Everything I Learned From Submitting Comics

[@robroszk]

Gonna try CBCS for the first time...wish me luck man! Any thoughts on ECS? I love their slab color combos which really make the comics pop when the same color scheme is chosen!

[@Ravensflock89]

I submitted a book to EGS as a tester a few months ago. Should be back next month and I am very excited!

[@JediFarce]

Hopefully they won't lose your books

[@bat2275]

Well they just lost 367 books as has been well documented on several videos. And they can't find them anymore. So good luck

[@ericwilliams1845]

I’d steer clear of CBCS. They just moved and recently lost a LOT of peoples comics in the process

[@ericwilliams1845]

@@bat2275 yeah and then some! Others with smaller orders have also gone AWOL

[@robertt9342]

What I have learned is that people are willing to spend a lot of money for someone else to tell them their comic is special.

[@thepantscommandme]

I tried to submit a Batman 608 RRP that was a qualified 9.6 with Jim Lee's signature to CBCS to verify signature and the online form kept trying to say it was almost 500.00 to grade the book. I tried to call customer service and sent them a few emails and never received any response after 2 months. Luckily CGC was having a Jim Lee and 2 others that were connected with the Hush storyline doing a in house signing. Got the book signed by all 3 with a pressing for 165.00, will never use CBCS. Customer service to me is very important, CGC and Pgx have always answered the phone or had a quick response to emails, I'll just stick with them.

[@wizardshazam]

CGC's inconsistency with grader notes is still one of the more frustrating things for me personally and one of the things I've seen CBCS has been far better on (next to QC and slab quality). For example, I have a 5.5 graded Daredevil #2 and a 3.0 Marvel Family #60 (from a Pedigree collection no less) both with no grader notes. Granted, they were graded about 15 years ago so CGC has improved since then but they still have a ways to go on that front. Quick tip for magazines, if CGC has a private signature event you're interested in, magazines will have about the same turnaround time as standard comics so you should be able to cut off a significant amount of time off of those. Great tips for anyone looking to submit!

[@Asian_Connection]

IMPORTANT bad news - CGC will stop printing defects notes on label

[@lmn222002]

CGC is getting too much...I wanted to submit a pre-1975 book, and the cost was $150...the book maybe is valued at $150-200 for mid to low-grade Daredevil and avengers...I also submitted some older books over a year ago, and they finally hit, and CCS rejected the pressing, but they won't cancel the slab for them....makes no sense...now they will slab a book that is not pressed or cleaned....total waste of my money

[@lancemcfarlin311]

I genuinely don't understand why grading companies care how much something is worth. Why does it cost you more if the comic is more valuable? The grading process should be the same, the handling should be the same, so I don't get it. Do you happen to know why?

[@vilesvengeance3796]

I am still scratching my head as to why anyone would pay strangers to tell you what you can see already. Just enjoy your comics. stop sending your comics to scammers just to dirty it up with COVID and seal the germs. Seriously there just taking your money.

[@sammpangan]

People keep bringing up the lost books at CBCS but man, the CGC forums will let you know that CGC is just as bad at losing books. The difference is that CBCS has come out and said that they made a mistake while CGC will just ignore the posts lol

[@kevsaan5351]

You’re telling me I can invest in the original IP of these comics in digital format(confirmed by marvel, not facsimiling or reprint). I don’t have to deal with opinion of cgc graders instead it’s by set in stone mint number, deal with a room full of short boxes and space, can sell instantly online around the world without manually shipping and getting scammed, you know exactly how many copies are out there, no guessing year to year, you have a incentive to collect comics overtime to be apart of a leaderboard and next generation of collection stats. I can keep going but this is enough. Please let me know why you hate the future so much??? #veve

[@QuiGonsGhst]

Another great video. I also take really good images of my books, the cover, back, and spine, I have more than a few books come back from CGC where there are additional spine ticks, etc that were not there.

[@ericwilliams1845]

You forgot to add the final thing…don’t use CBCS. Because when they move, they will lose 1000+ comics from a variety of peoples orders. Gone. No idea where they are at the moment. No thanks

[@ssettle]

They ship custom labels separately. Made that mistake early on. I didn’t catch that on the invoice. Got dinged a big separate shipping charge for one book.

[@comicbookcollectorking2875]

This was a extremely informative video. Thank you for taking the time to detail all of these tips. As a new submitter this is very helpful as I have a wide range of Silver/Bronze/Copper books.

