Journey Into Mystery #85 - Grading/Fix? 1 1

[ComicsGalore]

Hey,

I just picked up a Jim #85. Its beautiful, but (there is always a but...) the issue is the top staple of the centerfold is pulled through. Its surprisingly attached everywhere else, firmly even the back where that tiny piece is off. No other issues really, just slight wear. The color is so vibrant. I truly hate staples right now. My question, What would this take off the grade? I have a stapler in my desk drawer, it seems easy to fix..(JUST KIDDING) Would this be something to maybe have a professional restore/fix and keep it as raw? CGC it before it tears through? Put it under my pillow and pray? What would make it hold the most value? Please and thank you!

 

Nick

[LowGradeBronze]

With low value books I want to repair, I would open up the staple very carefully using needle nosed pliers or tweezers just enough to slip a tiny piece of pre-folded paper (or tape) underneath to retain the wrap. Not sure how I'd feel doing it to something of value though. 

The paper version of this repair (as opposed to tape,) is the least invasive and is reversible. 

All my comics include a note in the bag (grade etc) which would include details of any repairs along with the date.

Edited January 21, 2023 by LowGradeBronze

[zzutak]

On 1/20/2023 at 6:49 PM, ComicsGalore said:

The issue is the top staple of the centerfold is pulled through. What would this take off the grade? What would make it hold the most value?

Having the centerfold detached at a single staple has a relatively small effect on the grade of an otherwise pristine book (and a negligible effect on the grade of an otherwise FN-ish copy).  Here are a few examples:

The status of the cover at the top staple is way more significant.  One of your images (enlarged below) suggests that the back cover may be detached at the top staple.  Am I seeing something that's not really there?

In any event, if you're goal is to maximize value, I suggest you do nothing (other than place the comic onto an acid free backing board and slip it into a Mylar sleeve). 

[marvelmaniac]

That appears to have happened due to spine roll.

SPINE ROLL. A defect of a comic book caused by improper storage that results in uneven pages and the bowing of the spine.

 

SPINE ROLL

A condition where the left edge of the comic book curves toward the front or back, caused by folding back each page as the comic was read.

[Phill the Governor]

On 1/21/2023 at 9:27 AM, marvelmaniac said:

That appears to have happened due to spine roll.

SPINE ROLL. A defect of a comic book caused by improper storage that results in uneven pages and the bowing of the spine.

 

SPINE ROLL

A condition where the left edge of the comic book curves toward the front or back, caused by folding back each page as the comic was read.

In this case, this is not true. This copy doesn't have a spine roll, it has a slight mis-wrap due to the production cut. Which is totally normal. Spine rolls are mostly exhibited by the fanning out of interior pages looking at the back cover, and this one is flush and in line where it should be.

Many collectors would be thrilled to have this copy, and no one in their right mind would advise doing anything other than putting it in a bag/board or grading it and enjoying it as is.

On 1/20/2023 at 9:49 PM, ComicsGalore said:

Hey,

I just picked up a Jim #85. Its beautiful, but (there is always a but...) the issue is the top staple of the centerfold is pulled through. Its surprisingly attached everywhere else, firmly even the back where that tiny piece is off. No other issues really, just slight wear. The color is so vibrant. I truly hate staples right now. My question, What would this take off the grade? I have a stapler in my desk drawer, it seems easy to fix..(JUST KIDDING) Would this be something to maybe have a professional restore/fix and keep it as raw? CGC it before it tears through? Put it under my pillow and pray? What would make it hold the most value? Please and thank you!

[ComicsGalore]

On 1/21/2023 at 4:15 AM, zzutak said:

Having the centerfold detached at a single staple has a relatively small effect on the grade of an otherwise pristine book (and a negligible effect on the grade of an otherwise FN-ish copy).  Here are a few examples:

The status of the cover at the top staple is way more significant.  One of your images (enlarged below) suggests that the back cover may be detached at the top staple.  Am I seeing something that's not really there?

In any event, if you're goal is to maximize value, I suggest you do nothing (other than place the comic onto an acid free backing board and slip it into a Mylar sleeve). 

It is torn but still attached there, remarkably well at that. Ha Little guy won't let go!

[zzutak]

On 1/21/2023 at 3:38 PM, ComicsGalore said:

It is torn but still attached there, remarkably well at that.

So the back cover has pulled off the top staple, but the cover is still attached by a small tab of paper that extends from the front cover side of the staple, right?  If this is the case, I believe CGC would state "Back cover detached at top staple" in the label notes.  It's less serious than having the entire cover (front & back) detached there, but more serious than your typical short staple tear.  The defect definitely should be disclosed upon listing the book for sale.  Here are two examples (just click to enlarge).

Edited January 22, 2023 by zzutak