FF #112 Should I get this graded or did I just waste some money? 1 1

[Adulwulf]

I found this FF #112 online and thought that it looked really good. I am relatively new to the "art" of collecting comics and their specifics. But, I had noticed some, what I now know as, distributor ink/markings on it but I believed it to be minor. I was initially going to send it in to be graded. After receiving the book I am not so sure. There is one small color breaking spine tick and I now notice a small color break on Hulk's knee. The distributor ink is much more than I thought but it does not really bleed into the pages of the book. I also just noticed a pink discoloration on the inside cover that matches up with the Hulk's pants. I am not sure what this is from. I have included pictures. Any help with this situation is much appreciated. I bought this comic for over $200, did I just waste money?

[flying_bison]

I’m not really that interested in commenting on anyone’s investment choices and whether they did poorly or well. In fact, I don’t think that’s consistent with what happens in this forum generally speaking.

But I am more than happy to tell you what I think the grade on this book is and then you can do with that what you will.

I think it’s a lovely book. And I think it’s a 7.0 as it stands now.  The ink doesn’t bother me so much, and I don’t think it will affect the grade in this condition. There are a number of other small imperfections such as the one you point out at Hulk’s knee that land it at 7.0 for me.

[JollyComics]

That's common for pink/red bleeding color on the cover.  Nothing to worry about it.  That manufacturing defect will not be graded.

[Adulwulf]

On 8/31/2024 at 10:55 AM, flying_bison said:

I’m not really that interested in commenting on anyone’s investment choices and whether they did poorly or well. In fact, I don’t think that’s consistent with what happens in this forum generally speaking.

But I am more than happy to tell you what I think the grade on this book is and then you can do with that what you will.

I think it’s a lovely book. And I think it’s a 7.0 as it stands now.  The ink doesn’t bother me so much, and I don’t think it will affect the grade in this condition. There are a number of other small imperfections such as the one you point out at Hulk’s knee that land it at 7.0 for me.

Totally understandable about the investment part. It was just a little frustrating to see the extent of the ink. It doesn't bother me that much either if keeping as a raw copy but my initial thought was to grade it. I have seen people say that sometimes the ink alone can downgrade it 1.5-2 points.

Edited August 31 by Adulwulf

[flying_bison]

On 8/31/2024 at 11:02 AM, JollyComics said:

That's common for pink/red bleeding color on the cover.  Nothing to worry about it.  That manufacturing defect will not be graded.

I’m curious what you think about the grade, Jolly…

[JollyComics]

On 8/31/2024 at 2:02 PM, flying_bison said:

I’m curious what you think about the grade, Jolly…

7.0 to 7.5 with light wear.

[JollyComics]

On 8/31/2024 at 1:56 PM, Adulwulf said:

Totally understandable about the investment part. It was just a little frustrating to see the extent of the ink. It doesn't bother me that much either if keeping as a raw copy but my initial thought was to grade it. I have seen people say that sometimes the ink alone can downgrade it 1.5-2 points.

It will not graded either.   Pink spots and distribution ink (overspray ink) will not affect the grade.

[scburdet]

Question about how CGC handles things like distributor ink are easily answered with the Guide book. Unobtrusive amounts of distribution ink do not do anything short of keeping a grade out of the highest grades. Since this book has some other minor defects, no impact with the distribution ink.

7.0/7.5 Perhaps the higher b/c the black covers are hard to keep nice. I'd say $200 is market value or close enough to it for this condition.

[Adulwulf]

On 8/31/2024 at 12:58 PM, scburdet said:

Question about how CGC handles things like distributor ink are easily answered with the Guide book. Unobtrusive amounts of distribution ink do not do anything short of keeping a grade out of the highest grades. Since this book has some other minor defects, no impact with the distribution ink.

7.0/7.5 Perhaps the higher b/c the black covers are hard to keep nice. I'd say $200 is market value or close enough to it for this condition.

Thank you. What Guide Book are you referring to and where can I find it? Also, would you consider the "highest grades" 9.0 and above or include the 8's?

[LowGradeBronze]

Whether you get this gorgeous copy graded or not is purely your choice, but if the estimated grade makes any difference to your decision, (and only you know what grade you have decided upon as the tipping point for 'grade it vs leave raw',) I'd say the 7.0 camp is where I'm pitching my tent. Leaving aside how much you paid, you got a really nice copy! Congrats!!!

Edited August 31 by LowGradeBronze

[scburdet]

https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/10586/cgc-guide-grading-comics-nelson/

[Cerebus3000]

When I first saw the lower left corner of the back cover my first thought was “yuck, that’s unfortunate”. Then I realized that all of your pictures have a shadow on the lower left. As there’s only one back cover picture it leaves me with some uncertainty, but I’m a bit more optimistic than the current consensus. I think it could get an 8.0.

[Palm Beach Presser]

Great comments above!  I too think you are in the 7.0/7.5 range and the book's spine creases can be improved with pressing and there is a good chance that some of the distributor ink on the back cover could be removed or lightened in cleaning.

Ron,
Palm Beach Presser