
Paper / Interior
Paper is off-white to white, supple and fresh. No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.
Centerfold is firmly secure. only the slightest interior tears are allowed.
9.6 Neat 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."
Bindery Defects
Only subtle bindery or printing defects are allowed. No bindery tears are allowed, although
Golden Age books bindery tears of up to 1/8" have been noted.
Cover / Exterior
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. No soiling, staining or other
discoloration.
Spine
Tight and flat. No spine roll or split allowed.
Staples
Must be original, generally cenered, with only the slightest discoloration. No staple tears,
stress lines, or rust migration.
Paper / Interior
Paper is off-white, supple and fresh. No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint. Centerfold
is firmly secure. Only the slightest interior tears are allowed.
9.4 Near Mint (NM)
Nearly perfect with only minor imperfections that keep it from the next higher grade. the overall
look is "as if it was just purchased and read once or twice."
Bindery Defects
Subtle defects are allowed. Bindery tears must be less than 1/16" on Silver Age and later books,
although Golden Age books bindery tears of up to 1/4" have been noted.
Cover / Exterior
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. No creases. Small, inconspicuous,
lightly pensiled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an
unobtrusive location. No soiling, staining, or other discoloration apart from slight foxing.
Spine
Tight and flat. No spine roll or split allowed.
Staples
Generally centered; may have slight discoloration. no staple tears are allowed; almost no stress
lines. No rust migration. In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has
a missing staplel 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 / Interior
Paper is cream to off-white, supple and fresh. No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.
Centerfold is secure. Slight interior tears are allowed.
9.2 Near Mint- (NM-)
Nearly perfect with only a minor additional defect or defects that keep it from Near Mint. The
overall look is "as if it was just purchased and read once or twice."
Bindery Defects
A limited number of defects are allwoed.
Cover / Exterior
Almost flatwith almost imperceptible wear. Inks are bright and slightly diminshed 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. no obvious soiling, staining or other discoloration, except for very minor
foxing.
Spine
Tight and flat. No spine roll or split allowed.
Staples
Staples may show some dsicoloration. only the slightest staple tears are allowed. A very minor
accumulation of tress lines may be present if they are nearly imperceptible. No 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 / Interior
Paper is cream to off-white and supple. No hint of acidity in odor of the newsprint. Centerfold
is secure. Very minor interior tears may be present.
9.0 Very Fine / Near Mint (VF/NM)
Nearly perfect with outstanding eye appeal. The overall look is "as if it was just purchased and
read a few times."
Bindery Defects
A limited number of defects are allowed.
Cover / Exterior
Almost flat 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. No obvious soiling, staining, or other discoloration, except for
very minor foxing.
Spine
Tight and flat. No spine roll or split allowed.
Staples
Staples may show some discoloration. Only the lightest tears are allowed. A very minor
accumulation of stress lines may be present if they are nearly imperceptible. No rust migrations.
In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is
not considered a defect. Any staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint books must
have original staples.
Paper / Interior
Paper is cream to off-white and supple. No hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint.
centerfold is secure. Very minor interior tears may be present.
Collectors should throughly examine any such book for restoration, particularly in the case of pre-1965 books. This is a crucial grade that is often misused when a book actually falls in either Very Fine or Near Mint.
8.5 Very Fine+ (VF+)
An almost near perfect 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.
Bindery Defects
A limited accumulation of minor defects is allowed. One or two more than the Very Fine / Near
Mint grade.
Cover / Exterior
Almost flat with slight surface wear, possibly including some wear at one of the corners. Inks
are generally bright with high reflectivity. A 1/8" - 1/4" bend is acceptable is color is not
broken. Accumulation of several lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates may be present.
No obvious soiling, stained or other discoloration, except for very minor foxing.
Spine
Almost flat with no roll. Very minor color break allowed.
Staples
Staples may show some discoloration. Very slight staple tears and an accumulation of very minor
lines may be present. No 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 / Interior
Paper is cream and supple. Centerfold is mostly secure. Very minor interior tears may be
present.
8.0 Very Fine (VF)
An excellent copy with outstandingeye appeal. Sahrp, bright and clean with supple pages. A comic
in this grade has the appearance of having been carefully handled.
Bindery Defects
A limited accumulation of minor defects is allowed.
Cover / Exterior
Realatively 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 arrval dates may be present. No obvious
soiiling, staining or other discoloration, except for minor foxing.
Spine
Almost flat with no roll. Possible minor color break allowed.
Staples
Staples may show some discoloration. Very slight staple tears and a few almost very minor to
minor stress lines may be present. No 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 / Interior
Paper is tan to cream and supple. no hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint. Centerfold is
mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.
