How I Fixed a Comic Pressing Nightmare & Made $13K Profit

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Go here to learn about how I clean & press comics: improvecollecting.com/

[@90MHOTMUD]

AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN!!!! THIS IS WHY YOU ARE THE BEST ON YOU TUBE..NOT ONLY ACHIEVING THE GRADE BUT SHOWING US HOW YOU DID IT STEP BY STEP... I JUST GOT BACK FROM LA CON AND LOOKED AT 2 OF THESE 9.8s...$19,000 TO $21,000... YOU DID AWESOME....

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks so much! I'm still in shock.. 1. that I found that book and 2. that best case scenario happen. I feel very blessed

[@VidTubeWatch]

He's so modest and humble. I have to hold myself back sometimes from telling him he's the G.O.A.T.

[@mattinclemson]

Jim, this is one of the best videos yet. The before and after 'fades' at the end of the video was the cherry on top for me watching it! Congrats, man!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@chadfontaine2717]

14:35 says it all. That moment of validation, relief and surprise all at the same time. Nicely done Jim. Love your content!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Much appreciated!

[@Will_ONeill]

I jumped in the air and did a fist pump when I saw that 9.8, I knew how huge that payoff was....congratulations!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

My heart was like 150 beats a minute, this hobby is gonna kill me. lol

[@christiandannunzio4387]

Everything about this video is perfect. The camera angles, the acceleration through the cleaning and repair, your emotional reaction, and the end comparison image changes. That is why you are the best, Jim! I wish you many years of happiness and success with this hobby.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Wow thanks for the feedback. I really have no idea what I'm doing with video editing, besides publishing like 500 videos over the past few years. It makes me feel very lucky to find a decent formula for it. Messages like this keep me going, much appreciated!

[@ismaeltorres3975]

Excellent work. Jim. I would keep it in my PC. I love the Punisher. 😊

[@kryptoniterocks8245]

You are incredible!!!!!!!! Your skills I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone who can surpass it.. 👏👏

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@UwantUneedGiftsGoodsandBooks]

Lol No Doubt eh ? He is a Top Tier Pressing and Cleaning Super Hero

[@bellabeast84]

Thats incredible! Couldn't have happened to a better person who shares his talent with others to grow the hobby..btw cant wait to sign-up as an alpha user! For the cost of essentially 1 minor key 🔑 is a no-brainer!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Awesome, thanks! Looking forward to seeing you in there

[@BatmanBeyond95]

Jim your progress from the beginning to now has been fun too watch. You make miracles happen with these books

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I appreciate you for being a long time watcher! Without people you I'd give up lol

[@jaya076]

Agreed, iv been watching him for a while, beautiful channel and person

[@timothybrandt6911]

This video is a testament to the skills you have developed over years of practice and the love of getting comic books and vintage paper back into better presenting conditions with your skills. Congratulations on the 9.8 definitely worth your efforts ❤

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@timfinney9468]

Wow, there just aren't any words that would do justice for the work you've done Jim!!! Congrats!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@eljeffe7472]

very nice job, Jim!!! I've been watching your videos when you were CPR'ing lower-priced books waiting for you to 'go big'. Well-deserved success, sir!!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks so much for being a long time sub!

[@gregparks1785]

Absolutely incredible result!!! I have a 9.0 that originally was 7.5, sent it to a company for a deep clean and press and was stoked with the result. Congrats on your amazing result from the work you put into it!

[@RobertWeir]

The Legend continues....

[@Ricky-j5k]

Incredible Jim! You found the perfect CPR book and pulled it off to get that 9.8. Congratulations!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks, Ricky!

[@comicbookchris3509]

Fabulous job! Take the wife out to dinner!! I consider you the best out there with clean/press. I've only cracked two books which were books I did poorly. I had to get those bag creases fully out of a couple McFarlane Spider-Man #1s. Took a 9.4 and 9.0 to 9.8s. One day I will venture into cracking slabs as you do, but I don't have the patience yet to fully examine potential. . Because of the wretched market I haven't cleaned/pressed for 3.5 months. I'm almost ready to get back at it as I've sllllllooowwly sold enough books. I focus on late Bronze and Copper. I MUST get books to 9.8, with some 9.6, or I'm breaking even, making little, dumping during this market slump. You are here to inspire me to get it done!!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

That's a great idea, I almost never reward myself. Making plans now, thanks so much!

