Comic Books

Comic books are generally classified by their age of issue. The American Golden Age of Comic Books is generally considered those produced from 1938 to 1956. During this period, major superhero characters were introduced, including Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, Captain America, and Wonder Woman. The Silver Age of Comic Books is generally considered to cover the period from 1956 to about 1970, and most notably covered the period when Marvel Comics was introduced. The Bronze Age of Comic Books generally applies to comic books produced between 1970 to 1984. Comics produced after 1984 are generally considered to be Modern Age comic books.

Comics here are graded here as follows:

Near Mint (MN): Comic books in Near Mint condition are nearly perfect or look nearly brand new with only a few very minor defects. Acceptable minor defects on a Near Mint copy include: a very small amount of spine stresses, very minor instances of denting (two or three at most), slight corner blunting, and minor (less than 1/8") bends without color breaks. Corners are cut square and sharp with ever-so-slight blunting permitted. May have very minor surface wear. No soiling, staining or other discoloration apart from some slight foxing.

Very Fine (VF): Comic books in Very Fine condition have minor defects, but are in overall excellent condition. Most well-kept modern comics (especially if they have been read, but carefully handled) fall into this grade. Acceptable defects on a Very Fine comic are minor and include: minor corner wear, a light accumulation of spine stress that may include color-break, a light accumulation of dents, and bends or folds less than 1/4". Some color-breaks are allowed in a bend or fold. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. No obvious soiling, staining or other discoloration except for minor foxing.

Fine (FN): Comic books in Fine condition is considered "above average" but still displays some wear. In general, the eye appeal is somewhat reduced due to either an accumulation of minor defects or one or two moderate defects. Acceptable defects on a Fine copy include: Slight spine roll, a moderate accumulation of spine stresses that may break color, a spine split of less than 1/2", minor water spotting or residue (less than the size of a dime), a damaged corner, and moderate foxing.

VG Very Good (VG): Comic books in Very Good condition shows some significant wear, but has not accumulated enough total defects to reduce eye appeal to the point that it is not a desirable copy. A Very Good copy may have an accumulation of minor defects or one or two major ones. Acceptable defects include: Spine roll, 1/2" to 1" spine splits or other tears, a cover or centerfold that is detached at one staple, discoloration due to oxidation, and a moderate accumulation of water damage or staining.

Good (GD): Comic books in Good condition can have major defects, but is still complete and readable. A Good copy will have a significant amount of damage, usually an accumulation of smaller defects punctuated with some major defects. Acceptable defects on a Good copy include: A vertical book-length crease, 1.5"-2" spine split, cover or centerfold completely detached, major tears, heavy discoloration/brittleness due to oxidation, heavy amounts of staining, residue, and water damage.

Fair (FR): Comic books in Fair condition have virtually no eye appeal and will display major damage. It may have non-story elements such as coupons, portions of ad pages, or Marvel Value Stamps cut or torn out of the book, but all story and art will be complete, without pages missing. Damage may include a spine split of up to 2/3 the length of the book, a missing back cover provided the front cover is still attached, severe water damage or residue damage, mold, and paper deterioration due to oxidation.

Poor (PR): Comic books in poor condition may be missing up to 4 pages (two spreads) of story or ad pages, or have a completely split spine, or display severe damage that affects the readability of the book.

Comics will be shipped as first class parcels (envelope with cardboard inserts for rigidity).