marvelmaniac

blunted lower left corner with some fraying/color loss at lower edge, minor staple tears with multiple color breaking stress lines, cover off center/minor spine roll, IMO...FN/VF 7.0 to VF- 7.5 8.0 VERY FINE (VF): Back to Top An excellent copy with outstanding eye appeal. A limited accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Cover is relatively flat with minimal surface wear beginning to show, possibly including some minute wear at corners. Inks are generally bright with moderate to high reflectivity. An unnoticeable 1/4" crease is acceptable if color is not broken. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. Spine is almost completely flat with a possible minor color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Very slight staple tears and a few almost insignificant stress lines may be present. Paper is cream to tan and supple. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. 7.5 VERY FINE- (VF-): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Very Fine but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.

So, you're the one!!! , that back in the 1890's said... "It was named by an enthusiastic sampler who remarked: "That's a crackerjack!" (Crackerjack is a colloquialism meaning "of excellent quality")"

Blunted corners with small color breaking creases/color loss, color loss along outer edge, minor to moderate spine stress with multiple color breaking stress lines and staple tears, slight spine roll, slight discoloration of rear cover, slight dent/crease at lower edge of rear cover. IMO...FN 6.0 7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. 6.5 FINE+ (FN+): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Fine but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 6.0 FINE (FN): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with no significant creasing or other serious defects. Some accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases. Inks show a significant reduction in reflectivity. Blunted corners are more common, as is minor staining, soiling, discoloration, and/or foxing. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. A minor spine roll is allowed. There can also be a 1/4" spine split or severe color break. Staples may show minor discoloration. Minor staple tears and a few slight stress lines may be present, as well as minor rust migration. Paper is tan to brown and fairly supple with no signs of brittleness. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. Centerfold may be loose.

Multiple color breaking creases, blunted corners with color breaking creases, creased edges with small tears, moderate spine stress with color breaking stress lines/tears, cover off center, slight spine roll, cover appears to be loose, large pieces missing from top right corner and along outer edge. IMO...The pieces missing are too severe to warrant any grade higher...FR/GD 1.5 VG 4.0 - As much as a 1/4" triangle can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8" square is also acceptable GD/VG 3.0 - A triangle from 1/4" to 1/2" can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8" to 1/4" square is also acceptable. GD 2.0 - The largest piece allowed missing from the front or back cover is usually a 1/2" triangle or a 1/4" square,

Blunted corners with small color breaking creases/color loss at top left corner, staining (?) at top edge by date stamp, moderate color loss at lower right of the word banner, cover/staples off center, slight spine roll, minor spine stress w a couple of color breaking spine ticks, minor to moderate discoloration/dust-sun shadow along spine/lower edge of rear cover. I do not know what CGC's stance is but I heard they are tough on stains/discoloration, etc. so the grade I assign may be high... With no major, serious defects, IMO...FN/VF 7.0 7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.

Books are graded by their overall condition, a defect that is not allowed in that grade will drop the grade, how much depends on the severity of the defect and individual interpretation (there are LOTS of Gray areas in grading, look at the words used, slightest, slight, some, minor, discolored, etc.), if you want to base it on only one defect such as rusty staples... NM/MT 9.8 - Staples must be original, generally centered and clean with no rust. NM+ 9.6 - Staples must be original, generally centered, with only the slightest discoloration. NM 9.4 - Staples are generally centered; may have slight discoloration. NM- 9.2 to FN/VF 7.0 - Staples may show some discoloration. FN 6.0 - VG/FN 5.0 Staples may show minor discoloration, as well as minor rust migration. VG 4.0 - Staples may be discolored, as well as some rust migration. GD/VG 3.0 - Staples may be rusted or replaced, as well as some rust migration. GD 2.0 to FR/GD 1.5 - Staples may be degraded, replaced or missing, as well as rust migration. FR 1.0 - Staples may be missing or show rust and discoloration

Just a question of curiosity, how does CGC detect color touch other than a possible bleed through on the inside cover?

The pictures are not very clear or bright enough for my old eyes, I do see what appears to be a slight spine roll, if this is the case, the book, based on what I can see and no other defects being present, IMO, the book would grade at a VF/NM 9.0. If there are other defects the grade would drop from there. VF+ 8.5 to NM/MT 9.8 - Spine is tight and flat. VF 8.0 - Spine is almost completely flat FN/VF 7.0 - The slightest spine roll may be present FN 6.0 - A minor spine roll is allowed.

