PGM Underdog #1 (1970) 3 3

[jlouque]

I picked this book up cheap yesterday and was curious what everyone thought the grade would be.  It is super dirty looking but fully intact with the pin-up poster in the center with tight staples.

Also, I am wondering what conditions caused the splotches.

Thanks everyone.

 

Edited March 20, 2022 by jlouque

[grendelbo]

3.5/4.0

On 3/20/2022 at 3:26 PM, jlouque said:

Also, I am wondering what conditions caused the splotches.

5 bucks says @zzutakcan give the best explanation.

Thanks for sharing.

[zzutak]

Careful there, Bo.  The only thing I know for certain is that I don't know much.  

The outside covers are definitely soiled.  However, the blotchiness seen on the inside covers is due to more than just soiling.  The rusty bottom staple suggests that the book was stored in a moist environment, and the tideline across the top-left corner of the back cover indicates that part of the book had contact with free water.  Dirt, organic contaminants (fingerprints, food stains, etc), and moisture are all things that promote the development of molds and foxing (which frequently appears as blotches rather than specks).

Now ask me something I can actually answer. 

[JollyComics]

On 3/21/2022 at 10:13 AM, zzutak said:

Careful there, Bo.  The only thing I know for certain is that I don't know much.  

The outside covers are definitely soiled.  However, the blotchiness seen on the inside covers is due to more than just soiling.  The rusty bottom staple suggests that the book was stored in a moist environment, and the tideline across the top-left corner of the back cover indicates that part of the book had contact with free water.  Dirt, organic contaminants (fingerprints, food stains, etc), and moisture are all things that promote the development of molds and foxing (which frequently appears as blotches rather than specks).

Now ask me something I can actually answer. 

Is that a question so what is your best answer?   

Tough question for ya: How can ideas cut through in a comic book world?

Edited March 21, 2022 by JollyComics

[jlouque]

On 3/21/2022 at 10:13 AM, zzutak said:

Careful there, Bo.  The only thing I know for certain is that I don't know much.  

The outside covers are definitely soiled.  However, the blotchiness seen on the inside covers is due to more than just soiling.  The rusty bottom staple suggests that the book was stored in a moist environment, and the tideline across the top-left corner of the back cover indicates that part of the book had contact with free water.  Dirt, organic contaminants (fingerprints, food stains, etc), and moisture are all things that promote the development of molds and foxing (which frequently appears as blotches rather than specks).

Now ask me something I can actually answer. 

Thanks for the explanation.  I figured this probably came from someone's attic or a shed.

[Februus]

3.5 probably amazing condition considering the typical reader of an Underdog had little to any concern for long term preservation 

[Funnybooks]

3.5

[Galen130]

4.0