Comics, Legends and Heroes Online

Used Comic Grading Standards

Below is a synopsis of our grading standards. While our grading may not always be right on target, we will strive to do our best. If we err, we will err on the side of conservatism. In other words, if we have a doubt about the actual condition of a comic because of marginal flaws, we will lower and advertise it in the next lower grade. We feel that this will always be in our customer's favor.

If you encounter an issue with any item we have graded, please let us know. We value repeat customers above all else, and will do what we can to rectify the situation.

MINT

We will not offer used comics as Mint. All comics inherently have some flaws due to the manner in which they are produced.

Our new comics are not listed in these grades, instead reflecting that they are "new" in the description. These grading standards are for used comics only.

NEAR MINT (NM)

This category is for a comic that is in exceptional condition. This is a comic that we would choose for our own collections and would be willing to pay a bit more for it. The conditions to be considered for Near Mint:

Tears: 1/8 inch or less might be allowable.

Corner Bends: Only allowable if hardly noticeable.

Spine Stress Marks: Only allowable if very minor.

Staples: Nice and tight, including the centerfold.

Writing: Only small arrival dates are allowed.

Rubber Stamps: Not allowed

Tape: Not allowed.

Pieces Missing: Must be very minor, and as a result of the production process.

Fingerprints: Must not be noticeable.

Water-stains: Not allowed.

Browning Paper: Only allowed in the case of very old comics, 12-cent and lower range. Even then, it must be very light.

Folds: Not allowed

Spine Rolling: Not allowed.

Off-Center Printing: Must not be noticeable.

Cover Scuff Marks: Must not be noticeable.

VERY FINE (VF)

Many of the comics that we put into this grade may actually rate as Near Mint to other collectors, but if the comic exceeds of any of the flaws listed above, we will place in this category.

Tears: 1/4 inch or less might be allowable.

Corner Bends: Only minor bends allowed.

Spine Stress Marks: A few minor spine stress marks are allowable.

Staples: Minor wear allowed.

Writing: Small arrival dates are allowed. Small notes on interior or back cover, such as a price or name might be allowed.

Rubber Stamps: Only if neatly placed.

Tape: Not allowed.

Pieces Missing: Only 1/16 inch square on front cover, or 1/8" square on back cover.

Fingerprints: Only one or two allowed.

Water-stains: Not allowed. Only the slightest of humidity yellowing allowed.

Browning Paper: Slight browning allowed in this grade.

Folds: This grade may have small corner folds.

Spine Rolling: Only very minor rolling allowed.

Off-Center Printing: Minor flaws allowed.

Cover Scuff Marks: Cover should still retain luster.

FINE (FN)

Any comic rated as Fine will be priced significantly lower than the grades above. However, this comic may still be considered investment grade, depending upon its age and popularity.

Tears: One tear up to 1/2 inch allowable.

Corner Bends: A common flaw in this grade.

Spine Stress Marks: May have spine stress or scuffing.

Staples: Only slight wear, but no loose centerfold.

Writing: Only small, neat writing is allowed, such as a name on the first page. No magic markers or grease pencils allowed..

Rubber Stamps: Allowed only if neat on front cover, or small blue star (signifying Stars & Stripes newsstands for the military).

Tape: Not allowed.

Pieces Missing: Only less than 1/8" square.

Fingerprints: Minor fingerprints allowed.

Water-stains: Warping or wrinkling is not allowed. Some discoloration may be allowable.

Browning Paper: Light browning allowed, but no brittleness.

Folds: Comic cannot have been folded in its entirety.

Spine Rolling: Slight rolling allowed.

Off-Center Printing: Slight deviation is allowable.

Cover Scuff Marks: Small amount is allowable.

VERY GOOD (VG)

Common grade for comics from the 1970's, and generally indicates a comic that has been well read. These comics may have considerable wear, but do not display any significant damage.

Tears: Minor tears are allowable.

Corner Bends: Allowed.

Spine Stress Marks: Allowed.

Staples: Wear is allowed, but no tearing.

Writing: Only small, neat writing is allowed, such as a name on the first page or cover. No magic markers or grease pencils allowed.

Rubber Stamps: Allowed in moderation.

Tape: Only minor taping in a hidden spot allowed.

Pieces Missing: Only postage-stamp size allowed.

Fingerprints: Allowed.

Water-stains: Warping or wrinkling is not allowed. Some discoloration may be allowable. One small droplet is allowed. No foreign material stains allowed.

Browning Paper: Browning allowed, but no brittleness.

Folds: Comic cannot have been folded in its entirety.

Spine Rolling: Allowed if not excessive.

Off-Center Printing: Allowed.

Cover Scuff Marks: Allowed.

GOOD (GD)

These are comics that are complete, but contain significant flaws.

Tears: Allowed, except cover torn in half.

Corner Bends: Allowed.

Spine Stress Marks: Tears up to 1/4 inch allowed.

Staples: Cover/Centerfold can be loose, but not detached. Rust is allowed.

Writing: Writing is allowed, unless it detracts from the story.

Rubber Stamps: Allowed unless excessive.

Tape: Cellophane tape is allowed.

Pieces Missing: Up to 2 inch square on front cover, or 3 inch square on the back cover. Chipping is allowed. Coupons can only be clipped from the back cover.

Fingerprints: Allowed.

Water-stains: Water damage is allowable, if the comic has dried well. Mold stains or pages stuck together are not allowed.

Browning Paper: Browning allowed. May be slightly brittle. No flaking.

Folds: Allowed.

Spine Rolling: Allowed.

Off-Center Printing: Allowed.

Cover Scuff Marks: Allowed.

FAIR (FR)

These are comics that have complete stories, but may have missing pieces, coupons clipped, excessive writing or rubber stamps, and half the front or complete back cover missing. These are the cheapest comics we will sell. If a comic were in such condition as to be rated POOR, we would not sell it...

Customer Feedback

Just some of the feedback from our customers. Please review all our feedback in our e-Bay store.

Great seller! Item recieved in great condition and lightning fast! A+++ - midnightmink

KNOWLEDGEABLE AND RESPONSIBLE = HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - drj60sman

very good service. excellent care in packaged shipping. - lama_goon

Truly the most wonderful and nicest person. Highly recommend A++++++++++++++ - ssthecollector