Beginners Guide to Slabs and Grading.

What is a Slabbed Comic.

A slabbed comic is a comic that has been graded by a comic grading company and encased in hard plastic case, called a slab, often referred to as being slabbed.

In the world of comic book collecting, understanding the condition of a comic and authenticity is crucial. To support this there is a meticulous process that evaluates the condition of a comic book from poor to near-mint condition, using a scale typically ranging from 1.0 to 10.

WHAT ARE THE GRADES?

Here's a breakdown of what each grade generally represents:

1.0 (Fair): This is the low grade a comic book can receive while still being considered intact. Comics at this grade show significant signs of wear such as large tears, heavy creasing, missing staples, or chunks of the cover. The integrity of the book may be compromised but it remains complete.

2.0 (Good): A grade of 2.0 indicates substantial wear. These books may have significant creasing or staining, and the pages may be brown and brittle. However, they are still fully readable.

3.0 (Good/Very Good): A comic book with this grade might have some significant creases and a small amount of scribbling or other markings.

4.0 (Very Good): Comics at this grade show considerable wear but are less damaged than a 3.0. They may have minor creases, slight fading, or other signs of handling.

5.0 (Very Good/Fine): This grade indicates a comic that shows moderate wear. It might have some creases or a slightly rolled spine, but there are no major defects, and it is still a well-preserved copy.

6.0 (Fine): A comic graded 6.0 shows some minor wear, typically including small creases or slight spine roll. The cover may have lost some of its gloss but is still relatively flat and intact.

7.0 (Fine/Very Fine): This grade suggests minor wear that is less than a 'Fine' but more than a 'Very Fine'. It may have minor stress lines on the spine and a few minor creases or bends.

8.0 (Very Fine): A comic in this condition has excellent eye appeal with limited signs of wear. It may have minor binding or printing defects and barely perceptible creases.

9.0 (Very Fine/Near Mint): These comics look close to new, with only some minute wear that is often only detectable upon close inspection. They have high gloss, a flat cover, and no significant defects.

9.8 (Near Mint/Mint): This is one of the highest grades a comic book can achieve and indicates that it is almost perfect, with only the tiniest imperfections allowed. The comic must have virtually no wear, no creases, and no fading. The cover is flat with no surface wear, and the book must be perfectly aligned with sharp corners.

In the comic book grading system, a grade of 10 is extremely rare and represents a comic book that is in perfect, pristine condition with absolutely no flaws.

Grading a comic book accurately requires a keen eye and familiarity with the nuances of comic conditions. Each grade impacts the comic's value, with higher grades (closer to 9.8) typically commanding significantly higher prices.

Collectors and investors alike seek out higher-grade comics as these represent the best-preserved examples of comic art and storytelling; typically 9.8 is regard as the prized rating.

WHO GRADES COMICS?

For enthusiasts looking to determine the exact condition and enhance the value of their prized comics, esteemed grading companies exist ready to provide expert opinions.

First among these and regarded as the premier standard is the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), the gold standard in the comic grading industry. Known for its stringent assessment criteria and protective encapsulation, CGC offers collectors peace of mind, knowing that their comics are preserved and their grades reliably reflect their condition.

Next is the Comic Book Certification Service (CBCS), a formidable contender in the grading arena. CBCS is celebrated for its comprehensive evaluations.

Rounding out the options is PGX Comics (Professional Grading eXperts), which offers similar grading services and provides a valuable alternative for collectors. Although it might be viewed as slightly less prestigious than its competitors, PGX is committed to delivering accurate and protective grading solutions.

These grading services scrutinize every aspect of a comic book, from the vibrancy of the cover to the integrity of the binding and the absence of marks or tears. The resulting grade not only helps establish a comic's market value but also acts as a safeguard for its condition overtime.

For collectors, choosing to grade their comics, particularly the most cherished or valuable, grading can be a pivotal step in both preserving their legacy and maximizing investment.

When considering graded comics provide the following advice:

SHOULD I BUY 9.8?

Purchasing a slabbed 9.8 comic is the most expensive, notwithstanding a rare 9.9 or 10, and has a high risk for investment loss or gain; they will be more sensitive to market fluctuations, although likely easier to sell at a later date. 

Before you purchase a 9.8, you have to consider if the price is worth the risk. An easy way to assess this is to look at the history of the 9.8 purchases on GoCollect, Covrprice, and Price Charter. 

Also, you should check the value of the “Raw” comic (not slabbed); sometimes the Raw comic is valuable or similar to the slabbed comic. Therefore, the aim here is not to overpay for the 9.8.