Is Grading Your Comics Worth it??

[@bestcore1214]

I've been debating getting books graded for 5 years..the debate continues!

[@brandonr.2807]

I just inherited my dad's collection of comics, he checked himself out in '98 and the boxes have been floating around since then, at different family member's homes (mainly my mom) but no one has even opened them up. I appreciate all the info, as I have started a deep dive on youtube to figure out where to even start with cataloguing all the books. I am still getting boxes in, but it will end up being somewhere between 15-20 long boxes packed to the brim. It is super overwhelming, so thank you again for all the info.

[@BrysComics]

Oh man what a cool problem to have! Best of lick

[@vincentauricchio6336]

I am guessing you’re going to be a popular fellow. Get ready for gents to be blowing up your messages!

[@brandonr.2807]

@@vincentauricchio6336 haha! well currently I am just trying to figure out how best to preserve them going forward. It seems mylar is the way to go if I want long term peace of mind.

[@larrysmith7301]

To grade or not is difficult. I recently sent six books to CGC for grading and was very disappointed in the grades. I had six books pressed and cleaned and I inspected them before sending them in. I also had my son look the books over for any issues as he has a good eye, and he did not see any issues. I really thought I had chance for 9.8 on al of them. When I got them back, I had one 9.6, two 9.4s, 9.2, 9.0 and an 8.5. Only graders notes were for the 8.5 which stated small tears in cover. 100% there were no tears in the cover when I sent it in. If there were tears, I would not have sent it in. The value of that book, a1:100 Black Widow variant is now destroyed. Graded, all the books I sent in were worth quite a bit more than raw, but the grades I got hurt the value. Not sure I am ever sending a book in again, just too much risk. I have a very nice ASM 601 that I think should be graded, but scared to send it in. Anyway, video was very informative, thanks.

[@annenominous7220]

modern books are worthless without being graded, as only 9.6 and 9.8 are even worth collecting. Golden age should NEVER be sent to CGC... just learn how to grade accurately. I believe CGC consistently over grades in the 3.5 to 7.5 range, and is fairly accurate above 8.0. I should give classes on how to grade!

[@larrysmith7301]

@@annenominous7220 Thanks for your thoughts. I have some idea on grading, not a pro, but know enough to have some idea what a book is. What are thoughts on this. Recently started an Avengers 1-100 run, currently have 13 books. Three are graded (16. 57 and 44), ten are not. All ten are very nice quality, VF to VF+. Would you grade those or not, knowing you have the expense of press and clean, plus silver age grading cost? Thanks

[@reneskyggebjerg2092]

Honestly. I am more than happy to pay to let others deal with the hassle. There are a few variants I am looking to pick up, where raws go for ~100$ and 9.8 goes for ~200$. I just don't see it being worth the risk or even time, for that extra 100$

[@jasonsmith4686]

I like to slab the coolest covers and display as art. Keys, of course, too, but I'm all about the cover art. Great video, Bry!

[@jamesgrogan5118]

I like cover art as well, I'm a fan of the BCW silverage frames ,about 8 bucks a piece on amazon

[@cowbelltv4865]

In my heart sealing comics in plastic doesn’t make a lot of sense BUT in my head I like having some favorite books protected through encapsulation.

[@robertt9342]

Have you considered the other options?

[@franknormansell3643]

I just grade comics when I like the cover. It costs far too much to buy older comics 1950 - 1980s especially since I also collect the current comics, too. And I spend way too much on those.

[@TimelessEnthusiast]

This is a great video, learned so much, and you are so right that encapsulating a comic is not the only way to preserve the condition of a book. My husband and I like collecting antiques, vintage items, including comics, and have some paper items that have been maintained in excellent condition for decades. Pretty much with the method that you describe. You just have to handle the items with extreme care. And if you want to read them, then you should try to use gloves whenever possible. And thanks for the description of the different things that need to be considered when deciding which comics to get professionally graded and slabbed. There are pros and cons for sure. Thanks about the tip about the pre-screening.

