Comic Grading Guide

A copy in Near Mint condition is as close to perfect as a read or handled comic can be. It should appear virtually new, with only a handful of very minor flaws visible on close inspection. Acceptable defects include a small number of light spine stresses, two or three faint dents, slight corner blunting, and bends under 3mm that show no colour break.

A Very Fine copy shows minor defects but is in excellent overall shape. This is the grade most well-kept modern comics fall into after being read once or twice. Acceptable defects include light corner wear, a small number of spine stresses that may include slight colour break, minor denting, and folds or bends under 6mm - some colour break is acceptable in a fold at this grade.

A Fine copy is above average but clearly shows signs of use. Eye appeal is somewhat reduced by either an accumulation of small defects or one or two more noticeable ones. Acceptable defects include a slight spine roll, a moderate number of spine stresses that may break colour, spine splits under 13mm, minor water spotting or residue smaller than a 5c coin, an impacted corner, and moderate foxing.

A Very Good copy has visible wear but retains enough eye appeal to be considered a desirable copy. Defects may include an accumulation of minor flaws or one or two significant ones. Acceptable defects include spine roll, spine splits or tears between 13mm and 25mm, a cover or centrefold detached at one staple, discolouration from oxidation, and a moderate amount of water damage or staining.

A Good copy has major defects but remains complete and fully readable. Damage is significant, usually a combination of accumulated minor flaws alongside some major ones. Acceptable defects include a vertical crease running the full length of the book, spine splits between 38mm and 51mm, a cover or centrefold fully detached, large tears, heavy discolouration or brittleness from oxidation, and heavy staining, residue, or water damage.

A Fair copy has low eye appeal and displays major damage throughout. All story pages and artwork must still be present and intact. Non-story elements such as coupons, portions of advertisement pages, or bonus inserts may be missing - however, a missing full advertisement page drops the grade to Poor. Damage at this grade includes spine splits up to two-thirds the length of the book, a missing back cover where the front is still attached, severe water or residue damage, mould, and significant paper deterioration from oxidation.

A Poor copy may be missing up to four pages of story or advertising content (two full spreads), have a completely split spine, or display damage so severe that the readability of the book is meaningfully affected.