marvelmaniac

Other than the miscut top edge of the front cover and a slightly blunted lower right corner I do not see any other defects, I do not know how CGC views the printing/manufacturing error, the key is how it is viewed, "Subtle, Minor", or more than that, I do not consider the miscut edge to be "Subtle or Minor, IMO, it affects the the Aesthetics of the book to a large degree. IMO, with the miscut upper edge the book is a VF/NM 9.0 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.

I agree 100% with the above statement, I have been using CIS for about 15 years now, easy to get insured, you name the amount of coverage you want, you can add/remove items from your collection at anytime, change the insured amount at anytime. I originally sent them a list of all books/collectibles and at the end of each year I would send them an updated list with that years purchases and they added it to my file. I went a little overboard (OCD) and in 2015 I graded, catalogued and photographed 2000+ books which are stored on my laptop and two separate flashdrives and sent them an upgraded list, I could have also sent them a flashdrive with all of the pics and lists. Currently I am paying $190.00 annually for $35,000.00 in coverage.

Early JIM and Strange Tales were "Horror Books", around issue 50 of JIM and issue 68 of ST they became more about "Monsters", TOS and TTA were always about "Monsters". Of course these books were still under the "Atlas" title.

Pretty cool that you bought this book 40 years ago for $21.00, I got mine at the first LCS I ever found back about 82/83 for either $15.00 or $20.00, guess that was the going rate back then. As far as grading... Moderate Spine Stress/Creasing W/Color Break, Edge/Corner Wear W/Creasing and Color Breaks, Discolored Staples, Small Spine Split Lower Spine (1/4" - 1/2") IMO, the spine stress/creasing keeps this book from being higher, my opinion on grade is... VG/FN 5.0 - FN- 5.5 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.

And my final grade with the piece missing was FN 6.0, so, we do agree.

Minor/Moderate spine stress w/color break, blunted/creased corners with color break, edge wear with slight creasing and slight color break, slightly discolored upper staple. IMO... 7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF): Back to TopAn 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.

Piece missing from upper edge, piece missing from top left corner, lower right corner blunted/creased, slightly discolored/rusted lower staple, minor spine stress/wear with minor color breaks, dust shadow top edge of rear cover. IMO, the book is a FN/VF 7.0 - VF- 7.5 without the missing piece on the top edge, the size of the piece missing is only allowed in books up to *GD/VG 3.0, how much of a hit does it take with the missing piece, I do not know CGC's stance, if this were my book I would grade it as a FN 6.0 as is and when cataloged the missing piece would be noted. *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. 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 do not know CGC's stance on this, however, this came from the Overstreet Grading Guide. 9.4 "In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple; this is not considered a defect. Any staple can be replaced on books up to Fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from Very Fine to Near Mint. Mint books must have original staples." Also, found this article... https://rarecomics.wordpress.com/2021/06/13/the-overstreet-grading-guide-staple-replacement-and-asm-238-tattooz/

Lovin this "Well Loved" copy. I cannot compete with the higher grade books, here is my "Well Loved" copy.

There are numerous Facebook Groups for Buy/Sell/Trade of comic books, (there are also numerous comic book forums that do not allow sales) I have sold numerous books on Facebook with no issues, there are no fees other than the 2.9% + .30 cents for PayPal. Always use PayPal Goods and Services. Ship Priority Mail, it comes with $50.00 insurance and tracking, never had anybody complain about shipping costs. As already stated, the books should be sandwiched between two pieces of thick cardboard and the cardboard should be taped (painters tape) horizontally and vertically so the books do not move in the sandwich, the cardboard should be cut slightly larger than the books to prevent them from getting dinged. I am able to fit up to three books in a flat rate envelope ($8.70) and 10+ books in a medium flat rate box. ($16.25). When using a box be sure to wrap the entire sandwiched book(s) in bubble wrap so they do not move and will not get damaged during handling by USPS. I use eBay Sold Auctions to see FMV for my books (in the same grade), you can also combine that with looking at selling prices on https://www.mycomicshop.com, their prices are usually higher than what books actually sell for on eBay but you can get an idea of what your LCS may be selling them for. (Do not use consignment prices) so you have a high/low to go by. The biggest thing here is to grade the books properly, better to undergrade than to overgrade. You can learn to grade by using the Overstreet Grading Guide and by posting books in the "Hey buddy, can you spare a grade?" section. You write down the defects you see and assign a grade, then post the book and see if the group agrees with you, if they do not you can ask why, you can also just view books in the "Hey buddy, can you spare a grade?" section to see if you agree with the group. https://comics.ha.com/tutorial/comics-grading.s?show=comicdefinitions https://gemstonepub.com/the-overstreet-guide-to-grading-comics-6th-edition/

WOW!!! I was with everyone else on the FN/VF 7.0 - VF 8.0, Never would have imagined a NM- 9.2, CONGRATS!!!

Minor Edge Wear, Minor Corner Wear, Minor Spine Stress, Creasing W/Color Break on Spine Under the "H" in Human Torch, Slight Staple Tears, Cover Wrap not Centered. The book presents nicely and I am on the fence with this one so I will split the difference and give this book a... 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.

Moderate Edge Wear/Creasing on Right Edge, Moderate Color Rub/Fading along Top and Right Edges. Rounded/Blunted Left Corners, Spine Stress, Discolored Staples, Minor Staple Tears. IMO it is the color rub/fading and the rusted lower staple that prevent this book from grading higher... VG/FN 5.0 5.0 VERY GOOD/FINE (VG/FN): Back to TopAn 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.

