Bomber-Bob

While I totally agree, it may be difficult to police.

I just ordered an Artgerm set of 3. It may be the only cover I buy. Nothing else is standing out to me.

I thought the same thing. Sorry, I don't like it.

Send it back. Your efforts will be fruitless and it may contaminate your other books.

I know, it's a tough call. This happens a lot with Moderns, especially on foil covers and extra page content. Ask yourself this, would you want to pay big bucks for a 9.8 only to see it has obvious visible flaws, maybe a huge corner chip or multiple spine creases ? Should an ASM 129 with gripper holes (common to that book) grade the same as a comparable book without it ? A solution for this dilemma would be for CGC to start using an eye appeal check mark on the label. The competition uses it and it helps distinguish a book from those in comparable grade.

You are correct, it does. I believe CGC considers the paper stock of the time frame rather than a stock color chart, IE they don't use an OWL chart.

Actually, maybe 2 years ago. But you are correct.

I agree, in theory a flaw is a flaw, no matter where the location. CGC is supposed to grade the flaw, not the location of the flaw. The argument for the right edge is they 'may' have been manufactured this way = it is treated like a bindery issue and basically given a pass. IMO, CGC should not be trying to judge whether a flaw is bindery or not. It's a flaw, treat it as such. Stop giving bindery problems a pass and this will stop.

Totally agree that it looks awful but CGC thought it looked like a 9.2 . No extra staple holes, the staples are moved with the spine. This is an obnoxious example but there are more subtle examples out there . The spine realignment is an 'old' technique used by restoration labs to fix large spine rolls on vintage GA books. Now, it is creatively being used on books that don't need an alignment but may result in a better grade because the spine creases are less visible. Terrible. Whenever I see a book with a little too much paper fanning on the right edge, I avoid them.

I was using the same logic for an AF15 and you can see where that got me !

I'm not sure what you are asking. CGC does not attempt to authenticate these signatures.

Exactly. We grew up with Silver, so I try and focus on Silver. Copper is still relatively cheap so it's easy to hoard but I try and stay focused.

I agree. However, this has opened the door to more 'aggressive' pressing techniques that is given a pass by CGC and, IMO, should not be allowed. Things like, mentioned above by Namisgr, the spine realignment process. Literally moving the spine to 'hide' FC spine creases onto the vertex or BC. Getting rid of a fold that was not there upon production is cool. However, altering the book to someplace that was not original is not cool.

While CGC is very good at detecting restoration they are not infallible. The name of the game today is 'let's fool CGC'. IMO, the biggest loophole for scammers is the fact that CGC let's bindery problems slide. Got a bad ding on a FC corner ? Use a fingernail clipper and clip it off and see if CGC let's it pass for a bindery chip. This sort of scamming is happening and the scammers are getting better at their techniques. Terrible for the hobby.

With certain books, supply doesn't seem to matter. Look at books like Hulk 181, ASM 129, etc. Though plentiful, they are so much in demand they overwhelm the supply. I know FF 48 had a warehouse find and that is the reason the prices stayed reasonable all these years. However, the cat is out of the bag, the book is on the rise, demand will not fade. Certain 1st appearances tied to movies will taper off, especially with the villains. But I think the 1st appearance of the Silver Surfer will never be cheap, or even 'reasonable' again. You're dreaming if you think otherwise, sorry.

Okay, I'm an aging Baby Boomer. When reaching a baby boomer age I think we start thinking about downsizing. Not necessarily cashing out, just downsizing. You want to make more room, clean out the closet. Maybe you need a little more income in your senior years so you sell some books. My point is it's not an all or nothing situation. You can sell off quantity and still continue to collect.

Well, without seeing the book, it depends. Often, Stan's signature can be detrimental to the eye appeal of the book. The placement and neatness of the sig matters. Also, you did not state the Page Quality of the book ? White pages would be beneficial. CR/OW I would pass completely. Also, is the book nicely centered ? A crooked alignment or large white stripe on the spine(Back Cover showing from the front) matters. Are the staples centered and NOT rusty ? Etc.Etc.Etc. All this stuff matters. You may think you are getting a good deal on paper but later find out you bought a turd. Even if the book passes the sniff test on all the above, 800 is still too high. Your friend is asking top dollar + . Not a complete rip off but no bargain for a friend.

You really need to read the CGC website to better understand the process. To answer your specific question, you pay up front. CGC does not work on your book until you have paid in full. Regarding shipping, there are a lot of variables, how many books, how valuable they are for insurance, where you live, shipping carrier, etc.etc.

I see that Sluggo doesn't hold back his punches. Actually cleaning the staples is considered a lighter form of restoration called conservation. Personally, I agree with your point on pressing but that ship has sailed. The industry has it's set of standards and they are not going to change. Your opinions will probably fall on deaf ears. Sorry.

No, that is not normal. Send them back. You don't want these.

Always remember, you get what you pay for. It does make a difference.

800.00 is a little high.

Since our host, CGC, has a pressing service, it would be disrespectful to discuss any competitors here.

It would help if you told us the grade .

I love these reprint issues with different cover colors of the classics......