[@BrysComics]

My pleasure! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@pcorey182]

Great video and great advice as always unless I'm sending in silver Golden Age books I always do a pre-screen 9.8 I had sent a few books in through friends expecting a 9.8 and most times they come back a 9.6 but when I do to the pre-screen 9.8 I get about 80% back in the 9.8 I even cracked one of the 9.6 books and sent it back in pre-screen 98 and it came back a 9.8 just really have to know what a 9.8 book looks like and know how to press your own books one bit of advice about pressing do not overpressure your books or you will get the wave effect on the edge of the book

[@BrysComics]

Great info here!

[@que2608]

I think the personal value is super important for an normal collector. I've submitted some low grade 90s comics cause they were from my childhood

[@danhess2]

I do the same thing. I like to have random books that mean a lot to me - regardless of grade - in those nice slabs.

[@cryptokoolaid]

and you lost money

[@cryptokoolaid]

@@danhess2 just buy a case lol

[@yashileakduth9708]

I personally feel it's a silly excuse to say it just means a lot to you is a good reason for submitting a book,I mean just change the bag and board every few years and use a top loader.i have always felt you cgc a book to sell it later on or if you can get a high and profitable grade for your collection.

[@DylanMadd]

How did that go? Without telling me what issues, was there any cost added to send them back? Meaning, once they’re graded, did the place say you needed to pay a % of the new graded value of the books?

[@DracoBigD]

It surprises me that sellers charge such a similar price for raw vs slabbed books, this really irks me. 1) they often mis-grade the book and 2) they often don’t even have a sufficient discount to get the book slabbed. I’m shocked people pay these prices for raw books

[@BrysComics]

Raw book prices seem to have gotten a little crazy lately

[@pziglor4786]

@@BrysComics I blame the boom and whatnot... But I do think the market is doing somewhat of a correction from the covid boom.

[@billgober2]

I don't pay those prices I refuse to. If people are charging raw what they would for even an 8.0 I won't buy it. That's the standard in the trading card market as well. You never charge more than an 8.0 for a raw.

[@YellowfinGrouper]

A “raw” book has the major advantage that you can actually read it, smell and it can turn the pages. I used to think that was the point of buying a comic. It leaves me very very sad seeing all these books encased in plastic. Even the Lindisfarne gospels are stored “raw” by the British Museum.

[@sabersaw5611]

@@YellowfinGrouper I agree with you! I regularly read my superman 1 bc I love physically interacting with it. I don't care that the condition has taken a hit from me using it. Started off as vf but now it's whatever.

[@Joeh1154]

Sounds like solid advise to me Bry. On the personal side, there are books I will not have graded. They are bagged and boarded and then they are put inside a mylar holder with another backing board and that offers a bit more rigidity. I can still read them when I want and they remain a joy to behold. Since I'm a Silver age guy and have multiples of most books, I do intend to grade superior looking copies of books that I believe will grade at a 7.0 and higher even without a C&P, which I have done already. I usually check eBay for modern books (post 1975) and I often come across good books that sell for less than $20 dollars which makes them not worth the expense of grading but is a steal for a buyer. So to each their own of course, and lets all enjoy a great hobby that has it's roots in a purely unique form of American folk art. Thanks for posting. Best to all.

[@BrysComics]

Sounds like you have an absolutely epic collection!

[@Joeh1154]

@@BrysComics I think it's pretty nice. I have to say, about 17 years ago I sold about half of my books. I do regret that but at the time, I was in a situation where I had to do it. For example, I used to have 6 copies of ASM 50, now I have 2. All 6 Hulk books went as well. And other beauties. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I've streamlined my collection and concentrate on the Marvel Silver age.

[@SykoMyko684]

Thanks for the advice. I've been sitting on my books for awhile now, but I think its time to get them graded.

[@dradatzke]

great info, had a few graded for my personal collection for the stuff I love and want to preserve and hang on the wall.

[@joe1rat]

Thanks for the tips! I just got back into comic book collecting this video helped me quite a lot!

