scburdet

Hopefully will press

3ish

Foxing on the back I think keeps this more like 6.0/6.5

4.0±0.5

Minor rounding of outer corners, and the obvious ink? along the back spine. 9.2±0.2, leaning lower in the range than higher

The top down cover photo looks like there's a light area vertically below the BAT, but I don't see it in the spine angle. I assume this is light/glare. ≥9.2

Stress lines are supposedly more allowable at CGC than many amateur graders (myself included) might expect; however, there are 1 or 2 here that are medium in length, and the BLFC corner is dinged pretty good. Other corners are rounded & some light soiling along the spine on the back. 8.0/8.5 with an outside chance at a 9.0 with c/p.

Given the apparent CGC policy on discoloration & stains currently, I wouldn't have expectations of a NM grade. 7.5/8.0. Depending on what it is, maybe it can be removed.

This may be my greatest accomplishment making WAGs at golden age comic grades. Very nice book!

The last of my Isabella semi-key issues. First Black Goliath

9.0/9.2 after c/p

I'd go 3.0 unless someone can get the white areas a lot cleaner.

Ignoring the misfold since it shouldn't count against it, I'll say 3.0±0.5

Finger bends & light creases are pressable. If either break color, then it won't help much. These kinds of questions are better directed to the Grading & Restoration issues thread where they are discussed regularly.

Why are the inner pages hanging outside the back cover. The cover doesn't look trimmed. Are the pages detached?

1.0±0.5 With these worn books, I don't think pressing can improve the grade, maybe improve the appearance.

Ceiling around 9.2, Looks like the TRFC is a little blunted too. The black cover shows everything, so it may not be as bad as you think

I realized recently that while I had acquired 2 copies of this book over the years (one with an unverified Isabella signature dated '93) that appeared to be in higher grade, both had had the MVS clipped 🤬 Fortunately, the Fin Fang Foom market has cooled off. His 2nd appearance after Strange Tales 89 and almost a 13 year layoff.

upon close inspection, I'd call this standard light soiling. It's not staining in the way I've had in other books

1.8/2.0

2.5±0.5 With these older books in rough shape, it's better to defer to someone who presses these regularly. It's quite possible to do more damage than good if handled improperly.

Any luck? I did not have this in hand when I posted. I do now. That outer wrap is decals, I'm hoping removing it for a universal label is an option b/c I think it would impair pressing. Also, I noted that it seemed a little large & I measured it at 12"×8" so it's longer in the vertical direction than a standard magazine slab. Will that be a problem?

I want to stick with my original post-press guess of 5.0, even though that was sight unseen. I can see the square bound & prestige of this getting a bump to 5.5 though

Nothing to add here really. First Misty Knight. Threw in a photo of the original grade sticker for kicks. Edit: just noticed I photographed a shadow onto the BRFC. That's not on the actual book

Is there such a thing as an extremely minor key? In one panel (that I can find) the name "Misty" is mentioned. Misty Knight first appears for the first time in the next issue (if you ignore a retcon of an anonymous crime victim in MTU #1). Anyhoo, the real reason I'm interested in an expected grade is the Mark Jewelers insert. Miraculously, the MVS is also intact. IDK if you will be able to see, but there are some light indentions close to the spine that look like quintessential pressing candidates. The main defect is the bottom right edge. I'm fairly certain that it will be difficult to tell just from photos that there is no tearing or loss of corner paper, just ink & wear. Definitely not a 9.8, but curious where people would come down on this. Thanks!