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

If you send a book in for a reholdering and you want a custom label, put a sticky note with the comic book! They will give you a custom label! (As long as you pay for it of course.)

[@mksolid82]

I don’t understand why people still use tape on their bags. It not only ruins the bag but the tape can also catch on to your book if you aren’t careful. I use the resealable bags. They are so much better.

[@scottduffy5552]

The resealable ones are great…I use the bcw resealable silver/regular bag and boards on all my comics.

[@mksolid82]

@@scottduffy5552 yeah and they are great for long term storage. The glue doesn’t come loose. It’s much easier than buying those fancy mylites.

[@comiccollex958]

Great video, highly informative

[@shaolinmonk555]

Probably one of my fav vids so far, one thing to note CBCS was the first to introduce the QR code on there slabs.

[@TheComicBookReport]

This is really helpful. I’ve never actually submitted a book for grading myself and this was so practical 👏👏 Thank you sir 💪

[@JB-ou6fl]

Thanks for making this video. It is very helpful for me.

[@xXHardCorrXx]

I’d switch to CBCS instantly if their labels looked better

[@RealTimePogo]

If I was to submit to have signed does that change the value of the book being graded. For instance I get a $1 book graded without signing it’s only a $1 book but if I have it signed is it now a $100?

[@RealTimePogo]

Scammers

[@WhatDoesEvilMean]

Bro, I genuinely wanna see that video idea I suggested. Top 10 characters that appear on a comic COVER prior to appearing in a comic (as in, they don’t even appear in the book they’re first pictured on). I only know of like 3. You got this! :)

[@goodiespodcast]

Two cool characters do that on a single cover - Dogpool and Kidpool both appear on the cover of 'Prelude to Deadpool Corps #1' and don't show up until later issues. Technically Kidpool appears in a tiny bubble on the very last panel to plug issue #2, but his first appearance is generally listed as issue 2, with Dogpool in issue #3!

[@goodiespodcast]

...and Gwenpool of course.

[@WhatDoesEvilMean]

@@christianweatherbroadcasting 😂🤣😂

[@furbl4345]

What kind magazines would be submitted for grading?

[@PracticalBibleStudies]

After watching this video, It's pretty easy to conclude that grading is subjective and nonsense.

[@larrydowning8714]

You said cbcs is shipped to Florida. I thought they just moved to Texas. Am I Wrong? Sorry. Just started back into the hobby.

[@Dewfanatic]

Curious as to how hard they deduct for gripper holes. I've read varying accounts, but I suppose it's all subjective.

[@lburwell99]

Great video! It'd be nice to see some sort of pre-screen for grade type like qualified or restored. I've seen people that if a restoration is discovered, would've rather it not get graded at all.

[@CHAMPDOGZ]

Good tips especially decades... and i hate CGC grading clusters as i call them example 3 of the same books 2 9.8's one 9.6 then they all come back 9.6's like wtf

[@markserpa4511]

Cgc logo (subliminal) The scales of justice are weighed equal in a bikini top.

[@leveragecomics5067]

This is great, a true resource!!!

[@JBBRAD9267]

I prefer PGX for my books. Cheaper and quicker turnaround. That's worth more to me than the increase in value from the other guys

[@DW3010]

I only use CBCS, but another tip is do not remove the “digital copy” sticker. Leave it on there and don’t use it to get a digital copy as that can slightly lower your grading.

[@alexanderkliminksy7574]

When I was in Madrid, I was able to pick up the complete run of secret wars in Spanish. If I was trying to get issue 8 graded, which service would you suggest. The condition I am guessing is between a 3 and a 4

[@ericheinke2865]

Will you make a video about CBCS about what happened with the lost books??

[@djderkey]

I’ve been doing a kinda cheat to have certain really expensive books graded for cheap at cgc. When they have a creator on a blue chip key I have that I think can get a bump I send it in for super cheap. I had a copy I just got back of ASM 129 signed by Conroy and it only cost me $90 to grade and press. No bump but I got a signed book now so I can’t complain. I’ve done this a few times now with what would have been a walkthrough tier.

[@theestimator6157]

I have noted information to be put on labels. They don't listen...

[@kurtcruppenink6143]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences.