Removing the staples and ironing the cover may create more damage then the defects you are attempting to repair. I have lots of low grade books that I have used tape or glue to either hold them together or prevent the damage from getting worse and my books are also being left to my Son/Daughter. I did this to prevent pieces from falling off when/if these books are handled again. I have done other things to assist my heirs in selling and understanding comics after they receive the collection when I am gone. For the most part on lower grade books (VG 4.0 and lower) using tape/glue will not affect the grade, the book will be graded for the defect that is trying to be covered up. On higher grades (VG/FN 5.0 and up) repairs such as this will affect the grade. If they are low grade keys/higher dollar books and are going to be sold sometime in the future by your heirs, they would be easier to sell without any repairs being done, some folks despise tape and other forms of restoration/conservation. I have books were the cover is detached and split, I taped the spine split and used Zip Dry Glue to reattach it, the books are already a PR 0.5/FR1.0/FR/GD 1.5 so doing that will not affect the grade at all. https://www.amazon.com/Lineco-Archival-Document-Repair-Tape/dp/B000P8FT2G?th=1 https://www.amazon.com/BEACON-Fast-Drying-Paper-Glue-Wrinkle-Resistant/dp/B000YQI21O/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2A1ZIPYNE3ISC&keywords=zip%2Bdry%2Bliquid%2Bglue&qid=1705510142&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=zip%2Bdry%2Carts-crafts%2C409&sr=1-4&th=1 If you do the repairs you have mentioned and the books were sent in for grading to CGC, they would probably receive a Restored Purple Label which will kill the value of the book unless it is already a very low grade book then it may still get a Blue Universal Label, the repair may or may not be mentioned on the label or in graders notes. Purple label is called/referred to as PLOD by collectors, "Purple Label Of Death" since the value drops dramatically. Basically this is a personal choice, however, for the most part, folks will tell you to leave them alone, store them in the proper bags/boards (Mylites and Acid Free) and in the proper environment and conditions to prevent further damage. Here is an example, this Daredevil 1 I found at one of the LCS's in the area about 20-25 years ago for $50.00 had the cover falling apart, to prevent it from getting worse I used tape to prevent further damage, the book was already a PR 0.5 so the choice was tape the cover or allow small pieces to fall off when handled and tears to get worse, I chose tape.

Blunted/rounded corners, corner piece missing (1/2 x1/4?) at lower right corner and a crease at lower left, small tears/dings along edges, moderate spine stress with color breaking spine ticks/stress line/staple tears, piece missing from spine (1/2 x 3/4 ?), discolored staples, discoloration of front cover, Rear Cover... multiple small tears on edges, multiple small tears along spine with small pieces missing, creased/blunted lower right corner, moderate water staining. CGC and others may not agree and grade the book higher, however, IMO there are too many pieces missing to grade at a GD 2.0, GD+ 2.5, GD/VG 3.0, VG 4.0 but the book is much better than a FR/GD 1.5, so...GD- 1.8 As far as a clean and press, I do not use these services so no real experience with this, however, considering the missing pieces I do not feel that these services would improve the grade, it may make the book look nicer but will it cause more damage to an apparently already fragile cover? FR/GD 1.5 - Up to 1/10 of the back cover may be missing. GD 2.0 - The largest piece allowed missing from the front or back cover is usually a 1/2" triangle or a 1/4" square, GD/VG 3.0 - A triangle from 1/4" to 1/2" can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8" to 1/4" square is also acceptable. VG 4.0 - As much as a 1/4" triangle can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8" square is also acceptable.

From the Web... "High humidity and damp conditions are the main causes of foxing. Due to the metal in papermaking machines, iron in the water source, dirt or pollution, there may be traces of metal dispersed among the paper fibers. When the paper absorbs moisture, the metal traces begin to oxidize in those areas, causing disintegration and discoloration. This creates an acidic environment, which also encourages mold growth. Mold will also feed on the paper itself as well as any organic materials on the paper such as dirt, finger marks, food stains, or insects. To prevent foxing, proper storage is necessary. Paper materials should be kept in a cool, dry, clean room with minimal exposure to light. Avoid environments where temperature and humidity can fluctuate, such as basements, attics, areas near radiators and vents, and areas prone to flooding. Store paper materials in protective enclosures, such as acid/lignin-free folders and polyester sleeves, separate from other acidic papers to prevent acids from migrating. A conservator may be able to minimize foxing stains by bleaching the paper then de-acidifying afterwards, however there is no guarantee that this will eliminate the foxing altogether and there is risk that this treatment can alter the tonal qualities of some pigments. It is important to maintain proper storage even after conservator treatments, as fox spots can reappear when exposed to humidity."