[@pkeel7576]

There are so many pressing vids now all the new guys have it easy We learned trial by fire

[@BrysComics]

Lol well maybe the hard earned knowledge comes with some good juju 🤷‍♂️

[@DaleofSuspense]

I'm definitely a fan of getting sentimental books and badass covers slabbed...and keys too of course. Lots of useful information Bry!

[@gregb2]

Bry did a great video. If it is a personal collection, grade to preserve it. If you are a money hungry flipper, you have to factor in costs like a business. You will have more fun collecting what you want instead of buying what you think other people want 100%

[@austmick]

Great insights into the collecting and business mindset.

[@cooldude-jp6ws]

I'm just getting back into collecting books and this has helped a lot with my questions about some of my older collection and what to keep in mind while getting new ones the same.

[@tommignone1200]

I'm just starting to clean out my collection. This is great info thanks

[@DPCcollector]

Rad Advise. Sometimes it's not worth grading and just keeping it raw.

[@Jungle-Boogie]

I've got a couple back from CGC that graded so much lower than I expected, that it made it not worth it to be done at all. Now I'm torn on whether to remove the casing or not.

[@willloggia]

I'm with you! Graded comics look so good.

[@LowcountryTrip]

Thanks for the analysis -- wish I'd thought about some of these principles when I sent mine in a day or two ago!

[@tonyflagg470]

Thanks' i've had this question for some time as to the criteria that would make sense to grade a comic(s). Informative.

[@darynyamada502]

Thanks for the info, I was just going to send in some comics for grading.

[@anastacialehman9231]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing Bry.

[@markbryan1083]

This and your video on how to pre-screen were super helpful. I collected from age 10-25 (I'm 49 now) and have gone through my collection and pulled out maybe 100-150 or so that are valuable but I've really be struggling with whether or not to have them graded.

[@pziglor4786]

Appreciate this video, didn't know cgc had that book about grading; ordering mine now. The majority of my collection is raw and now that I'm over 60 short boxes, I think determining the value will help me decide what to keep outside of the PC.

[@vertex475]

Thank you for the information. Just getting back into collecting now that my two sons are into it after 20+ years. Grading with a service like CGC is so new to me. Thank you and we look forward to watching future videos.

[@GlassLakeFlips]

Just getting into comics lately. Great info! Thanks!

[@danfoley2442]

Bry, CGC's prescreen service allows you to specify individual grade thresholds for each book, as long as you have at least 25 books total in the submission, right?

[@BrysComics]

No, they did away with that, now all 25 have to be the same grade 😒

[@TK_junction]

Best video! At least relatively speaking for me right now. This is the debate I’m going through. Happy to see my approach thus far feels inline with what you’re saying. Really enjoy your channel by the way. Thanks.

[@chrislong3086]

Good info I have been guilty of most of the mistakes but am learning

[@jeffstanley6013]

Great vid, as always. But if I may, ... Objective #3: Insurance. And I mean that two ways: 1) it's much less dickering with an insurance company over the value of a book if the condition of that book has been verified by a 3rd party and there's a well-established value for that book in that grade. 2) If something happens to me, my wife, who knows nothing about comic books, can easily put the slabbed books on eBay, and the market will give her full value for them. She doesn't have to take them to an LCS who would likely notice her lack of knowledge and take advantage of her. That's the primary reason I get my books (specifically, my high-value books) slabbed.

[@BrysComics]

Very very good points! Insurance is huge.

[@chicagoschultzy1468]

This was the video I've been looking for Bry. Informative once again. One love from Chicago.

[@jodyhickerson5167]

Fantastic tutorial. You continue to be a voice of reason in this crazy hobby! You sir are an excellent goodwill ambassador here on the comic channels.

[@BZackheim]

Some hard facts in here. Thanks for sharing.

[@gregtheyak3704]

Great walk through of your thought process.👍

[@jasondimberg2013]

Literally been debating this topic with my PC lately. thanks for the info!

