LowGradeBronze

Wow this has eye appeal that goes way beyond its grade. Those colours are still really fresh and vibrant. That said it is a low grade copy that probably comes in around 2.0

Tops out at 6.5 for me.

The clue is in the slab it's in right now! The tape, the creasing, the ragged edge. I'd say it could drop if regraded. It's not the worst looking 1.8 but is every inch a 1.8 certainly no better. (Are you thinking that since this was graded some time ago, when grading standards differed from those perceived to be in force today, it may receive more favourable treatment if graded now?)

Gotta love a bit of Tom Baker as Dr Who! I'd give this 9.2 to 9.4

As is I'd say a weak 6.0 but if that weird mark (stain? abrasion?) in the text panel next to the gloves on BC cleans up well, you could see 7.0 after a c&p.

I don't see pressing doing much for the eye appeal. The poor things been through the mill already. Either grade it as is or leave raw is my instinct. Great book to have raw!

1.5 from me too. Nice page quality though! There's always a silver (surfer) lining with a low grade book if you look for it.

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be.... (sorry, but someone had to say it...)

Congrats! In your shoes, I'd be really happy. For my own reading pleasure, a nice looking book with some colour touch is perfectly OK. Better in my opinion than a rag that would grade low but universal.

Grease stains and red marker pen. Hmm... those aren't going to come off without chemical intervention of some kind.

First instinct on this is 7.0

Hi, not sure how we can help you without more information. What was the estimated grade of the book before your restoration? What restoration work did you carry out? Have pieces been added? Archival or other materials used/added? What are the remaining faults as you see them, both inside and out? If for example you made good on a complete spine split, the grade will still be very low even if the book looks nice, which it does.

I think as general advice though, I wouldn't ever add tape to anything specifically in order to submit it.

4.0 max with all the spine wear, but this is an IH181 so likely gets a bump for that. (Have to say I think all books should be graded without any regard for the key/grail status the book has.)

For all the reasons listed by Mister Pontoon, I'm not going higher than a 3.0

This is often debated with various reference sources being quoted to back up one person's view or another's. Personally I can't help feeling that with the price increase to 15c we entered Bronze territory. Think of Conan the Barbarian #1, now that's a Bronze book (to my mind,) if ever there was one!

3.5 to me. But the two black dots just look like stray ink since they don't correspond with anything on the front cover. I really like Hulks wild, fierce look that the Kirby/Ditko artwork gives him.

I'd say the SA stopped at number 74, the last 12c issue of July 1969.

I have bought VG books listed as VF but purposely only bid & paid VG prices for them because the photos clearly showed them to be lower grade. Maybe I'm being cynical here but in the UK it seems it's perfectly OK to list low grade books and describe them as high grade, using the tired old trope that 'grading is subjective' so one man's VG really is another man's (the seller's) VF. Fourth item you mention, tricking CGC to award higher grade than book warrants, is fraud, but you try proving it. The others are creative marketing.

I'd say this was a 4.5

Looks to be around a 6.0

3.0 just. Bit too much wear and tear to go higher.

Classic 4.0 territory for me, even with the stain. Great book!

Imagine this were an in-person club or group. Would the group as a whole rather get to know a new member before getting all their goodies out and offering them? Yes they would. And as for what kind of risk you may pose, well that question is also answered once we all get to know a little about you and what got you into comics. Not just comics either, there are threads about what else you like, films and general chat. All sorts. Play the game a little and then reap the benefits of having the ear of a great bunch of comic lovers and access to their knowledge and expertise. Even the guy who finds the magic lantern has to polish it a little before it offers him his three wishes.

I think Mike is right. There needs to be a willingness on the part of a new board member to show they are genuinely engaging with the community on the boards. I understand impatience too. But engaging with board members in a meaningful and respectful way will lead to a better outcome for all concerned in a WTB situation.