Thoughts on Graded comics?

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DredJAw

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What are your thoughts on graded comics?

I know for trading cards, it makes some sense. Cards do not "open", and you still get the full vantage of the card even if incased.

For comics it is an entirely different story. When they are graded they become "pictures" to me. They lose the sense of story, the sense of 'belonging' in a story run.

I do like the looks of graded stuff. And I like the protection. And I like the potential value added to them... but I can't get by the idea that my run of comics (lets say, all my Daredevils) will have issues here and there that can not be looked at or read.

What do you think of graded comics? Do you buy them? If so, what are your parameters?
 
Bleh Terrible

*basically, what you said, comics are meant for reading and unless you have a very key issue, I don't think a graded comic would get much (if any) more value than a non-graded issue.

Now given that, if you have a Detective 27, Action 1, Flash 105/123 or something along those lines, I'd see the value in slabbing it and as those comics are reprinted quiet frequently that you could still have a reader and protect the money spent on the comic itself.

However, I do have a Flash 123 and soon enough will have a Flash 105, but don't expect to grade either of them because that's not the point of comics, but that's just me.
 
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I think that it is a great service for those who want/need it.

I collect comics to read, its hard to read them in a thick slab of plastic. However different people collect for different reasons. The only slabs I have are ones that fall in the CGC SS signature series. These are purchased because of the signature and not to read, the slab shows that the signature authentic and witnessed.
 
Here's a question... are they easy to bust out? If so, are the comics "flattened'? And is there an easy way to take them out?

I ask because I found a nice graded copy of DD #3 that is graded a 6.0 for a reasonable price. It'd be great to buy because the price is good and I know exactly what condition I am getting (plus the extra security during shipping).

So, can I bust these suckers out no prob? is there something I should worry about?
 
I find grading in general to be a colossal scam and a waste of time and money. If there's any merit at all to the services, it's the protection that the slabbing offers.
 
Oh I absolutely agree with you guys.

Cardboard board and poly pag and I'm set. I hate graded cards and comics especially.

However, as Q mentions the only saving grace is the protection.

I still need to find out how to bust these suckers out saftely and if the comics themselves come out ok!
 
I used to be a big supporter of grading, but no longer. I collect action figures (loose and carded) and for a few years, they've been grading them. I don't necessarily care for the grade, but the cases that they put the figures in are very cool. I can open it if I want to and now the figure is well protected.

That being said, the only thing I see about grading comics is the protection it offers. I can see the point of encasing a vintage comic (I don't collect comics, but I believe opening Action Comics #1 to flip through the pages would be a no-no), but I don't see the point of encasing one that came out last Wednesday.
 
I agree, that if I had something important, I'd be concerned about the condition of it, and probably not flip through it every day. But permanently banishing it into a plastic container? Besides, how do you REALLY know the quality of the pages inside unless you can flip them for yourself? I've seen instances of screw ups all of the major card graders have made, and that's on items that you can see the entirety of.

Do you really think that if a copy of Action Comics #1 went up for sale at Auction, it would get more money encapsulated then if the buyers could actually judge for themselves?

Cory
 
DredJAw said:
What are your thoughts on graded comics?

I know for trading cards, it makes some sense. Cards do not "open", and you still get the full vantage of the card even if incased.

For comics it is an entirely different story. When they are graded they become "pictures" to me. They lose the sense of story, the sense of 'belonging' in a story run.

I do like the looks of graded stuff. And I like the protection. And I like the potential value added to them... but I can't get by the idea that my run of comics (lets say, all my Daredevils) will have issues here and there that can not be looked at or read.

What do you think of graded comics? Do you buy them? If so, what are your parameters?
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I can understand your perspective, and the pros and cons with comic book grading, but I myself am a fan of comic book grading. Like sports cards, the grading adds value, in most cases, and adds protection, preservation and authentication. With older comic books especially, the experts at CGC analyze whether a particular book has been "restored." Not all collectors will have "the keenest eye" to be able to detect any alterations to a comic book. Of course these issues could occur with newer more modern issues too, but this is more likely a scenario for older books.

Not being able to read a graded comic book is not an issue for me. If I want to read a particular comic book that I have graded, I will either read the story in a graphic novel, or buy a "reading copy."

cburt
 

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