[@garyhonn2382]

Great advice and information as usual. I used to literally have nightmares that my high grade tos39 got ripped when I was putting it back into Mylar. I finally got it graded and it came back a 8.5 purple, color touch. Sent it back to have it removed, came back a 7.0 blue. It was so beautiful without removing the color touch. Keep up the great content

[@BrysComics]

I almost did that with your all star 8…about had a heart attack

[@garyhonn2382]

@@BrysComics sure glad it didn't happen, love that book 😍

[@jcold007]

Grate advice, Bry. Will keep this in mind. I am reaching a point of increasing my submissions and this insight helps.

[@wolves1fan830]

Thx for the awesome info again Bry

[@mephakistavi]

I've been thinking about getting a press. Thanks for breaking it down. people always make it seem like it's such a difficult and mysterious process.

[@thadeussmith9714]

The aesthetics comment is really important! I totally agree that graded books just present better. I'm a reader first, collector second, and investor/speculator a very distant third, so I don't really consider the possible flip value when I submit - Just whether I'd pay to have an equivalent art print framed.

[@dbulls33]

Digging your videos! Love the content! New collector here (2017) and all this information is so good here! Keep it up!

[@johnnyortiz6799]

Thanks for the advice Bry! Great content as always.

[@michaelryan6144]

Hey Second Question - Where id you get the display rack for the comics in the background ?

[@BrysComics]

Acrylic j channels from amazon

[@michaelmurphy1963]

Great video, I have too many books to grade them, so just wondering when selling raw books what is the average amount of fmv should you get for the books ? 50 - 60 - 70 % ? or does it depend on the book ? I will be checking out all of your video's, Thanks.

[@BrysComics]

It really depends on the book and grade…no hard rule

[@Fenimore.Cassidy]

Great advice. I met someone at a local con who could really use this knowledge and hopefully, I can pass along your channel and specifically this video to them next time I them.

[@terrygillard1672]

good info to have. Gonna get some of my keys graded soon.

[@glennlittle124]

Great video! Just subscribed earlier today! Funny you should mention an Incredible Hulk 181 with Marvel stamp clipped! I happen to own one of those! At what condition should I consider getting it cleaned, pressed, and/or graded?

[@BrysComics]

That book is worth grading in any condition 👍

[@tacticalcivilian6220]

Learned so much thank you!

[@FELIX123SAINT]

Thanks for the useful info. Its sure to help a lot of people:) keep em coming!

[@coolworldpopculture]

Always great sage wisdom. I just discovered mylar. Really. It wasn't a thing that was a thing when I got back into midlife crisis collecting for a short while back around the time Marvel Now and DC New 52. (Sad, but there we are.) So I literally, like within the last few weeks started sprucing up some of my favorites (Earl Norem Savage Sword of Conan magazines) and, wow, what a pop. Yes, CGC mistakes have been made and I'm finding myself averse to submitting but I do enjoy picking up the odd early Bronze and even Silver Age book selling for less than the cost of grading.

[@ericschroeder4065]

Great info as always!

[@louisrivera6538]

Good perspective in this video. Everyone wants their collections to hold max value without understanding the nuances behind how and why.

[@zacholmstead5153]

For older books I think grading to preserve is a great thing. Great video as always!

[@michaelwoelke5359]

Great info, thank you

[@roycestancabarloc1824]

I prefer mylar over slabbed. I love to open and read my books. If your only in it to display and sell then slab it. I press my books then put it in mylar, that's good enough for me. Nothing like nostalgia and holding the book in your hands and reading it.

[@BrysComics]

And smelling it! That’s my favorite part…

[@roycestancabarloc1824]

I just did that right before I saw your comment, while I was reading Green Lantern #12!

[@BrysComics]

@@roycestancabarloc1824 🤩

[@fightthegoodfight52]

Great stuff as usual bro! Less than 1% of my collection is comprised of graded comics! I don’t have anything against them, rather, I streamline getting them to those that are special to me. Add to that, if the graded price is close to the raw price-I often opt for the graded variety. I store my raws in Mylar + full backs and I use Ultra Pro Comic UV cases to store and display them. I think they are great and give me the option to interchange them with ease!

