Matt Brosch

Signature Series Tier, no press, no fast track Received: 8/27/21 Scheduled for Grading: 1/8/21 G/E/I: 1/11/21 Grading/QC:??? Shipped: 1/12/21 All 9.8s btw, very happy with that

Modern tier, no press, no fast track Received: 8/27/21 Scheduled for Grading: 10/4/21 Grading/E/I: 2/1/22

I get what you're saying, it just depends on the defect and its severity, and again the individual grader. CGC says that defects are allowable on a 9.8 but have to be negligible, which is a fairly nebulous criterion. The following are typically allowed on CGC 9.8s. This list was compiled by Bry's Comics after exhaustively researching the subject and examining hundreds of slabbed 9.8s. It's what I go by when deciding which books to submit. Spine Ticks ⅛” or less Bindery Tears at the top and bottom that are 1/16” or less Spine Rub that goes the length of the spine from shipping and rubbing on the cardboard box Miswraps of 1/16” or less (sometimes more but definitely will pass if 1/16” or less). Color Rub measuring a total area of 1” or less. Slight waviness to the book. Overstreet has similar criteria for a 9.8. I personally have many 9.8s in my collection with multiple color breaking spine tics, the worst of which is a Venom 7 signed by Clayton Crain which has no less than 7 (appropriately enough) color breaking spine tics of 1/8ths length. I also have 9.6s that I defy anyone to find a single defect on. In general, minor defects are fine on a 9.8. That's what I've seen in my time collecting slabs & submitting raws at least. Appreciate the respectful tone btw, I'm not trying to say "you're wrong", just adding my perspective, and too many times on these boards people become rude/ combative, so I just wanted to specifically say thank you for not doing that lol. And you're right, the "spare a grade" guys are pretty accurate, but they tend to be a bit conservative in their estimates as well. Again, just my 2 cents, which are typically significantly less valuable than 2 actual cents.

Ah yes, back to the topic. I've had 1 modern tier batch received 8/27/21, scheduled for grading since 10/4/21. So almost 4 months stuck in "scheduled". I sent in a SS batch the exact same time, which I received in the mail almost 2 weeks ago, so I was happy about that. Will update when I get back the moderns.

A single color break on the spine isn't enough to keep a book from 9.8. Minor color breaking tics are allowed on 9.8s. Beyond that, Grading is subjective. If you have 5 experienced graders go over a random book you'll likely see a standard deviation of 3-4 grade points between them. Some CGC graders are super strict, have never given out a 10, and expect a 9.8 to be absolutely perfect. Other graders will give a 10 on occasion to perfect books, and will allow small creases, indents, bindery tears, or color breaking tics on a 9.8. All depends on the grader, and oftentimes their mood that day. Stuck in traffic this morning? 9.6. GF said we should see other people? 9.2. Dog died last night? 8.5. Stuck in traffic after GF broke up with me and murdered my dog? 7.5s all day.

Just in case anyone was wondering, I decided to lookup the graders notes since they became free recently. Slight dent bottom left corner, and slight spine stress. Nothing that screams 8.5 or lower to me, so I'm thinking (in the name of science, of course) that I'm going to crack, clean, try to press out the corner, and resubmit. I'll update whenever I get the thing back and see what happens!

9.0. Press that thing first fur sure

For future reference, I imagine he's referring to CBCS's raw graded books. They're graded but not slabbed, and instead placed in a mylar bag/ board with a tamper evident seal. Just trying to be helpful in case you run into a similar query at some point

This isn't a question, but I didn't know where else to post it to ensure it's seen by the CGC staff, and I felt this was important to say. I know how incredibly busy everyone at CGC has been lately, and I'm sure it's a stressful time to work in the grading industry overall. Often there are many threads, calls, and emails regarding customer concerns and complaints, and I feel like sometimes it's nice to be recognized for what you do right, instead of just the mistakes that are inevitably made along the way. So I wanted to take the time to convey my appreciation to all of you at CGC; for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing us a top tier service, and for the kindness and patience you show all of us on a regular basis as well. I especially want to thank Brittany McManus and Barbara Turner, who recently assisted me in resolving some minor issues in an incredibly fast, kind, and professional manner. Everyone I've ever interacted with at CGC has been extremely patient and helpful, and I felt the least I could do in return is thank you all for everything you do for us, and for doing it with the kind of grace and kindness that is nothing short of exemplary. Please know that these attributes do not go unnoticed, and even though you may not hear it as often as you should, you are appreciated, valued, and respected by the vast majority of those whom you serve. I will continue doing business with CGC not just because of the service you provide, but because of the people that provide that very service. Thanks again, and my best wishes to you and your families in this new year!