7.5 Very Fine- (VF-)
An above average copy that shows very minor wear but is till relatively flat and clean with
outstanding eye appeal. A copy with slightly more wear than a Very Fine copy. Sharp, bright and
clean with supple pages. A comic book in this grade has the appearance of having been carefully
handled.
Bindery Defects
A Slight accumulation of minor defects is allowed.
Cover / Exterior
Mostly flat with minimal surface wear begining to show, with slight yellowing or tanning allowed,
possibly including some weat at corners. Inks are generally bright with slight to moderate
reflectivity. 1/4" to 1/2" bend with very slight color break allowed. Stamped or inked arrival
dates may be present. Minor foxing may be present.
Spine
Nearly flat with a possible minor to moderate color break allowed.
Staples
Some discoloration allowed. Accumulation of slight staple tears and a few minor stress lines may
be present. Slight rust migration allowed. 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 / Interior
Paper is light tan to cream and supple. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears in
margins may be present.
7.0 Fine / Very Fine (F/VF)
An above average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with
outstanding eye appeal. A comic book in this grade appears to have been read a few times and has
been handled with care.
Bindery Defects
A small accumulation of minor defects is allowed.
Cover / Exterior
Minor wear beginning to show with interior yellowing or tanning allowed, possibly including minor
creases. Corners may be blunted or abraded. Ink are generally bright with a moderate reduction in
reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. No obvious soiling, staining or
other discoloration, expect for minor foxing.
Spine
The slightest roll may be present, as well as a pobbile moderate color break.
Staples
Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a slight accumulation of light
stress lines may be oresent. 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 / Interior
Paper is tan to cream, but not brown. no hint of acidity in the odor of the newsprint. Centerfold
is mostly secure. Minor i nterior tears at the margin may be present.
6.5 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 slightly reduced because of light
surface wear and the accumulation of small defects, especially on the spine and edges. A Fine+
comic book appear to have been read a few times and has been handled with moderate care.
Bindery Defects
Small of moderate accumulation of minor defects is allowed. One or two more than the Fine / Very
Fine grade.
Cover / Exterior
Minimal to minor wear beginning to show, possibly including some wear at corners. Inks show a
moderate to major reduction in reflectivity. Blunted or abraded corners are beginning to appear.
Minor accumulation of creases are apparent. Stamped or inked arrival daes may be present. Slight
discoloration, staining or foxing.
Spine
Slight to minor spine roll is allowed. There can also be a 1/8" spine split or color break at
spine.
Staples
Staples show some discoloration. Slight to minor staple tears and are slight accumulation of
minor stress lines may be present. Slight to minor rust migration. In rare cases, a comic was not
stapled at the bindery. In rare cases, a comic is 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 / Interior
Paper is light tan to cream, not brown. centerfold may be slight loose. Minor interior tears at
the margin may be present.
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 teh 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.
Bindery Defects
Some accumulation of minor defects is allowed.
Cover / Exterior
Minor 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.
Spine
A minor spine roll is allowed. There can also be a 1/4" spine split or severe color break.
Staples
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 is 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 / Interior
Paper is brown to tan and fairy supple with no signs of brittleness. No hint of acidity in the
odor of the newsprint. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. centerfold may be loose
but not detached.
5.5 Fine- (FN-)
An average to above average copy that shows moderate wear. Eye appeal is somewhat reduced because
of the accumulation of defects. Still a desirable copy that has been handled with some care.
Bindery Defects
A moderate accumulation of defects allowed.
Cover / Exterior
Minor surface wear showing, with heightened yellowing or tanning allowed; wear at corners more
common. Inks show major reduction in reflectivity. Minor to moderate creases with slight
dimpling. Stamped or inked arrival dates allowed. Minor accumulated of discoloration, staining or
foxing may be present.
Spine
A minor spine role is allowed. Spine can have a 1/4" - 1/2" split or color break at spine.
Staples
Staples show discoloration. Minor staple tears and an accumulation of stress lines may be present
as well as minor rust migration. In rare cases, a comic is 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 / Interior
Paper is brown to tan and fairly supple with no sighns of brittleness. Centerfold is loose, but
one detached. Minor interior tears may be present.
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.
Bindery Defects
An accumulation of defects is allowed.
Cover / Exterior
Minor to moderate 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 fates may be
present.
Spine
A minor to moderate spine roll is allowed. A spine split of up to 1/2" may be present.
Staples
Staples show minor discoloration. A slight accumulation of minor staple tears and an accumulation
of minor stress lines may alo be present, as well as minor rust migration. In rare cases, a comic
is 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 / Interior
Paper is brown to tan with no signs of brittleness. May have the faintest traces of an acidic
odor. Centerfold may be loose but not detached. Minor tears may also be present.
4.5 Very Good+ (VG+)
An average comic book with less wear and defects than one in Very Good. A comic in this grade
shows some moderate wear, but still has enough eye appeal to be a desirable copy.