Blunted corners with color loss, edge wear with color loss, minor to moderate spine wear with a few color breaking spine ticks/stress lines, severe staple tears/detached cover, minor spine roll, small piece missing/small tears on lower edge of rear cover, writing on rear cover, minor to moderate staining/discoloration of rear cover. Without the detached cover this book would be in the VG/FN 5.0 range, with the detached cover...GD/VG 3.0 VG 4.0 - may be loose but not completely detached. GD/VG 3.0 - may be loose or even detached at one staple. FR 1.0 to GD 2.0 - may even be detached.

Blunted corners, chipping on top and outer edge, moderate foxing on front and rear cover, minor spine stress with a few color breaking spine ticks/stress lines, slight spine roll, color breaking scratch from outer edge on rear cover. IMO...FN- 5.5 6.0 FINE (FN): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with no significant creasing or other serious defects. Some accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases. Inks show a significant reduction in reflectivity. Blunted corners are more common, as is minor staining, soiling, discoloration, and/or foxing. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. A minor spine roll is allowed. There can also be a 1/4" spine split or severe color break. Staples may show minor discoloration. Minor staple tears and a few slight stress lines may be present, as well as minor rust migration. Paper is tan to brown and fairly supple with no signs of brittleness. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. Centerfold may be loose. 5.5 FINE- (FN-): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Fine but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 5.0 VERY GOOD/FINE (VG/FN): Back to Top An above-average but well used comic book. An accumulation of bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor to moderate cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases and/or dimples. Inks have moderate to low reflectivity. Blunted corners are increasingly common, as is minor to moderate staining, discoloration, and/or foxing. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. A minor to moderate spine roll is allowed. A spine split of up to 1/2" may be present. Staples may show minor discoloration. Minor staple tears and minor stress lines may also be present, as well as minor rust migration. Paper is tan to brown with no signs of brittleness. Centerfold may be loose. Minor interior tears may also be present.

Welcome To The Boards!!! Blunted corners with small color breaking creases/color loss at the lower corners, left upper edge dented/creased, minor spine stress with a few color breaking spine ticks, minor color rub on rear cover. I disregarded the waviness of the book since you said you were getting it pressed. IMO...FN/VF 7.0 8.0 VERY FINE (VF): Back to Top An excellent copy with outstanding eye appeal. A limited accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Cover is relatively flat with minimal surface wear beginning to show, possibly including some minute wear at corners. Inks are generally bright with moderate to high reflectivity. An unnoticeable 1/4" crease is acceptable if color is not broken. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. Spine is almost completely flat with a possible minor color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Very slight staple tears and a few almost insignificant stress lines may be present. Paper is cream to tan and supple. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. 7.5 VERY FINE- (VF-): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Very Fine but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.

Moderate/Long color breaking spine stress lines, moderate to severe color rub/color breaking scratches on cover, piece torn off top right corner of interior page. IMO...VG/FN 5.0 to FN- 5.5 6.0 FINE (FN): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with no significant creasing or other serious defects. Some accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases. Inks show a significant reduction in reflectivity. Blunted corners are more common, as is minor staining, soiling, discoloration, and/or foxing. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. A minor spine roll is allowed. There can also be a 1/4" spine split or severe color break. Staples may show minor discoloration. Minor staple tears and a few slight stress lines may be present, as well as minor rust migration. Paper is tan to brown and fairly supple with no signs of brittleness. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. Centerfold may be loose. 5.5 FINE- (FN-): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Fine but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 5.0 VERY GOOD/FINE (VG/FN): Back to Top An above-average but well used comic book. An accumulation of bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor to moderate cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases and/or dimples. Inks have moderate to low reflectivity. Blunted corners are increasingly common, as is minor to moderate staining, discoloration, and/or foxing. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. A minor to moderate spine roll is allowed. A spine split of up to 1/2" may be present. Staples may show minor discoloration. Minor staple tears and minor stress lines may also be present, as well as minor rust migration. Paper is tan to brown with no signs of brittleness. Centerfold may be loose. Minor interior tears may also be present.

