Grading Process
Our experienced team of professionals inspects and grades every book to ensure customer expectations are met.
- We closely examine the book exterior, including front and back.
- We identify defects, tears, dirt, spine bending, corner issues, damage, and anything else that may diminish the book's appearance or value.
- We measure each criteria of the book and assign an overall score, which reflects the condition grade.
- Each book is given a new bag and board to ensure it holds its condition.
Condition Descriptions
The following grade descriptions are intended as general guidance. Actual condition may vary between individual books.
Plus / Minus Grades: Books showing a (+) or (-) before the grade may have one or two defects or positive qualities that lower or heighten the book condition beyond the primary grade.
Mint
Near perfect, only printing defects. Comic looks like it came off the press.
Near Mint
Almost perfect, like it was only handled a few times. Very subtle wear, one or two small defects may be present. No dirt present.
Very Fine
Excellent condition, handled and stored with great care. Very lightly used. May have the slightest tear/dirt/corner indents/cover bend. Cover is vibrant.
Fine
Relatively clean and has been handled with care. Minor use. No major defects, may have very minor tears/dirt/fading. Corners may have very minor indents and cover may have fold/bend.
Very Good
Used condition. Shows some wear, but still a desirable copy. Staples may be loose, cover is still attached but may not be completely flat. Corners may have indents. Minor dirt/fading. Cover can have up to 1/4 triangle missing or many tiny tears. Spine may not be flat.
Good
Worn condition. Still readable, but with moderate soiling/dirt. A staple may be missing, but cover is still attached. Cover may have up to ½ triangle missing or many big tears. Corners may have indents. Cover may be faded or very dirty.
Fair
Very worn. Not eye catching, may be very dirty. May have brittle pages, staples may be extremely loose. Faded and dirty covers/pages. Usually corners are quite damaged.
Poor
No value or damaged, pages can be crumbling and book may be incomplete. Cover is entirely covered in dust,dirt or water stains. Cover/back cover may be detached or missing. The ink may be smudged/indistinct/absent. May have fixings like tape on binding or redone staples. Comic may have extreme folds/tears. The corners are rounded.
If you have questions or concerns about the grade of a book you have purchased, please fill out the contact form below and a member of our customer service team will get back to you as soon as possible.
We will always do what we can to ensure you are happy with the grade and comic you have received!