Cover / Exterior
Cover shows moderate wear, and may be loose but not completely detached. Major to extreme
reduction in reflectivily. Can have moderate accumulated of creases or dimples. Corners may be
blunted or abdraded. Store stamps, name stamps, arrival dates, initials, etc. have no effect on
this grade. moderate discoloration, fading, and / or foxing. As much as 1/8" triangle can be
missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/6" square is also acceptable. Only minor amateur
repair allowed on otherwise high grade copies.
Spine
Minor to moderate roll may be present and a 1/2" - 1" spine split / color break.
Staples
Staples discolored. Accumulation of minor staples tears and stress lines may be present, as well
as rust migration.
Paper / Interior
Paper is brown to tan, supple but not brittle. A minor acidic odor can be detectable. Minor tears
throughout book may be present. centerfold may be loose or detached and collectable. The best
known copies of some pre-1965 books are in this grade range.
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 teh point that it is not a
desirable copy.
Cover / Exterior
Covers 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 aceptable.
only minor unobtrusive tape and other amateur repair allowed on otherwise high grade copies.
Spine
Moderate roll may be present and / or a 1" spine split.
Staples
Staples discolored. Minor to moderate staples tears and stress lines may be present, as well as
some rust migraton.
Paper / Interior
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-)
An average comic book with more wear and defects than one in Very Good. A comic in this grade
shows some significant moderate wear, but still has not accumulated enough total defects to
reduce eye appeal to this point that it is not desirable copy.
Cover / Exterior
Cover shows moderate to significant wear, and may be loose and almost completely detached. Major
to erxtreme reduction in reflectivity. Moderate accumulated of creases or dimples. Corners may be
blunted or abraded. Store stamps, name stamps, arrival stamps, initials, etc. have not effect on
this grade. Accumulated of discoloration, fading, foxing, and even minor soiling is allowed. As
much as 1/4" triangle can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8" square is also
acceptable. Only minor amateur repair allowed on otherwise high grade copies.
Spine
Moderate roll and a 1" spine split with possible color break.
Staples
Staples dsicolored. Minor to moderate staple tears and stress lines may be present, as well as
some rust migration.
Paper / Interior
Paper is brown but not brittle. A minor acidic odor can be detectable. Minor to moderate interior
tears may be present. Centerfold may be loose or detached at one staple. Comics in this condition
are still desirable and collectable. The best known copies of some pre-1965 books are in this
grade range.
3.0 Good / Very Good (G/VG)
A used comic book showing some substantilal wear. A copy in this grade has all pages and covers,
although there may be small pieces mising. Still a reasonably desirable copy and completely
readable.
Cover / Exterior
Cover shows significant wear, and may be loose or even deteached at one staple. Cover
reflectivity is very low. Can have a book-length crease and / or minor dimples. Corners may be
blunted, abraded or even slightly rounded. Store stamps, name stamps, arrival dates, initials
etc. have no effort on this grade. An accumulation of 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.
Spine
Moderate roll likely. May have a spine split of anywhere from 1" to 1.5".
Staples
May be rusted or replaced. Minor to moderate staple tears and moderate stress lines may be
present, as well as some rust migration.
Staples
Paper / Interior
Paper is brown but not brittle. A minor to moderate acidic odor can be detectable. Centerfold may
be loose or detached at one staple. Minor to moderate tears may be present.
2.5 Good+ (GD+)
This grade shows substantial wear but less than a good copy. Comics in this grade have all pages
and covers, although there may be small pieces missing. Books in this grade are commonly creased,
scuffed, abraided, soiled, but still completely readable.
Cover / Exterior
Cover shows significant wear and may even be loose or partially detached. Nearly none to no
reflectivity. Store stamp, namp stamp, arrival date and initials are permitted. Near book-length
creases and dimples may be present. Blunted, abraded or slightly rounded corners are common.
moderate soiling, staining, discoloration and foxing may be present. The largest piece allowed
missing from the front or back cover is usually 1/2" triangle or a 1/4" square. Tape and other
forms of amateur repair are common in Silver Age and older books.
Spine
Moderate roll islikely. May have up to an 1.5" split with accumulation of color breaks.
Staples
Staples may be rusted or replaced. Moderate staple tears and stress lines may be present, as well
as some rust migration.
Paper / Interior
Paper brown but not brittle. A minor to moderate acidic odor may be present. Centerfold may be
loose or detached. moderate interior tears may be present.
A comic book in Good+ condition can have a moderate to large accumulated of defects but still preserves readibility with all coupons still inatct.
2.0 Good (GD)
This grade shows substaintail wear; often considered a "reading copy." Comics in this grade have
all pages and covers, although there may be small pieces missing. Books in this grade are
commonly creased, scuffed, abraided, soiled, but still completely readable.