As far as the grading standards (Overstreet/Heritage) are concerned... NM- 9.2 to NM 9.4 - Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location. VF/NM 9.0 - Several lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable. FN/VF 7.0 to VF 8.0 - Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present.

Other than the color breaking spine ticks and slight staple tears I do not see anything else wrong with this book, not sure how CGC views the spine ticks as the only defect present, IMO...NM- 9.2 IMO, the grading standards for spine ticks are too generic and not specific enough, what is the difference between "Almost no", "minor accumulation and nearly imperceptible" and "a few almost insignificant"? NM- 9.2 - NM 9.4 Almost no stress lines. VF/NM 9.0 - Only the slightest staple tears are allowed. A very minor accumulation of stress lines may be present if they are nearly imperceptible. VF 8.0 - Very slight staple tears and a few almost insignificant stress lines may be present.

Also wanted to add, MCS will tell you as they told me, even before we sold the keys, I sent them a detailed list of the books and grades and was told that I needed to check their want list myself for any books they may want and what they are paying for them by grade, after checking some of my books with their want list I determined it was not worth the time and effort as they were paying pennies on the dollar for books like ASM 238, ASM 298/299/300, ASM 360/361, X-Men 94, etc., most books they did not want at all. The keys were sold over the last two years on Facebook groups that allow sales, I did not advertise them for sale, I waited until I saw what folks were looking for and then I responded, If you want to just list them for sale you will need multiple pictures, a name/date stamp, a grade and price you are asking or the Admins/Mods will not approve the post.

Blunted corners with color loss and a color breaking crease at the top right corner, color breaking scratches along top edge along with color loss, a few color breaking spine ticks, small staple tears, cover is not centered, wrinkle/crease on outer edge of rear cover with a small tear? If that is not a tear, IMO...FN/VF 7.0 If that is a small tear, IMO, the book would drop to a FN 6.0 to FN+ 6.5. 7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. 6.5 FINE+ (FN+): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Fine but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 6.0 FINE (FN): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with no significant creasing or other serious defects. Some accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear apparent, with minor to moderate creases. Inks show a significant reduction in reflectivity. Blunted corners are more common, as is minor staining, soiling, discoloration, and/or foxing. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. A minor spine roll is allowed. There can also be a 1/4" spine split or severe color break. Staples may show minor discoloration. Minor staple tears and a few slight stress lines may be present, as well as minor rust migration. Paper is tan to brown and fairly supple with no signs of brittleness. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. Centerfold may be loose.

I have been trying to sell my Son's books (mostly 80's/90's Marvel) for some time. We have sold most of the key/hot books in the collection individually but the $1.00 bin books (for the most part they are $1.00 books) that are left are hard to get rid of. He has 1500 books that fall into that category, he was asking $900.00 for all (60 cents per book) and we have only received two offers of $500.00. (.33 cents per book). All of the LCS's are not interested and said that if they were interested the most they offer for books like this would be about 20-25 cents per book.

All I see is multiple small color breaking spine ticks, and only because the rest of the book appears flawless... 9.0 VERY FINE/NEAR MINT (VF/NM): Back to Top Nearly perfect with outstanding eye appeal. A limited number of bindery/printing defects are allowed. Cover is almost flat with almost imperceptible wear. Inks are bright with slightly diminished reflectivity. An 1/8" bend is allowed if color is not broken. Corners are cut square and sharp with ever-so-slight blunting permitted but no creases. Several lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable. Very minor foxing. Spine is tight and flat. Staples may show some discoloration. Only the slightest staple tears are allowed. A very minor accumulation of stress lines may be present if they are nearly imperceptible. Paper is off-white to cream and supple. Very minor interior tears may be present. FN/VF 7.0 - Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. VF 8.0 - Very slight staple tears and a few almost insignificant stress lines may be present NM- 9.2 to NM 9.4 - Almost no stress lines.