Slight Edge Wear, Upper/Lower Left Corner Creasing W/Color Break, Moderate Spine Stress, Slight Staple Tears, Discolored Staples, Slight Tear Right Outer Edge, Staining on the Outer Edge of the Rear Cover. IMO... FN 6.0 - FN+ 6.5 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.

Edge Wear W/Small Tears, Moderate Spine Stress, Long Crease W/Color Break at Right Edge, Rounded Corners W/Creasing, Top Right Corner has a Small Piece Missing, Slight Discoloration of Staples, Sun/Dust Shadow Right Edge of Front Cover, Staining/Dust Shadow on Rear Cover. IMO...VG+ 4.5 - VG/FN 5.0 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. 4.5 VERY GOOD+ (VG): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Very Good but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 4.0 VERY GOOD (VG): Back to Top The average used comic book. Cover shows moderate to significant wear, and may be loose but not completely detached. Cover reflectivity is low. Can have moderate creases or dimples. Corners may be blunted. Store stamps, name stamps, arrival dates, initials, etc. have no effect on this grade. Some discoloration, fading, foxing, and even minor soiling is allowed. As much as a 1/4" triangle can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8" square is also acceptable. Only minor unobtrusive tape and other amateur repair allowed on otherwise high grade copies. Moderate spine roll may be present and/or a 1" spine split. Staples may be discolored. Minor to moderate staple tears and stress lines may be present, as well as some rust migration. Paper is brown but not brittle. Minor to moderate interior tears may be present. Centerfold may be loose or detached at one staple.

Several Severe Spine Stress Lines W/Color Break, Rounded Corners W/Creasing, Creasing W/Color Break along the Right Edge, What appears to be Scratches W/Color Break on the Front Cover, Whiteout/Stain in the "L" of Hulk, Slight Staining/Dust Shadow on Rear Cover. IMO... VG+ 4.5 - VG/FN 5.0 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. 4.5 VERY GOOD+ (VG): Back to Top Fits the criteria for Very Good but with an additional virtue or small accumulation of virtues that improves the book's appearance by a perceptible amount. 4.0 VERY GOOD (VG): Back to Top The average used comic book. Cover shows moderate to significant wear, and may be loose but not completely detached. Cover reflectivity is low. Can have moderate creases or dimples. Corners may be blunted. Store stamps, name stamps, arrival dates, initials, etc. have no effect on this grade. Some discoloration, fading, foxing, and even minor soiling is allowed. As much as a 1/4" triangle can be missing out of the corner or edge; a missing 1/8" square is also acceptable. Only minor unobtrusive tape and other amateur repair allowed on otherwise high grade copies. Moderate spine roll may be present and/or a 1" spine split. Staples may be discolored. Minor to moderate staple tears and stress lines may be present, as well as some rust migration. Paper is brown but not brittle. Minor to moderate interior tears may be present. Centerfold may be loose or detached at one staple.

Slight Edge Wear, Slight Spine Stress, Minor Corner Blunting/Creasing... IMO...VF 8.0 8.0 VERY FINE (VF): Back to TopAn 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.

Edge Wear, Corners Blunted/Creased W/Color Break, Spine Creasing and Stress Lines W/Color Break, Slight Spine Roll, Staining on Rear Cover. IMO...FN 6.0 6.0 FINE (FN): Back to TopAn 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.

Edge Wear, Blunted Corners, Spine Stress Lines W/Color Break, Color Rub Top Right, Slight Discoloration of Top Staple, Slight Dust Shadow on Rear Cover. IMO...FN 6.0 6.0 FINE (FN): Back to TopAn 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.

Rusted Staples, Blunted/Creased Lower Right Corner W/Color Break, Dust Shadow on Rear Cover. IMO, the book is better than a FN/VF 7.0 but the crease keeps this book from being a VF 8.0, so... 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

Upper Edge Wear, A Few Spine Stress Lines W/Color Break, Left Lower Corner Blunted/Creased... The Spots at the top appear to be Foxing along with other stains on the rear cover, can it be cleaned? Considering that FMV for Invaders 7 in FN/VF 7.0 - VF 8.0 is only $25.00 - $35.00 (actual eBay auction sales) I would just bag and board the book and enjoy it as it is. FOXING. Tiny orange-brown that appear on the cover and/or interior pages of a comic book that is caused by mold. Foxing - is an age-related process of deterioration that causes spots and browning on old paper such as comics. Usually small circular dots. 6.0 FINE (FN): Back to TopAn 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.

Forgot to add these two books...

According to the grading standards... "Staples may show some discoloration." VF 8.0 - NM- 9.2 "Staples may show some discoloration, Slight rust migration." FN/VF 7.0 "Staples may show minor discoloration, minor rust migration." VG/FN 5.0 - FN 6.0 https://comics.ha.com/tutorial/comics-grading.s?show=comicdefinitions

Large crease w/color break top right, creasing w/color break lower right, small piece missing at lower right, blunted/rounded corners, slight stress lines w/color break on spine, dirt/staining on rear cover. 5.0 VERY GOOD/FINE (VG/FN): Back to TopAn 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.

Well then, you will find out the answer to your question in a couple of month's (?). When it comes back Please let us know what CGC determined.