Cover / Exterior
Cover shows significant wear and may even be detached. Nearly no reflectivity to no reflectivity.
Store stamp, name stamp, arrival date and initials are permitted. Book-length creases and dimples
may be present. Dounded 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
1/2" triangle or 1/4" square, although some Silver Age books such as 1960's Marvel 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
Definite roll likely. May have up to a 2" spine split.
Staples
Staples may be degraded, replaced or missing. Moderate staple tears and stress lines are commonm
we asll as rust migration.
Paper / Interior
Paper is brown but not brittle. A moderate acidic odor may be present. Centerfold may be loose or
detached Moderate tears may be present.
Some of the most collectable comic books are rarely found in better than Good condition. Most collectors consider this the lowest collectable grade because comic books in lesser condition are often incomplete and / or brittle. Traditionally, collectors have sometimes found it difficult to differentiate this grade from the next lower grade, Fair. This task can be simplified if one remembers that a comic book in Good condition can have moderate to large accumulation of defects but still preserves readability.
1.8 Good- (GD-)
A comic showing substantial to heavy wear. A copy in this grade still has all pages and covers,
although there ay be pieces missing. Books in this grade are commonly creased, scuffed, abraded,
soiled and possibly unattractive, but still readable.
Cover / Exterior
Cover shows significant to considerable wear and may even be detached. Nearly none to no
reflectivity. Store stamp, name stamp, arrival date and initials are permitted. Book-length
creases and major dimpling may be present. Blunted, abraded or rounded corners are common.
Significant discoloration, staining, foxing and soiling may be present. Up to 1/2" triangle or a
1/4" square of the back cover may be missing. Tape and other forms of amateur repair are very
common in Silver Age and older books, although tape should never be used in comic book
repair.
Spine
Roll is more likely. May have spine split up to 2" with major color breaks.
Staples
Staples may be degraded, replaced or missing. An accumulation of stples tears and stress lines
are common, as well as rust migration.
Paper / Interior
Paper is brown and may be beginning to show very slight brittleness around the edges. Acidic odor
may be present. Centerfold may be loose or detached. moderate interior tears are common. Tape and
other forms of amateur repair are very common in Silver Age and older books, although tape should
never be used in comic book repair.
A comic book in Good- condition can have a large accumulation of defects is generally readable. All coupons are still intact.
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. Books in this grade are commonly creased, scuffed, abraded,
soiled, and possibly unattractive, but still generally readable.
Cover / Exterior
Cover shows considerable wear and may be detached. Nearly no reflectivity to no reflectivity
reaming. Store stamp, name stamp, arrival date and initials are permitted. Book-length crease,
tears and fold may be present. Rounded corners are increasingly common. Soiled, 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 incresingly 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
Staples may be degraded, replaced or missin. Staple tears and stress lines are common, as well as
rust migration.
Paper / Interior
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 comic in this grade shows heavy wear. Some collectors consider this the lowest collectable
grade because comic books in less 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 / Exterior
Cover may be detached, and ink has lost all reflectivity. Creases 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
Spine roll is more common; spine split can extend up to 2/3 he length of the book.
Staples
Staples may be missing or show rust and discoloration. An accumulation of staples tears and
stress lines may be present, as well as rust migration.
Paper / Interior
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.
Demand for comics in this grade from the 1930s through the 1960s is high, but FR books should be examined for brittleness. Some Poor condition books have missing pages replaced with pages from a different issue or title to give the appearance of a Fair book.
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.
Cover / Exterior
Extreme fading may render the cover almost indiscernible. May have exrtemely severe stains,
mildrew 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 exensive amateur repairs such as laminated covers.
Spine
Extreme roll present; can have extremely ragged spines or a complete, book-length split.
Staples
Staples can be missing or show extreme rust and discoloration. Extensive staples tears and stress
lines may be present, as well as extreme rust migration.
Paper / Interior
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 the readability. Coupons may be cut.
Coverless Comics
The exception to the "not Collectable in Poor" rule. Many collectors want clean, readable,
coverless comics that are priced fairly. Coverless copies of key and / or rare comics are often
in demand by collectors. These enthusiasts also seek coverless comics to retrieve centerfolds,
first wraparonds, coupons and even staples in order ro restore other copies of the same or a
similar incomplete comic.
Incomplete / Noncollectable
At the very bottom of the range, comics with the absolute maximum number of defects, heavy
degradation, and significant portions of the book missing might not even be considered Poor any
longer, but may be termed "incomplete." These books are so ruined as to be rendered unreadable
and virtually noncollectable.
We will never sell a comic book graded as 0.5 Poor
*Official Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide, Third Edition