Bindery tear at top with color loss, blunted lower right corner, multiple small color breaking spine ticks, chipping along top edge of rear cover. IMO...VF- 7.5 8.0 VERY FINE (VF): Back to Top An excellent copy with outstanding eye appeal. A limited accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Cover is relatively flat with minimal surface wear beginning to show, possibly including some minute wear at corners. Inks are generally bright with moderate to high reflectivity. An unnoticeable 1/4" crease is acceptable if color is not broken. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. Spine is almost completely flat with a possible minor color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Very slight staple tears and a few almost insignificant stress lines may be present. Paper is cream to tan and supple. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. 7.5 VERY FINE- (VF-): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Very Fine but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.

IMO...VF/NM 9.0 to NM- 9.2 9.4 NEAR MINT (NM): Back to Top Nearly perfect with only minor imperfections that keep it from the next higher grade. Subtle bindery/printing defects are allowed. Bindery tears must be less than 1/16" on Silver Age and later books, although on Golden Age books bindery tears of up to 1/4" have been noted. Cover is flat with no surface wear. Inks are bright with high reflectivity and a minimum of fading. Corners are cut square and sharp with ever-so-slight blunting permitted. A 1/16" bend is permitted with no color break. Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location. Slight foxing. Spine is tight and flat. Staples are generally centered; may have slight discoloration. Almost no stress lines. Paper is off-white to cream, supple and fresh. Slight interior tears are allowed. 9.2 NEAR MINT- (NM-): Back to Top Nearly perfect with only a minor additional defect or defects that keep it from Near Mint. A limited number of minor bindery/printing defects are allowed. Cover is flat with no surface wear. Inks are bright with only the slightest dimming of reflectivity. Corners are cut square and sharp with ever-so-slight blunting permitted. A 1/16-1/8" bend is permitted with no color break. Small, inconspicuous, lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable as long as they are in an unobtrusive location. Slight foxing. Spine is tight and flat. Staples may show some discoloration. Almost no stress lines. Paper is off-white to cream, supple and fresh. Slight interior tears are allowed. 9.0 VERY FINE/NEAR MINT (VF/NM): Back to Top Nearly perfect with outstanding eye appeal. A limited number of bindery/printing defects are allowed. Cover is almost flat with almost imperceptible wear. Inks are bright with slightly diminished reflectivity. An 1/8" bend is allowed if color is not broken. Corners are cut square and sharp with ever-so-slight blunting permitted but no creases. Several lightly penciled, stamped or inked arrival dates are acceptable. Very minor foxing. Spine is tight and flat. Staples may show some discoloration. Only the slightest staple tears are allowed. A very minor accumulation of stress lines may be present if they are nearly imperceptible. Paper is off-white to cream and supple. Very minor interior tears may be present.

Bindery tear at top, blunted corners with a small piece missing from lower right corner and a color breaking crease at the lower left corner, multiple color breaking spine ticks/stress lines, color breaking scratch thru Catwoman's costume, areas of color rub/color loss on front cover, fold on rear cover at the lower left corner/edge, soiling along outer edge and spine of rear cover. IMO...FN/VF 7.0 8.0 VERY FINE (VF): Back to Top An excellent copy with outstanding eye appeal. A limited accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Cover is relatively flat with minimal surface wear beginning to show, possibly including some minute wear at corners. Inks are generally bright with moderate to high reflectivity. An unnoticeable 1/4" crease is acceptable if color is not broken. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. Spine is almost completely flat with a possible minor color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Very slight staple tears and a few almost insignificant stress lines may be present. Paper is cream to tan and supple. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present. 7.5 VERY FINE- (VF-): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Very Fine but with an additional defect or small accumulation of defects that detracts from the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF): Back to Top An above-average copy that shows minor wear but is still relatively flat and clean with outstanding eye appeal. A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed. Minor cover wear beginning to show, possibly including minor creases. Corners may be blunted. Inks are generally bright with a moderate reduction in reflectivity. Stamped or inked arrival dates may be present. Minor foxing. The slightest spine roll may be present, as well as a possible moderate color break. Staples may show some discoloration. Slight staple tears and a small accumulation of light stress lines may be present. Slight rust migration. Paper is cream to tan. Centerfold is mostly secure. Minor interior tears at the margin may be present.

Blunted corners with color loss, small color breaking crease at lower right corner, bug/rodent chew on front and rear cover by outer edge. Without the chew, I would have graded this book in the FN+ 6.5 to FN/VF 7.0 range, with the chew and the missing pieces... IMO...VG+ 4.5 max.