It can be — when the expected grade, buyer demand, and net profit after fees justify the cost. For many common books, selling raw or reading for enjoyment makes more sense.

What books should I grade?

Keys, high-demand issues, strong raw copies you believe are mid-grade or better, and signed books that qualify for official programs. Skip heavily damaged or low-value commons.

It can improve appearance on eligible defects, but it is not a grade guarantee. Many collectors use reputable pressers before submission; amateurs often cause harm.

Can I still submit books to CBCS?

No. CBCS closed to new submissions on April 17, 2026. Population reports, order tracking, and grader notes remain on cbcscomics.com. For newly acquired raw books, submit to CGC or another company that is currently accepting comics.

Is CGC better than CBCS?

For new submissions today, CGC is the practical choice for most collectors because CBCS is closed. Existing CBCS slabs are still widely traded. Compare net cost, expected grade, and buyer demand for your specific book.

Can a signature increase value?

Verified, in-demand signatures on the right books can add premium. Random or unverified marks may not help and can complicate grading.

What if my slab cracks?

Contact the grader about reholder/recase services. Do not pry open the case if you want the encapsulated grade to remain credible to buyers.

How long does grading take?

Varies by tier and demand — from weeks on some express services to several months on economy tiers during busy periods. Check each company’s current estimates.

What does restored mean?

Work was detected beyond normal production wear — color touch, piece replacement, etc. Labels disclose this; buyers factor it into price.

Should I clean books myself?

Light, safe handling only for beginners. Valuable books belong with experienced professionals — over-cleaning damages paper.

What is the best grade possible?

CGC and CBCS use up to 10.0 on their scales, with finer increments in the highest bands. Extremely few books receive top grades.

Are modern comics worth grading?

Selective keys, variants, and high-grade copies can be — but many moderns never recoup fees. Run the math before submitting.

Foundations

What is comic book grading?

Third-party grading sends your comic to an independent company that evaluates physical condition, checks for many types of restoration, and seals the book in a tamper-evident holder called a slab. The label shows a numeric grade, publication details, and a certification number you can verify online.

Collectors use grading for authenticity of condition, long-term preservation, insurance documentation, and easier comparison when buying or selling — especially on key issues and high-grade copies.

Full 10-point scale (NG – 10.0)

Half-point steps from 0.5 through 8.5. Between 9.0 and 10.0, graders use 0.2 increments (9.0, 9.2, 9.4, 9.6, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0). NG indicates no standard numeric grade was assigned (No Grade).

10.0Gem Mint

Virtually perfect under grading light

9.9Mint

Nearly imperceptible flaws

9.8Near Mint / Mint

Very minor defects; common top slab target

9.6Near Mint+

Slight flaws visible on close inspection

9.4Near Mint

Small spine stress or corner wear possible

9.2Near Mint-

Minor wear becoming visible on close inspection

9.0Very Fine / Near Mint

Light handling wear

8.5Very Fine+

Attractive copy with light accumulated wear

8.0Very Fine

Moderate wear; still attractive display copies

7.5Very Fine-

Noticeable wear; structure generally sound

7.0Fine / Very Fine

Above-average used copy

6.5Fine+

Solid mid-grade with visible handling

6.0Fine

Obvious wear; often reader-grade for common books

5.5Fine-

Heavy reader wear; appeal depends on title

5.0Very Good / Fine

Well-read; defects accumulate

4.5Very Good+

Heavy wear throughout

4.0Very Good

Heavy wear; value driven by scarcity

3.5Very Good-

Significant creasing, soiling, or spine stress

3.0Good / Very Good

Major wear; completeness still matters

2.5Good+

Heavy damage; often filler unless key

2.0Good

Significant damage; rare keys may still trade

1.8Fair / Good

Severe wear with some structural integrity

1.5Fair

Major defects; low display appeal

1.0Fair

Extensive damage; collectible mainly if scarce

0.5Poor

Severe damage or missing pieces; lowest numeric grade

NGNo Grade

Book could not receive a standard numeric grade (incomplete, ungradable, or policy)

The Runs Comics

Collect smarter.

therunscomics.com

Comic Book Grading Scale

Full 10-point scale (NG – 10.0). Half-point steps below 9.0; 0.2 increments from 9.0–10.0.

Full 10-point scale (NG – 10.0)

Half-point steps from 0.5 through 8.5. Between 9.0 and 10.0, graders use 0.2 increments (9.0, 9.2, 9.4, 9.6, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0). NG indicates no standard numeric grade was assigned (No Grade).

10.0Gem Mint

Virtually perfect under grading light

9.9Mint

Nearly imperceptible flaws

9.8Near Mint / Mint

Very minor defects; common top slab target

9.6Near Mint+

Slight flaws visible on close inspection

9.4Near Mint

Small spine stress or corner wear possible

9.2Near Mint-

Minor wear becoming visible on close inspection

9.0Very Fine / Near Mint

Light handling wear

8.5Very Fine+

Attractive copy with light accumulated wear

8.0Very Fine

Moderate wear; still attractive display copies

7.5Very Fine-

Noticeable wear; structure generally sound

7.0Fine / Very Fine

Above-average used copy

6.5Fine+

Solid mid-grade with visible handling

6.0Fine

Obvious wear; often reader-grade for common books

5.5Fine-

Heavy reader wear; appeal depends on title

5.0Very Good / Fine

Well-read; defects accumulate

4.5Very Good+

Heavy wear throughout

4.0Very Good

Heavy wear; value driven by scarcity

3.5Very Good-

Significant creasing, soiling, or spine stress

3.0Good / Very Good

Major wear; completeness still matters

2.5Good+

Heavy damage; often filler unless key

2.0Good

Significant damage; rare keys may still trade

1.8Fair / Good

Severe wear with some structural integrity

1.5Fair

Major defects; low display appeal

1.0Fair

Extensive damage; collectible mainly if scarce

0.5Poor

Severe damage or missing pieces; lowest numeric grade

NGNo Grade

Book could not receive a standard numeric grade (incomplete, ungradable, or policy)

Compare

Major grading companies

Each company has different label programs, fees, and market perception. Confirm current submission terms on official sites before shipping books. CBCS is no longer accepting new submissions as of April 17, 2026; use CGC for new grading unless another active grader fits your needs.