[@waltcee]

It absolutely makes sense to only grade something that is worth grading and to think in the future what the value will be.

[@DylanMadd]

Can anyone recommend whether it’s worthwhile to get signed comics authenticated and then graded? I waited in long lines at conventions when I was about 12 yrs old, so I know they’re legit (Stan Lee, T McFarlane, Bob Kane, David Mazzuchelli), but that said, long lines means tired hands so I’m wary of an authentication telling me they can’t verify. Thoughts?

[@kellkingdom3118]

Thank you for the information that makes a good reason why I did not buy a lot of the graded books I have seen they wanted to much and I think they were adding in their grading cost

[@FluidicAztec]

Another solid vid....thanks Bry!

[@Forza_Juventus_48]

Perfect timing for the video Bry since I just went thru some of my collection asking myself which of my collection I should get graded.

[@BrysComics]

👍💯

[@mythirdlife101]

Great video. Got my reseller mystery box. Thanks for the excellent customer service.

[@BrysComics]

👍💯

[@ScottSchlee]

I have primarily been collecting slabs of my favorite comics when I was a kid.

[@michaelryan6144]

Love that Scarlet Witch statue in the background - Where'd you get it ?

[@BrysComics]

Sideshow 👍

[@l2gs]

I'm only slab keys and sentimental comics for display purposes anything besides that bag and board is fine!

[@brentG1222]

Great info as always! I have a pretty large raw collection but not a single slab yet. I think I'm finally going to pull the trigger and send a few of them off! I don't have any intention of selling them, but all of the points you made about protection and presentation ring true!

[@ryanbaustert]

Great information! What's your take on non-witnessed autographs? I have a ton of signed comics I got from conventions in the 90's and I don't know if it's better to send them to CGC for a green label or to CBCS where the signatures can be authenticated. Is there a consensus on what buyers prefer in those instances?

[@BrysComics]

Definitely CBCS, but only if they hit a high enough grade, look at sales before you could waste a lot of money grading those potentially

[@ryanbaustert]

Sounds good. Thanks!​@@BrysComics

[@GAlactus-p5j]

Hello, good info and video, the wait time is horribile getting comics graded. I see the value of securing the comics. Most of us have 1 copy of rare books and cant afford them to be lost. Cost is another thing. Ug...decisions. decisions.

[@CiaoRobertooo]

The cover art on the giveaway is sick!

[@benjwheeler9465]

Thanks for the helpful insight! Looking to grade several comics I think have great potential. Your videos are very informative, I appreciate you sharing your expert analysis.

[@mykilfremn26]

Well I consider you a trusted comic-book advisor and I think that a lot of things you say are right on I mean like a good 90% what you're talkin about is just right on but it's also really encouraging to hear that anybody can be a presser I am happy to hear that because I'm taking this onto the new hobby

[@ryangregory8649]

What a great video! You answered all my questions and concerns in one go. " Thank you"!!

[@moondoecollectibles]

Thank you for the video and information. 👍

[@tonytull7573]

Holy crap, you are in Paradise! Did you make it though the fires, or did you move there after? Just found your channel and working though a collection now

[@littlekoalas6174]

Honesty I rack my mind trying to see which books I want to get graded, yeah I do it for the preservation value also, if I want to leave them to family or as something I can sell when I'm older. Once again, great video Bry 👍. Take care.

[@kylekudrick8218]

CCS supposedly has pressing turnaround times down to 20 days. Would you recommend them?

[@BrysComics]

I just saw that, definitely changes the game, I think that does put them back in the running

[@cvang999]

Great video and info.

