The comic book marketplace
VERY GOOD (VG)
An average, second-hand, obviously read copy with marks and minor defects but still respectable and appealing. Printing lustre almost gone but not soiled or heavily stained and no tape evident, apart from a small piece of magic tape to repair a tear. There is noticeable wear on the spine and even the start of a spine roll and one staple may be slightly loose. The pages may be yellowing with the first signs of slight browning at the edges. The cover could have a tear or crease or the centrefold could have come away from the staples inside. NO PAGES OR PARTS MISSING. It must be complete in every way. For British comics, all the above applies though there will be slightly more edge and corner wear.
A large proportion of British and American comics that you see for sale will be in VG condition or less.
FINE (FN)
The basic minimum for most collectors but depends on your budget! This is a comic with wear showing on the edges or stress around the staples. Still clean and flat with a small mark or cover writing but I do mean small. Pages may be yellowing slightly but no brown edges. Above average, read a few times and stored away with at least some concern. A staple may be detached but, if that' the case, the rest of the comic should appear Very Fine. For British comics, a little more wear on the spine and cover is permissible and there may be some corner curl evident. British comics are all shapes and sizes so corners and edges suffer more. Again, think that this is a comic that has clearly been looked after in its history.
Grading information and pictures provided by Duncan McAlpine from www.comicpriceguide.co.uk
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