[@SuperHeavySam]

Comment about the excess paper tip. My LCS the owner does submitting for customer and actually request you take those things out before he submits them for that very reason and also some people believe that leaving them in actually helps the grade and according to him it doesn’t

[@nicholasdalessandro1958]

the only thing I've learned is it takes about a year from the comicon submission

[@christiantolliver4042]

Prescreen…oy just eyeball the book. If you’re grading contemporary books it’s not an established key or you don’t like it enough to keep. Just get it graded.

[@maxmilian7447]

Is the value based on fmv raw or current slabbed value at approximate grade?

[@cali4tune]

"always clean and press" agree except for possibly "never read" foil and embossed covers? seems like these are generally heavy stock and scratches are more of an issue than "pressable" defects

[@davidfausel9029]

Excellent excellent video - great practical advice!

[@radratcomics]

I'm starting to think you might like pressing!

[@luismendoza4514]

Thank you this was awesome information !!!!! Keep up the great work bro !!!!!

[@MintHunterComics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sadbttru]

Would you send various tiers of books for verified signature to cbcs?

[@sdogg73]

I just sent in two sandman number 1s. i was worried because of what you have said but one came back 9.2 and the other 8.5

[@thomaslatimer571]

Appreciate it thank You very much!

[@deadpoolMAX951]

I have a question if I got graders notes that pretty was just…..I should have pressed it, but it’s a signature series can I still get it regraded and send it in?

[@pabs3411]

This is awesome! I appreciate the time you have taken to share your knowledge. THANK YOU!!

[@fanglord13]

Can't stress enough the no tape rule. Got a signed ASM 361 in high grade dropped to 5.5 because CBCS managed to get tape caught on the back cover and pull colour :( the reholder fee on CGC is outrageous! Was tempted to send at least one to get reholdered but my just leave it now. Biggest recommendation I have is to learn how to grade for yourself. I use a checklist with diagram to mark defects for all my major raw keys so that if/when I submit them I know what grade range to expect. Especially important to learn how pick up colour touch/restoration, doubly so on silver age and older. The value gap between CGC and CBCS is closing rapidly, not really seeing too large a gap anymore. Happy to get a CBCS book on my older comics anyway as they are better slabs :)

[@TripleDAdventures]

Can this get any more confusing? Everything you've discussed has kept me from submitting books to be graded.

[@pedrojuarez2483]

Thank u4 the tips! Always appreciate ur content James 💪

[@theestimator6157]

CBCS pre-screen is the only way to go...

[@patriotcomics]

Another awesome video! 👊😎👍

[@eggplantcomics8336]

As for Modern Tier Vs. Economy talk to Dave from Comic Books Investments. He is convinced the modern graders are MUCH harsher. Might also have to do with all the brand new graders recently hired in the modern tier.

[@markleneker9923]

I would add: CBCS grades raw if you want something less expensive-- though I don't think it is much quicker? Plus, you can get your treasury sizes graded. I wish someone would do a video focusing on silver or golden age submissions only because of the special issues involved.

[@ronaldbourgeois1255]

At the time I was able to get deal two for a $100.00 Canadian.

[@Vp-jt3vl]

Great info dude! Always coming through with good content.

[@etrx87]

The "New" grading tier is a great idea on CBCS's part. It was time to separate the "Modern" era into smaller categories. It also makes sense for that tier to be cheaper as they don't have really have to check for restoration and missing or married pages on pre-screen submission of books that came out last month. And James, your passion for Captain Carrot has rubbed off on me, I recently bought a pedigree copy of Captain Carrot #1 just for kicks 😂 Another thing, just like you said if that ASM 252 gets a 9.8 they'll probably bump it up a tier, but here's the kicker: if CGC damage or lose the book after it has been graded, they will still only compensate you in the amount you declared it's worth because that's the value they use for insurance purposes. So let's say you have an ASM 300 in the NM range so you declare the Overstreet value of 850$ for a NM- copy and the books ends up getting a 9.8, they will probably move up the tier to Walkthrough, but if the book is damaged during handling or encapsulation they will compensate you - in the amount of 850$!!! Here it is, right from CGC's declared value policy: "in no event will the compensation exceed the declared value listed by the submitter on the CGC Submission Form". Great video by the way!

[@CHAMPDOGZ]

Yep modern needed changing long ago I would say around the DC New 52 should start the modern day or around that point

[@theestimator6157]

I always mix tiers. New with old.