[@jimgardner5129]

I have a copy I paid maybe $3 for back in the 80's. I'd rate mine between a 7.5 and 8.5. I'm happy with that. Congrats to you. That was impressive.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Wow $3? I wish we had a time machine lol

[@TheHartViper]

I think anyone who’s been watching your channel from the start knew it was going to be a 9.8, you’re just that good Jim! Congrats on this amazing result and I can’t wait to attend Improve University!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I appreciate that! It's live now at improvecollecting.com

[@stevenlaroche7800]

Congrats! Patience and determination is paying off!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@djmoonchild01]

Dude, you're at legendary status at this point! Seems like the presser was doing the work for a client and not himself..

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks! And yeah it makes me sick to my stomach that someone out there had their grail treated like this

[@coldbloodedclowns6797]

Congrats, thats not only a great win but you restored a book back to how it should be !!

[@PyroClit]

Tremendous result Jim. Congrats you legend.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Appreciate it!

[@coolworldpopculture]

HOLY COW! Congratulations, Jim, on a HUGE success! That's a book for the ages. Really, really incredible work.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I appreciate that!

[@purecomiccollector]

Wow! Congratulations Jim!!! That's awesome!!!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@joshuaclark1930]

Mega Kudos, yet predictable... Your commitment to generating a level of excellence is made obvious in each and every video. I'm on board, brother! Been buying through your website and will be committing to your tutorials next week! Let's Go!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Awesome thanks!

[@rodneyjones6358]

Wow. That's how you do it! Nice job Jim. Ya it definitely looked like too much moisture on the book and it caused rippling in the overlay. The presser probably didn''t look close enough after they pressed the book to even notice what they did, as they didn't see the eraser shavings either. Anyways, good job recognizing the potential in the graded 8.0!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks👍 It boggles my mind that someone could be this careless on such a big book

[@daviddarnall2367]

Jim, This is why your channel is the best on KZbin. I am happy for the success you have experienced. You are blessed indeed.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

So nice of you, thanks!

[@tjroo2924]

Fantastic video. You make it look easy. Congratulations.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@ShowMeTheMendozas]

Nice work Jim. I love your content. Thanks for making it.

[@UwantUneedGiftsGoodsandBooks]

Nice Work Jim You work hard and have studied and practiced hard. You deserve this Grade for sure. Congratulations man. I think many of us are happy for you. Your excitement is priceless. Have a great day Jim

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I appreciate the kind words, comments like this keep me going. Thanks!

[@UwantUneedGiftsGoodsandBooks]

@@ImproveCollectingComics I'm glad to hear this. I've had the same experience when people who shop at my store say nice things about the service I'm delivering. The Comic Fam has kept me going in some tough times. I think Comic people are really cool we are all kind of loners and maybe geeky to some but we all have a super hero in us just waiting to come out and do something great for the world. Sometimes we just need a person or two to believe in us and encourage us to do great things. You really are a Cleaning and Pressing Super hero Taking 8.0's and turning them into 9.8's because you care that much more about the books, you take your time to do things right, and you show us how to pull it off at the same time too. I've never met one Super Hero that fit in with the Average Person. We are either messes, a little geeky and unsure of ourselves and then somehow our hidden talents come out to pull off some Spectacular Shhht at the very last second lol. Only certain people can recognize the Villains and the Super Heroes. Hey we got to stick together to conquer Pressing Evil together haha

[@logantorres6979]

Congrats my friend. I do aspire someday to clean and press books.❤❤❤❤❤

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Awesome, you can do it!

[@rhmidwestcomics]

Amazing work. Congrats! 👏👏👏

[@libasanAdventures]

Fantastic performance! Thanks for sharing.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Many thanks!

