Comic Grading and Storage


Any comic collector, whether novice or experienced should be familiar with the grading system for comic condition - like many other collectibles the value of the comic will be directly related to its physical state.
It is possible to buy a grading guide from bookstores but the most effective way to learn is to get stuck in and start grading the comics you are interested in buying. It may also be useful to talk directly to someone with grading experience.

The condition of a comic may be one of the following eight types:
Mint (M) - mint condition, no signs of wear and no visible defects at all - very rare
Near Mint (NM) -minor imperfection colours still bright, creases or tears bearly visible.
Very Fine (VF) -a minor defect, perhaps in printing or surface wear.
Fine (F) - average eye appeal, moderate wear, creases less than four inches, centrefold attached.
Very Good (VG) - cover torn less that 1/2 inch, date stamps, writing but still neat
Good (G) - lots of wear, creases, cover tears but still readable
Fair(F) and Poor (P) - serious damage, water damage, detached or missing covers, soiling, tears and missing pages.

The above should impress upon you the need to protect any comics you buy as a comic's value will depend on its grade condition. The Mylar bag is a good way to protect comics from water, pets and insects. Specialist bags are made from higher quality plastics and will not break down or release dangerous chemicals which yellow paper. They should be changed about every five years.

Backing boards offer even greater protection. It keeps the comic flat and avoids creasing, bending and spine damage. Choose one with a calcium buffer which protects the comic from the chemicals in the cardboard and the plastic bag. The average thickness of 2mm will be sufficient but again should be replaced every five years.

Once in bags and behind boards comics will benefit from vertical storage in a comic storage box. This will prevent the comics moving and will extend their lives further. Again, specialist boxes will not emit harmful chemicals.

The final precaution for perfect comic accommodation is to put your collection in the dark. Ultra Violet light, including electric lighting and sunlight will fade your comics. Also aim to keep them in a cool, dry place. Cool air will double the life of the paper and low humidity will prevent discolouration, fungus and moulds.

The Continuing Adventures of the Amazing Spiderman


An impressive collection of issues 1 – 300 of Marvel Comics’ legendary ‘Spiderman’ comic recently came up for public action in the United States. The all important first issue was described as being in Very Good condition only, and whilst the vast majority of the collection was in Near Mint condition, there were nevertheless quite a few VG’s amongst the early numbers. This was still quite some collection however, literally built up over a lifetime and after much bidding the comics finally sold for just over $5000. An impressive price to be sure but condition is everything in comics books. To give you some idea, a perfect copy of Issue 1 (you’ll never see one!) is valued at $25,000 whilst near mint copies sell at auction for $10,000 on a fairly regular basis. Thus, a single near mint copy of issue no. 1 can be worth twice as much an entire collection featuring a VG copy of the same issue 1. Let the message be clear, condition is everything!

Spiderman’s very first comic book appearance came in issue no. 15 of ‘Amazing Fantasy’ comic, published in August 1962. The original cover price was 12 cents – and the asking price for a near mint copy nowadays? A cool $27,500 ! After a few more classic appearances in the pages of ‘Amazing Fantasy’ Spiderman was given his very own comic book in March 1963, at first on a bi-monthly basis but soon going monthly. In a career now stretching going on for 40 years there have been plenty of Spidey collectibles made available to the public. These include trading cards, toy vehicles, replica Spiderman outfits, marbles and just about anything else you could think of! Perhaps the ultimate Spiderman collectible is the full size ‘Spiderman Star Series 80’ electric pinball table manufactured by Gottlieb company in the early 80s. Over 7500 machines were made commercially available but obviously few have survived in perfect condition. As a collectible, a fine condition pinball table is almost impossible to price. Some Spidey fanatics may go as high as $10,000 for such a wonderful and obscure collectible.