namisgr

This one has me confused. If in fact the 9.2 was graded AFTER the 9.8, how can it have been used in a scam to generate the 9.8 label?

A computerized and robotic system could run around the clock. Humans program upcoming activities, and load the hopper with books to be graded. Encapsulation, labeling, and quality control also have the potential to be automated.

It would need to be a much more deft robot, since the pages of aged comic books are much thinner and more fragile than those of hardback books. But it can be done and for considerably less than 'millions'. Then, if all potential wear and flaws can be detected using images of every page both head on and at a couple of angles, a program that automates and quantifies as it moves through the grading decision tree, mimicking the systematic processes used now by graders, could complete the task.

Robotics is used in several types of surgeries. But the robots are controlled and manipulated by the surgeon, and not working autonomously. The main hurdle with automating comic book grading is the need to generate or capture high resolution images of every page, each viewed both head on and at an angle, in order to reproduce procedures used by a grader.

I don't think the matter of loose slabs relates to changing whether or not the label is tethered to the top part of the inner well.

I know they changed it several years ago to supposedly make it more difficult to switch labels without damaging the inner well. In the early years of encapsulation, labels weren't held in place at all. I don't remember specifically when they switched, though.

Interesting conjecture that I can't rule out, although it seems highly unlikely.

Then when switching a reholder order over to one of their new custom labels, they'd have to open the inner well to recover the comic, then seal it in a new inner well along with the new custom label. Hulk head hurt.

But reholders retain the same certification number. So I remain confused over this situation.

Been braced and confused, for so long it's not true...

I'm confused, as the cover wraps are markedly different, and so it appears they're two different comics.

Graded in 2022. No photo Grader Notes Missing Marvel Value Stamp (QUALIFIED) page(s) 10 affects story Missing panel (QUALIFIED) page(s) 14 affects story crease left center of front cover breaks color crease right center of front cover breaks color light creasing to cover spine stress lines to cover

Well, we have no certainty, but some things can be inferred. For instance, knowing how easily the labels could be lifted intact from the older versions of the inner wells, it is very plausible that the perpetrator used label switching as part of the scheme to favorably manipulate the grades of previously graded books upon resubmission for reholdering. We also know that since comics are only very rarely put to regrading when submitted for reholdering, there's another plausible piece of the method. And we have irrefutable visual evidence that books of lower grade, missing coupons or entire pages, etc. have been used in the scheme to get higher grades, inappropriate label notes, and unrestored blue labels. I haven't been able to read this long thread in its entirety, so there are almost certainly other facets of the grading scheme that have been uncovered or suggested as plausible that I've overlooked here.

Fact finding wasn't an emphasis for CGC back in the day when they gave a high grade comic I'd bought off the rack, and so could guarantee with certainty was never manipulated, a purple/trimmed label. I'd be surprised if it's become one since then. Instead, I strongly suspect their lack of response is due to the holiday season, and a number of higher ups being already on vacation.

I picked up more than a few stellar copies for my own slabbed collection that way as well. Still got this one, after cracking it out. BTW, that Spotlight #6 is an incredible copy. I've always liked that cool Ploog cover and interior art, too.

It's the Winter Solstice. Brazilian music warms me up.

James is a terrific contributor to these Boards, and loves the comic book hobby and medium. I'm very sorry to learn of his health crisis, and look forward to the Boards providing James with financial and moral support in his time of need. I have already sent something to get the process going using PayPal, and will look to be an active contributor to the upcoming fundraising thread. All the best for your recovery, James.

I found a scan of one more early SA DC I used to own with the same date of 1961 written in pen right next to the issue number, and it's another nice copy.

first Rashida Jones, then Anna Kendrick. Keep up doing the Lord's work.

Scarce. Searched years for it.

$696.96

Repackaged Atlas reprints of white jungle adventurers, the title would in a few months become home for an entirely different new series, featuring Black Panther and a diversity of characters, and set in the mythical kingdom of Wakanda. New cover art by John Buscema, recognizable from the distinctive look of the beautiful damsel in distress, and Gil Kane, recognizable by the anatomy rendering and the massive calves.