[@tonytothe8544]

Congrats! What a bump👏👏

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@michaelsaritelli]

It is so fun to watch you. You really are the !

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks so much!

[@jip3517]

Wow!!! That’s is the best bump I have seen. Simply amazing.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Nice, thank you!

[@cowbelltv4865]

Thanks for another GREAT video. Thanks for sharing! I need to get into your pressing group!

[@AdamRaia]

Wow!!! This is my grail comic and I’ll get a good copy someday!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I want a copy as well. While I technically do own the book I can't afford to own the book, if you know what I mean

[@collectplayandenjoy2800]

Amazing results

[@nerdyoldwoman9651]

So much fun to watch! Thank you for sharing.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks so much!

[@bradcsuka5054]

Congrats!!!

[@BigMoneyGripMCV]

Congrats!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@timbates9243]

Omg. That is a huge bump. Congratulations.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@kking2484]

THE GOAT FOR COMICS

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

My kids would say I smell like a goat sometimes... lol

[@DONTSLEEEEP]

Phenomenal! A 6 grade improvement!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks, I still can't believe this book fell in my lap

[@Bamamonts]

Awesome! Great video and great book.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@edwardfox9550]

Awesome Jim. Just thrilled for you!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@noyanhilmi1361]

Wow just wow. Congrats!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@paperchasecomics]

Great work! Congratulations Jim

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@MakeRoomCollectibles]

Congrats Jim! This was enjoyable to watch!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@nikolaosmonokrousos568]

Congrats!!! Amazing work...

[@iceman2796]

Great Work!!! u r the best in the business!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Not sure about that, but I appreciate the kind words!

[@jaya076]

Oh man I just love your channel and you

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@Joeboyscomics]

Awesome work!!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jyates007]

I joined the alpha testing and am looking forward to a deeper into this book and learning more about moisture and waviness.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Sounds great! Moisture control is the most important thing in this hobby, so great observation. I am committed to providing the best cleaning and pressing content on the web, please give me feedback as you review the lessons.

[@stefansnow4386]

Awesome video!

[@luthermanning6945]

Keep it!!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Man, I would love to.. it's painful to sell these high grade grails. But this is my main income now, unfortunately. My day job went away a couple years ago and my other online businesses took a hit from a Google algorythym update. The comic hobby has saved me from getting another day job so far, but I have to sell :(

[@jamesvelez7509]

You do a great job to fixing the comic. I'm surprise to see the comic 8.0 to 9.8 that was awesome.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

It was very satisfying to undo a wrong. Thanks!

[@terryhrach9450]

Whoa that was very cool man

[@louben987]

Awesome job!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@hungpham9566]

Good job, as always great video.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@jameswallin5905]

Absolutely amazing!!! Congrats!!👍👍

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks so much!!

[@rangerscott1997]

Super, very nice, and congrats

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@Toeasy1234-r4x]

Holy cow 😮 that was amazing

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@gorillaproductions73]

Beautiful work as per usual 🖖🏾

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Much appreciated!

[@clelandwarrenjr850]

Fantastic work Congratulations They're nicely done.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jefferydecker6652]

Awesome fix Jim!!!!!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@malus911]

I did a HOPS on a book and didn't press it at the end. The next day the warping was horrendous. Took forever to correct and still it wasn't 100%. I do not recommend it. As for the pebbling issue, clean clean clean before you put that book in, lol. Nothing worse than a couple pebbles that force you to re press the book... Good video, great result.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

True dat! And thanks :)

[@GravelRacer1]

Wow, i can only dream of a score like that. You kind of gave away the 9.8 in the title.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

My apologies for that, I will try to think of a less obvious title and change it

[@Jay-Jose]

Wow!