Definitely on my list, along with watercolor. My dad actually has this awesome charcoal piece my grandma smuggled here after fleeing Germany circa WWII, its probably my favorite piece of art ever, followed closely by Durer's Knight Death and the Devil.

Another batch of new-ish pieces, 2 what-ifs, 1 Agony commission, and an oil painting (24×36) of my brother's dog for him for xmas

Been awhile since I posted. Here's a couple recent symbiote themed pieces I did.

Im not sure what's unclear about what I'd be trying to active. It looks like a particularly nice copy, and doesn't appear to have been pressed. The staples are tight, it's well centered, and has a white pages designation, none of which would lead me to beleive there's anything significantly deficient on the interior/ centerfold. Buying a raw copy of this particular book is asinine, as newsstands that are in significantly worse shape than this one routinely go for around what I paid for my 8.5. I'm not the first to buy an "undergraded" book to crack and resubmit for a higher grade. If I could pull a 9.2 out of it after a CP and resubmit then that would be a really good ROI based on what I paid/ would have put into it. To be clear, I am satisfied with the 8.5 that I bought, I was just curious if there was room here for a couple grade point bump of I decided to go down that road. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, or soliciting advice from others who have a better eye for grading than I do on whether this is a good candidate for that treatment.

Well it it actually looks a little better than my 9.6, that being said I'll go 9.4 just to be safe, but a 9.6 wouldn't surprise me at all

Definitely worth having graded. I would guess 9.6, with 9.4 or 9.8 being within the standard deviation of similar books. Just depends on the grader and their mood that day really lol. Great book!

Lol, love the old man emoji. I wanted to get a feel for what people thought the bump might be, if any, first, as my grading ability is hit or miss. No sense in throwing away $5 if everyone who looked said "you're crazy, that's an 8.5 all day". On the other hand, if the general consensus was that there's a potential for a couple point bump I don't mind spending the $5 to see if the issues with the book could be improved by a clean/ press.

That makes sense, really helpful advice actually. My total cost would be around $55 for the graders notes, a CP, and resubmit/ shipping. Based on what I paid for it, if I had spent that extra 55 I could've bought a 9.0 at FMV, so I'd be hoping for that or better. 9.2 would be great. If it came back 8.5 I'd be fine, its only 55 bucks, but I'd feel pretty stupid for throwing away good money. I'm probably going to buy the grader's notes next and message my CP guy to get his thoughts. I will definitely update if I go through with a resubmit!

Hey guys, just picked up this Secret Wars 8 Newsstand for a pretty decent price. It looked great in the pics and once I got my hands on it I just had a tough time seeing how it got an 8.5. I may end up buying the grader's notes, but wanted your opinions 1st on whether you think I should crack it, have it pressed, and resubmit for a grade bump? Or do you think 8.5 was right, and I need to have my vision checked? It doesn't appear to have been pressed previously from what I can tell. Thanks in advance!

Next up in the What If...? Series...What If Adolf Was Batman? Lol

Conan commission I just finished the other day. Never drawn him before so it was a fun detour from the norm for me.

Once every few months a charity I work with called Comic Book Covers for Cancer auctions off a batch of original artwork to help raise money for cancer research and support programs. Each artist donates their work, and 100% of the sale proceeds go to various cancer charities. I've posted some pics of the current auctions below, and they can be found using the link here: https://www.ebay.com/usr/cbc4c Please consider bidding, you'd be supporting a great cause, and getting some sweet artwork yourself in the process!

Once every few months a charity I work with called Comic Book Covers for Cancer auctions off a batch of original artwork done on comic blanks to help raise money for cancer research and support programs. Each artist donates their work, and 100% of the sale proceeds go to various cancer charities. I've posted some pics of the current auctions below, and they can be found using the link here: https://www.ebay.com/usr/cbc4c Please consider bidding, you'd be supporting a great cause, and getting some sweet artwork yourself in the process!

Also did these myself. I need to send in a batch to CGC to have them graded. Also for sale.

All of these arrived in the last 2 weeks, despite being ordered months apart. Ghost Rider is for sale already on FeeBay if anyone is interested

Its been awhile since I posted anything here so I decided just to drop some random pieces I've done lately in no particular order. 2 were for IG competitions, the Magneto was for a charity auction, and the Venom cover was my 1st commission just this past week.