[@donaldmiller9648]

Very thorough summary of experiences !

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

Who has the better Magazine holder? CGC or CBCS?

[@JohnAngelmo]

This is a very good video, thank you! It would be good if I you had a video where we (members perk perhaps?) could submit our questions with matching images.

[@MintHunterComics]

That's a great idea!

[@schwinnbike18]

Hi MHC! Hey, I've never submitted to CGC before so I got a few questions sir! 🙏 I've acquired three Jimmy Olsen 134's that'll probably fall into the 2.5 to 4 range. How much will it cost approximately? How long is the wait time? Thanks brother 👊

[@kellywilson7585]

Excellent video! :)

[@1800KLIENFELD]

Man - I’ll say this - I rather just head to my LCS and pay the small fees they charge to submit. I get my slabs back quickly, I get advice on what not to submit and I have never had any issues. 200 slabs later. Yes I paid a little more but they press and clean as well. So I’m keeping local shops alive I suppose. Never had an issue. At all. Shout to royal comics in spidey’s home town.

[@MintHunterComics]

Love this comment!

[@theestimator6157]

Steve Ricketts is the man!

[@eclipsemcplays9431]

I have The Amazing Spider-Man Carnage part 1 but it’s not signed

[@MintHunterComics]

Noice!

[@comicgainz]

Overall… if you had to choose a grading company, which one would you choose? I am looking to make my first submission! 💪🏼💯

[@davidallen8891]

I've been happier submitting books to CBCS. They just seem to offer you a little more for your dollars.

[@shanehannafey1361]

Thank you so much for passing on your wisdom!! I've only submitted one in my life, at a show because it was Iron Man 55 and I had Starlin sign it and got it witnessed by CGC. I have so many I want to submit, but it is so daunting!!!

[@shanehannafey1361]

James, I sent you an email on your gmail account. I don't have a Twitter account. Hope that's okay!! I'm pretty freaking excited!!!

[@shanehannafey1361]

Sorry James!! I saw your video and realized this is fake.

[@Tr1ckypants]

These are the kind of videos that this community needs. Well done!

[@upagradepressing2118]

Remember. Always clean and press. I know a guy that's pretty good, if I say so myself. Shameless plug. Check out my IG. Same name lol 😆

[@andrewcai5042]

Excellent knowledge

[@Zacharamus1]

I have a ASM #300 and I have heard so many horror stories with CGC and I’m worried about sending it in to get graded. I want to sell it and I know having it graded is the way to go to get the most value considering it fell into my lap and I’m not a collector. I just don’t know what to do.

[@MintHunterComics]

Nothing wrong with selling it raw! there's too many graded out there as it is anyway of that book hahaha

[@pedrogtz9594]

Hi james! What happens if i want to resubmit an already signed book?. It still get the green label? Thanks!

[@JB-ou6fl]

If the book is already slabbed with a yellow label from CGC, it will still get a yellow label if you will resubmit the book to either CCS or CGC still sealed in the original slab. I believe that it is the same for CBCS as well. If the yellow label slab has been opened, you will get a green label from CGC. For CBCS, they may give you the "verified signature" notation (I am not sure if they still use the red label) if CBCS can verify the signature's authenticity.

[@topher83]

If you have signed books with a certificate of authenticity will they give you a yellow label?

[@wizardshazam]

Not from CGC. It is likely you'll be able to get a "Verified Signature" designation from CBCS if you include a CoA with your submission but CGC will not give the yellow label unless they witness it firsthand.

[@odinknowsbest]

Always press

[@mattbeach662]

Great vid!

[@gcxred4kat9]

Just to be clear... do you recommend us to clean and press?

[@MintHunterComics]

Almost always. But if the book is already perfect leave it alone

[@breakdown7153]

If just wanting comics encased from your childhood is paying for pressing still worth it? Value is irrelevant for me and I just like the clean look of a graded and encased comic.

[@MintHunterComics]

I like your take!

[@breakdown7153]

@@MintHunterComics I was genuinely asking, I know cgc is $24 a book which is already a fair amount when you have about 10 books you want preserved for your enjoyment. Paying for pressing for a better grade might be worth it if it looks way better but I am already pleased with the looks of my books. I have always been a "if you bought it bag and board it" people, even as a kid🤣 Would you think the extra cost would be worth it from a looks point of view when value doesn't play into the equation? Does it make a huge difference on looks?