CGC

Long-standing market leader

Certified Guaranty Company pioneered modern comic encapsulation and maintains one of the hobby’s largest census databases. Many auction houses and dealers reference CGC slabs routinely.

Strengths

Strong resale liquidity on high-end keys
Extensive census and cert lookup tools
Widely recognized signature and pedigree programs

Considerations

Premium fees at higher service tiers
Turnaround varies with demand — check current estimates
Crack-out/resubmit culture can pressure over-submitting

CGC generally commands the strongest resale premiums in today’s market, especially on golden/silver keys and books where census population matters to buyers.

CBCS

Submissions closed — April 2026

CBCS is no longer accepting new submissions

As of April 17, 2026, CBCS has closed its submission program. Population reports, order tracking, and grader notes remain available on cbcscomics.com. Existing CBCS slabs continue to trade in the secondary market.

Comic Book Certification Service was a major CGC alternative for encapsulation, signature programs, and free grader notes. Collectors still encounter CBCS slabs when buying and selling — but new books should be submitted to an active grader such as CGC.

Strengths

Existing slabs remain widely recognized in the hobby
Free grader notes via QR code on CBCS labels
Population reports and cert lookup tools still online

Considerations

New submissions are not accepted (closed April 17, 2026)
No option for newly acquired raw books needing fresh grading
Some buyers still prefer CGC on highest-tier keys

Treat CBCS as an active label in the resale market, not a current submission path. For new grading, use CGC or another company that is accepting books. Verify holder integrity and cert numbers when buying CBCS slabs.

CBCS home

PGX

Historical third-party grader

PGX operated as an earlier encapsulation service. You may encounter PGX slabs in the secondary market on older inventory. Verify holder integrity and buyer demand before pricing or purchasing.

Strengths

Legacy slabs appear on vintage listings
Useful context for estate and long-held collections

Considerations

Limited role in today’s primary submission market
Resale demand is niche compared with CGC/CBCS
Research current holder policies before buying or selling

Treat PGX as a historical label — not a default choice for new submissions when maximizing liquidity is the goal.

Decision

Should you grade a comic?

Grading makes sense when the slab improves protection, documents condition, or helps resale on books with real demand. Consider era, rarity, expected grade, fees, and whether you plan to keep or sell the book.

Modern commons, sentimental readers, and damaged copies often stay raw. Keys, sharp high-potential copies, and verified signature candidates are typical submission targets.

Pros

Protects and preserves a book in a tamper-evident holder
Documents condition for insurance, display, and resale
Can improve buyer confidence on key issues and high grades
Supports witnessed signature programs where applicable
Creates a permanent cert number for verification

Cons

Fees, shipping, and insurance add real cost
Low grades on common books often hurt more than help
Grading is subjective within published standards
Slabbing makes reading the book impractical
Undisclosed restoration or defects may receive qualified labels

Preparation

Cleaning & pressing

Pressing uses controlled heat and pressure to reduce some non-color-breaking defects. Cleaning removes surface soil — often through professional dry cleaning, not household chemicals.

Many collectors press before grading when defects are eligible, but pressing does not guarantee a higher grade. Graders still judge color breaks, stains, rust, and structure.

May improve (with pros)

Non-color-breaking dents and shallow bends
Some spine ticks and light waviness (case by case)
Minor surface soil when professionally dry cleaned

Cannot fix

Color-breaking spine stress and creases
Stains, rust, mold, and water damage
Missing pieces, tears, and tape pulls with paper loss
Trimming, restoration, and color touch

Process

How to submit books

Create an account
Register on the grader’s website. You will need contact info, return shipping preferences, and payment on file.
Select a service tier
Choose a tier based on declared value and how quickly you need books back. Economy tiers typically take longer; express tiers cost more.
Complete the submission form
List each book with title, issue, year, publisher, declared value, and any special services (signatures, pressing, minimum grade).
Pack books safely
Use rigid mailers, corner protection, and moisture-safe materials. Never tape directly on a comic or bag.
Ship insured
Use a tracked courier service with insurance matching declared value. Keep photos and tracking numbers.
Grading & encapsulation
The facility grades, quality-checks, and seals books in holders. Status updates appear in your online account.
Receive your slabs
Inspect holders on arrival. Verify cert numbers online before listing or storing long term.

Typical turnaround (general ranges)

Economy / value tiersOften several months during busy periods
Standard tiersTypically weeks to a few months
Express / walkthroughDays to a few weeks when offered — premium pricing

Checklist

Supplies for submissions

Quality materials protect books in transit. Optional future offerings from The Runs Comics may include these items — for now, source from reputable comic supply retailers.

Comic bags

Acid-free, appropriate size for book