Making The Grade: Should I Have My Comic Book Graded?
- Animation America
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 24 hours ago
Should I Grade My Comic Book?
Great question — and one comic collectors ask all the time, especially when they first start thinking seriously about comic book grading.
“Should I grade this comic book?” sounds simple. It isn’t. The real answer depends on your goals, your budget, your comic book, and what you expect to gain from the process. If you’ve ever searched “what grade is my comic book” or wondered whether to submit for grading through a CGC or PSA grading company, this guide is for you.
Let’s break it down in a real-world, collector-to-collector way.
First: Why Do You Want Comic Book Grading?
This is the foundation of the entire decision.
People often jump straight to:
“I should slab this.”
But grading isn’t automatically the best move for every comic book, and in some cases, it can actually be unnecessary.
Your reason usually falls into one of these categories:
Protection and preservation
Authenticity and signature verification
Selling the comic book
Long-term investment
Personal pride and display
Each reason leads to a different answer.
Grading Just for Protection? Maybe Not.
A lot of collectors think slabbing is the ultimate preservation method. It does protect the book from handling, bending, and basic physical wear. But here’s the part many people don’t realize:
Grading cases are not the only (or always the best) protection option.
If your main goal is to keep your comic safe while displaying it, there are UV-protective display systems designed specifically for collectors. These can shield against light damage, which is one of the biggest long-term threats to a damaged comic book.
Graded cases are sturdy — but they are not magic shields against everything. If you just want safe storage and display for a mid-value book, high-quality Mylar bags, acid-free boards, and UV-protective displays may be more cost-effective than full comic book grading.
When grading does make sense for protection
If the comic is already fragile — brittle pages, weak spine, detached cover — normal handling could make a damaged comic book worse. In that case, encapsulation by a CGC or PSA grading company can stabilize the condition by limiting further stress.
If touching it feels risky? Grading might be the right move.
Want Authentication? Grading Becomes Much More Valuable
Now we’re in stronger territory for grading.
If you need:
Signature verification
Confirmation the book is unrestored
Professional condition assessment
Then grading is extremely helpful.
A grading company doesn’t just assign a number. They determine:
Whether restoration is present
Whether a signature is authentic (with proper witnessing or verification services)
Whether the book has been altered
If you’re asking “what grade is my comic book” because you want an official, trusted answer — grading is the gold standard.
Especially with signed books, a verified signature can mean a huge difference in value compared to an unverified one.
Planning to Sell Your Comic Book?
This is one of the biggest reasons collectors submit for grading.
When selling online, buyers can’t hold the comic. They rely on:
Photos
Your description
Your reputation
But a slabbed comic book removes a lot of uncertainty.
A graded book tells the buyer:
The exact condition (within professional standards)
Whether the comic book is restored
That the book hasn’t been tampered with since grading
This builds trust — and trust often equals higher selling prices.
But don’t grade everything
Here’s the reality: most low-value comics do not benefit financially from grading.
If the raw value of the book is $5–$20, the grading fees, shipping, insurance, and waiting time usually outweigh the benefit. That dollar-bin issue probably doesn’t need to visit a CGC or PSA grading company.
Grading makes more sense for:
Key issues
First appearances
Major storylines
High-grade vintage books
High-demand modern keys
Before you submit for grading, check market values for raw vs graded copies.
Let’s Talk About Costs (The Part People Forget)
Grading isn’t just a fee — it’s a chain of expenses.
Before you send off your comic book, consider:
1. Grading Fees
Different tiers depending on value, age, and turnaround speed.
2. Shipping Both Ways
You pay to ship it safely to the grading company, and you pay return shipping.
3. Insurance
High-value books need proper coverage in transit.
4. Pressing and Cleaning
Many collectors choose to have their book worked on first. That leads to the next big question:
“Should I Repair My Comic Book Before Grading?”
Important distinction: Pressing and cleaning = acceptable conservation Restoration = something graders will label
Pressing can improve:
Non-color-breaking bends
Minor ripples
Light spine waves
Cleaning can remove:
Surface dirt
Minor stains
But actual restoration (color touch, glue, piece replacement) changes how the book is labeled and often lowers collector desirability.
If you’re thinking “should I repair my comic book”, understand that improper or undisclosed work can hurt value. Always use reputable professionals who understand grading standards.
Time: The Hidden Cost
Grading isn’t instant.
Depending on tier and company, turnaround can be weeks to months. If you’re in a rush to sell, grading might slow you down.
Ask yourself:
Am I okay waiting?
Is the market hot right now?
Will timing affect value?
Sometimes selling raw during a hype cycle beats waiting for a slab.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Now we get to the money question.
You need to compare:
Total grading-related costs vs potential value increase
If grading costs you $80–$150 total, and the slabbed value only rises $50, you’ve lost money — unless personal satisfaction is your goal.
And that’s valid too.
Personal Satisfaction Matters More Than People Admit
Not every grading decision has to be financial.
Some collectors grade:
Childhood favorites
Signed memories
Grail books
For them, the label, the number, and the slab are about pride, preservation, and display. That’s a perfectly good reason to submit for grading.
Just know you’re paying for the experience, not just resale value.
So… Should You Grade Your Comic Book?
Ask yourself:
Is it valuable or a key issue?
Do I need authentication?
Am I planning to sell?
Is the comic fragile?
Can my budget handle the full cost?
If most answers are “yes,” then working with a CGC or PSA grading company makes sense.
If not, high-quality storage and smart handling may be the better path.
Final Thought
Comic book grading is a powerful tool — but it’s not mandatory for every comic book in your collection.
Sometimes the right move is to slab. Sometimes the right move is a Mylar bag and a good box. And sometimes the right move is simply enjoying the book.
The best decision isn’t the one everyone else is making — it’s the one that fits your comic, your goals, and your collecting style.
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