[@leeniren3706]

I have a question for clarification: I have an ASM 300 that is greater 9.2 white pages but in the old label that the game for modern books. There’s a crack in the bottom corner I was thinking of sending it in to get reholded. The book has no damage and the crack is nowhere near the book. Are you suggesting that I should probably crack the block open clean and press it before sending it back to CGc? Wouldn’t this cause me to have to pay for a very high grade and Pfefer such an expensive book versus a $20 reholder fee

[@kilik85011]

A note for #18. I've been putting the money for submissions onto a Visa Gift Card and denoting that as my form of payment. It's as close to "set it and forget it" as you can get.

[@Comicbookyoutubersrock]

I've submitted numerous books that could have been bumped to a higher tier. They've bumped one book in the last 10 years I've submitted. Other than that, everything else graded in the tier I sent. So not sure it happens as much as you think. At least with CGC. Not sure how CBCS approaches that. Hmm, the wholes on the interior should be a production defect, and not affect the grade.

[@Kanzer67]

Thanks for this super helpful video. Could you help clarify something I probably misunderstood? Towards the end you spoke about combining shipments to save on shipping costs but earlier you suggested submitting 80s books with 80s books, 70s with 70s, etc. What's the difference between these two pieces of advice?

[@tikertiker2]

Very informative video thank u! Question for you, I recently got back my ASM129 8.5 I sent in for SS to CGC. I requested clean and press, as it was a great candidate and honestly looked like a great copy for a bump in grade. I ended up getting the same grade which I guess is not a bad thing. So my question is, is clean and press a waste for an already slabbed book? Is it highly unlikely CGC goes against their previous grader’s determination and decides to bump up the grade? Just don’t want to waste my money next time if there’s no chance at a higher grade on an already graded book with pressing.

[@pbales8951]

I've heard many times that you shouldn't submit two copies of the same comic unless they are sure-fire 9.8s. I can see this with modern books, but does this also hold true for silver or bronze age books? I've got two copies of FF 149 that are 9.6 to 9.8 that I'd like to get graded.

[@bluelantern27]

Thank you for the great advice! I just bought a Green lantern #89 9.6, but the case is cracked. I want to send it in to get reslabed but i dont have an account with CGC and im scared it will go down a grade. Hopefully soon ill get it done!!!

[@ronaldbourgeois1255]

James I have a Captain America #111 by Steranko what would cbgs charge as he signed the cover with white background.

[@300baud]

If you send a book printed after Stan Lee passed away, but with his signature on it, will CBCS still verify it? 🤔

[@l.greenemachine66]

Oh yeah, always clean and press! LOL I think I got that part for sure thanks. But there is some people you have to tell them over and over and over again. LOL

[@keeveek_]

You sure CGC hasn't misplaced your over the year submissions? This seems unbelievably long!

[@eggplantcomics8336]

Worth repeating but the "value" of the book is the estimated RAW value not the slabbed value your hoping to get. So there is some wiggle room to slide in borderline books.

[@Bar-Lord]

Great tips I’ll be sure to note. I’m still waiting in my second batch from CBCS. These books I actually scrutinized having leaned more about them at the beginning of the year. If it wasn’t card stock, I pressed it for non-color breaking spike ticks. Fingers crossed.

[@Allan-ze5bn]

In case it hasn't already been mentioned in your comments, an important note about CBCS pre-screen: you can choose a different grade for all books submitted, and there is no reject fee as long as most of your submission passes your pre-screen target. Unofficially "most" is about 75%, but their FAQ simply says "you may or may not be charged a nominal reject fee”.

[@cheemsrei]

Very useful video for those who are getting in to the grading game, the mention of Blue Label unverified signatures reminds me of the Hulk 340 I own with “Stan Lee written on First Interior Page” printed under the Book’s name, still wondering if it really is his signature.

[@ronaldbourgeois1255]

Is it good or better to have a comic dealer send them for you.In the past I sent Avengers #57 got a 8.5 not pressed and Submariner #1 a 9.6 c g c.

[@justinshannon814]

CGC has improved their turnaround times a ton recently at least for moderns as you said. Just don't make the mistake of using CCS to press. It takes about a year and I don't think they do a great job.

[@Thomas_Donofrio]

Yeah my GL 87 has those puncture marks to the interior pages :/ what’s that from?