[@sammycook8036]

Where's a good place to get a press and could you recommend some videos on how to properly press your comics at home? Love your vids

[@sadbttru]

One other reason for grading is part of why I’m thinking of grading some of my 13 000 comics. To make it easier for my family when I’m gone instead of a burden. It kind of falls under value because it will maximize what they can sell them for. I have about 300 books set aside marked for grading. Some to sell other to set aside. With possibly 1000 plus more. Just kind of lost on where to start. Pulled a bunch covrprice had at more than 50$. Now deciding on sending myself, after a press or submitting through a store. Last complication, I’m in Canada. So shipping is expensive

[@BrysComics]

Yeah lots of complicated hurdles there…definitely have to avoid the low value ones because of shipping

[@oldmanbones216]

I would totally agree with you on doing the math for getting your books graded, but I would only think that for resale while if you're just getting it greaded for your personal collection to display. Then the price is totally up to you on what you feels worth it.

[@user-mc1re5xl8u]

New subscriber. Super informative video! Ive been wondering this myself

[@wmwhitedevil]

Great info as always Bry, graded is definitely a good way to go but yeah, I've seen soooo many slabs where I have to wonder why anyone would ever grade those books, some people really do just slab anything, it's kinda crazy.

[@bryanbartrop5091]

Thanks for breaking down the numbers! Then it is an easy calculation from there.

[@ericpopp4418]

I have a secret wars #8 that was pressed, cleaned, and graded by CBCS. It came back an 9.8. I think they were very generous, because I was expecting MAYBE a 9.6. There is a small foxing at the bottom left corner and the smallest crinkle at the top middle that didn't press out. I was originally thinking of getting it repressed and cleaned by CGC for a higher sale value. Now I have second thoughts. What would you do? Thanks. I love your videos. Thank you for all your support and information.

[@gregory19671]

I have to pick up a copy on grading comic book

[@brandonschmit1572]

Great info! I don't own any slabs yet. Been debating for awhile now to get some of PC graded. Video was awesome and helpful!

[@juliantaylorevans3805]

Thanks for another informative video. 'Just unearthed my childhood collection of X-Men and ASM books recently and trying to determine what makes sense to have graded. This is super helpful!

[@IvyKilla]

I have an edge of spider man #2 nov`14. First apperance of spider gwen. I bought it, read it once. I've put it in a bag and board after reading it. Comicbookrealm claims it's worth 855$. Do you recommand geting it graded by CGC?

[@BrysComics]

Yep, get it pressed first 👍

[@grahammann5669]

Keep up the great work Bry

[@backinthegame_comics]

In my experience every dealer says “grade is this and I grade conservatively” only to then get the book back lower in grade. So have an idea about how to do it yourself.

[@philcamacho127]

Informative and good vid. In your 2 examples, I lean towards the first one, where 80% of my books are raw, which include many key Silver Age and some Golden Age books. My dilemma, as in your example, would be the thousands of dollars to grade the major keys. For years, I have stayed away from submitting a book to get slabbed and now feel preserving the keys in mylar is sufficient. I know if not passed down to a family member, I will eventually sell my collection in 20 years to a dealer who may not have the same business ethics as you, Bry! 😃 🤑

[@BrysComics]

One blessing is there’s no rush right?

[@thepewbroswreeo5126]

Pre-screen is dope.

[@brucecree9170]

Thanks for another super helpful video Bry! One other thing to keep in mind is grading time. For pre-1975 economy grading it can take about one year to have the books return from CGC. During that time, the value of the books can change. Over the last year, the comic book market has, in general, declined in value and books that may have been worth grading a year ago might no longer retain the value that made them worth grading. Of course, in a bull market the converse could be true.

[@BrysComics]

Very good point! I always use fast track for the pre-1975 books or I don’t submit them…well worth the $15. I wouldn’t be surprised if they cut the turn time drastically in the near future though

[@kriswibbenhorstermeister9885]

I just opened my collection and found one of my comics - Spider man 300 marvel collection classics is worth quite a bit. It’s in almost perfect condition but I had never opened it out of the plastic, but when I did, I found it has a couple small 1/16” cuts in the foil on the back. Is it still worth grading?

[@beowulf1563]

Very informative video. Thanks