[@VidTubeWatch]

Awesome work Jim. 6 grade bumps from the 8.0 I imagine it retained the "off white to white pages"? I know you used to use your light box before you started getting "restored" labels. Do you still whiten? You may not want to disclose that.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

No whitening on this book, nor any recently. Although if you watch the latest comments from Matt Nelson, he seems to allude to whitening being okay as long as the book still looks natural. In other words, it wouldn't make sense for a 1965 book to be perfectly white, especially if it has heavy damage otherwise. If I ever do it again it will be in a very minimalist way. I definitely could have gotten this book to white pages, but do not think it's worth the risk (in damaging the book). Of course, if you saw the interior of the book.. it is already white pages, in my opionion. I have seen a lot less white books from that era get white pages. I almost resubmitted but thought that risking CGC damaging the book while grading wasn't worth it

[@VidTubeWatch]

@@ImproveCollectingComics I understand completely. Better to err on the side of caution.

[@Raineys-Comics]

That’s Awesome 👏

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you!

[@Carterp7]

Winning!

[@Thynqikan]

nice job!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks!

[@Dgrayman1313]

Definitely hold book bc punisher will eventually come back

[@vgpackpulled9748]

What temp do you use on your press and how long do you press for?

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

It varies per book. I give those specifics to members of my new community, learn more at improvecollecting.com.

[@DukeCityExplorer]

I wonder what you could do for my GSX #1. Had my lcs "clean/press" and sent to CGC. Came back a 3.0. It's obvious they didn't do anything, but send it off to be graded.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Send me photos and I'll take a look: [e-mail]

[@jamisonlm3]

I bet it is tough to sell it, but the greater reward is the hunt.

[@randyhampton6281]

Are you going to start whitening books? I see a lot of guys using peroxide and blue lights.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Not at the moment, the jury is still out on it. However, recent conversations I have seen from CGC seen to indicate that they aren't totally against it anymore. As long as it isn't un natural they seem to be okay with it? If I do start doing it, it will be in a very minimalist way. Maybe to remove a small stain, or light foxing, or minor tidelines. Or to make a cover 1 or 2 shades whiter, and never soaking the book in peroxide numerous times like I seem to see a lot of people doing

[@RobertWeir]

@@ImproveCollectingComics my buddy does it without peroxide very minimally and it works great and enhances the colors too ... he's got nothing but blue labels . only about $125 to set it up . Do it .

[@ChristopherMerlo-tt1jh]

Great work, how do I get the experience to not do this myself

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Hi and thanks. I just started a cleaning and pressing community with a course showing my exact cleaning & pressing process. improvecollecting.com, and you can email me directly if you have more questions. [e-mail]

[@joeymangkok]

GOAT🐐

[@overkill7990]

Now please for the love of God tell me they didn't bend the corners or banana it😆

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

They didn't! A big sigh of relief for sure. Thanks for asking :)

[@Cincinnatijames]

You should keep it. What are the odds you'll find another ASM 127 9.8 CPR candidate. Also, it's a top 3 bronze age blue chip.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I wish I could, but I po and need the $ lol

[@scottyg68]

🔥

[@terryhrach9450]

I have a 9.6 .. 129 that is sighned and I believe it can get a 9.8

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Awesome!

[@KristopherDeschambeault]

Is there a way to contact you i what to get a comic cgc 9.6 pressed and cleaned trying to get a 9.8

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Sorry, I only do this as a hobby mainly and to teach others. You can email me though [e-mail]

[@vabeach_vaderexnyer5243]

Damn!

[@keithc360]

The cert # is so low. Were they cleaning and pressing back then!?

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

It was graded in 2016, pressing had been common practice for several years by then

[@johnnydropkicks]

Hey, Jim. Enjoy that $10,000 bill you just created for yourself. 👍

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

LOL thanks! I passed it along to Mr. American Express to pay for all the books I bought that are at CGC now

[@johnnydropkicks]

@@ImproveCollectingComics Mr. Express is a great middleman. 🙂

[@steveandspock2290]

🖖👍

[@jonbreece6688]

Nooooo keep it. You know you will never get another one

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I wish I could afford to :(

[@jonbreece6688]

@@ImproveCollectingComics well crap, I hear ya.