LowGradeBronze

On 5/2/2024 at 5:55 AM, tth2 said:

.....But then Byrne took over, Wolverine suddenly became popular and everyone started getting into them.  That's when the prices of GSX 1 and UXM 94 started to skyrocket (relatively speaking). 

It was Byrne taking over that swung it for me. I'd given up buying current comics and was only buying 'old' comics at the time and a school friend said I should take a look at X Men, so I did and was pulled right back in. We reconnected recently (after many years,) and I reminded him that he was responsible for my renewed interest back then. Talking comics with childhood friends is a great way to be 14 again. 

Hi, what you haven't mentioned is how many books you have. If it's hundreds or more, then you will want to be quite choosy about which books you have graded. Also, if there are no keys (highly sought after, or significant issues) then the cost is almost certainly more than the value per book to have them graded. Let's say you have 50 to a hundred average books in low-ish grades (good to very good,) chances are they will display well in bags/mylars with backing boards and be much more fun for other family members to enjoy in their raw state, rather than locked away in plastic cases where the art and smell can no longer be enjoyed. (And yes I did say smell )

Just shy of VF so 7.5

Once in my care they are removed from the conditions that would make the rust active again.  The rust stabilises and no further spread. (My motorbike though, is a different problem!)

Binder holes are damage, regardless of the reason behind them being there, so why would a green label apply?

I like older books but the ones I can afford are usually in lower grades, where you'll occasionally find rust on staples. It's not an issue for me in the grades I buy. I just accept and enjoy books as they are now.

Hi, the affected area looks quite regular and rectangular, almost as if there had been a sticker there or maybe some tape. Is it rough to the touch, as if residue yet remains there?

I see a little too much softening at the corners for an 8.5 add in the slight abrasion/split at the spine and you have a nice looking 7.0 but not likely any higher. It's a great book though, with Kirby freed from Stan and really letting rip. The choice of Royer as inker was the master stroke.

8.0 or 8.5 and yes a really nice copy! I love this short lived series. Some of the finest Gene Colan art that really shows his command of page & panel design and ability to create mood. Such a good story teller. 

Only worth it if you absolutely have to have it in a different brand of slab.....looks fine as it is 

Buy them and enjoy them. Buying one big lot saves you on shipping costs. Even if you do live in Switzerland 

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.