How to Check Used Comic Books for Defects

Knowing what to look for in the condition of a used comic book makes the shopping experience more rewarding, helping to avoid “buyer’s remorse” when you discover an unwanted defect in the comic once you’ve brought it home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean hands

1. Know what defects in a comic book you would be willing to live with and what defects would be unacceptable to you. Some people may not want any writing on their comics, while others may not be bothered by a minimal amount of writing. Missing pages or coupons cut out of comics are probably unacceptable to any buyer.

2. Check the front and back cover of the comic book. The cover should be firmly attached to the rest of the book by two staples. Older comics often have covers that have torn loose, or have nearly torn loose, from one of the staples. Check for writing, creases, tears or missing pieces. Check for fingerprints caused by the cover ink sticking to a previous reader’s hands. Check the vibrancy of the colors. Comics exposed to too much direct light may have faded covers.

3. Count the number of pages in the comic book. Most regular size comics are 32 pages. Other common page counts are 48 pages and 64 pages. As you count pages, make a quick visual scan to notice any cut pages or pages with writing on them, such as checklists that have been marked or names and addresses filled in on coupons. Also check the white pages to see if browning of the paper has occurred.

4. Check the centerfold. The centerfold is the two-page spread in the middle of the book. Older comics often have a centerfold that has torn loose, or is about to tear loose, from one or both staples.

5. Check the staples to see if they have rusted. Often a comic that has gotten wet will have rusted staples or the portion of the pages next to the staples will have rust stains.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ask the seller if you can check out the comic book. Allow the seller to open and remove the comic from the Mylar bag for you unless he specifically tells you it is OK to open it yourself.
• If there is any uncertainty about the condition of a comic book, take the time to carefully go page by page through the comic again, looking for any possible defects.
• For older comic books, especially those published before 1970, ask the seller if he is aware of any repair or restoration work that has been done to the book. Books that have been restored, even those that have been restored professionally, are far less valuable than books of the same grade that have not been restored.
• Marvel comic books published in the 1960s often have a defect known as “Marvel chipping.” This refers to very small pieces that are missing from the edges of the cover and is a result of the cheap paper that was used.
• Discovering a hidden defect in a comic book may offer an opportunity to negotiate the selling price of that comic.
• There is no need to inspect the condition of a book that has been graded by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). That is the service this company provides and their guarantee can greatly increase the value of a comic book. However, these books are much more expensive to purchase and, as the books are sealed in plastic, you would be unable to ever look at the interiors of the comic.
• If you open a comic yourself, be sure to completely remove any tape from the bag and place the tape on a counter or other place where it will not got stuck on the actual comic. If the tape gets caught on the comic and in any way damages it, you may find your buying decision has been made for you.
• If you are buying a used comic book from a website, only buy from sellers who give complete information on the book’s condition. If the seller does not mention some of the possible defects, email her to ask specific questions.
• Only buy used comic books from sellers who allow you to check the comic first. A seller who does not want to let you check the comic is probably trying to hide something.