Secret Wars #8, Wolverine #1: 9.0+ possible?

[2AGuy]

Hi everyone,

 

I've been reading through the forum today and learning a few terms. My childhood collection consists of one 28" box full of comics that I collected as a kid from the early to mid 1980s. I'm glad that I was wise enough at the time to store all of my comics in plastic bags (designed for comics) and some with backer boards and bags. I have scrutinized my collection and I've pulled about a half dozen key issues that I am trying to judge if I should have graded or not. I have an eye for detail, but since I have never had any books graded, I am trying to learn which defects are serious enough to disqualify key comics like these for grading. So I was hoping you could help me.

 

Below are links to 600 dpi scans of the front and back of two of my better comics, Secret Wars #8 and Wolverine #1. I have not touched these books since I put them in the bag around 1984 or 1985.

 

My questions...

 

Secret Wars #8:

 

1. There are a total of about 8 small spine ticks on the front and back. They seem minor to me, but I don't know for sure. They don't even really show up on the scans. Then again, the cover has a white back, so it does tend to hide the ticks better than what a black cover would. Since these ticks don't break color, should I consider having the book pressed in some way to try to remove or minimize them?

 

2. The only other flaw that I consider perhaps significant is a printing flaw on the 'M' in "COMES" on the front cover. It appears to me that this is a flaw in the original printed cover. I never marked on any of my books. I circled it in yellow on the scans as 'Print flaw 2'.

 

3. Is there a guide somewhere that can help me understand what is considered "WHITE PAGES" vs. "OFF-WHITE PAGES". How do I have an idea what my pages will be graded?

 

HighRes scan of front (600dpi, 2.7MB): https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24670207/comics/SecretWars_8_front_300dpi.jpg

 

HighRes scan of back (600dpi, 3MB): https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24670207/comics/SecretWars_8_back_300dpi.jpg

 

 

 

Wolverine #1:

 

1. Two tiny tears on top front. See graphic. 9.8 still possible?

 

2. One minor spine tick on front. Doesn't break color.

 

3. Very slight crease in the yellow on cover. Should it be pressed?

 

3. Smudge in yellow near spine.

 

4. Appears to be a frayed cut from factory on lower left front.

 

HighRes scan of front (600dpi, 2.7MB): https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24670207/comics/Wolverine_1_front_300dpi.jpg

 

HighRes scan of back (600dpi, 2.2MB): https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24670207/comics/Wolverine_1_back_300dpi.jpg

 

 

 

Any advice you can offer would be most appreciated! Thank you for your time and help!

[H0RR0RSH0W]

Both easy 9.4 maybe 9.6.

 

Worth grading both.