GRADING SPECIFICATIONS:
Near Mint (NM) 9.8 to 9.2
A nearly perfect copy that looks brand new with only a few very minor defects.
Acceptable minor defects on a NM copy include: a very small amount of spine stresses, very minor instances
of denting (two or three at most), slight corner blunting, and minor (less than 1/8") bends without color breaks.
Very Fine (VF) 9.0 to 7.5
A VF copy has minor defects, but is in overall excellent condition.
Acceptable defects on a VF can include: Minor corner wear, a light accumulation of spine stress
that may include color-break, a light accumulation of dents, and bends or folds less than 1/4"
(note that on a VF copy, some color-break is allowed in a bend/fold).
Fine (FN) 7.0 to 5.5
A comic in FN condition is considered "above average" but still displays some wear.
Acceptable defects on a FN copy include: Slight spine roll, a moderate accumulation of spine stresses
that may break color, a spine split of less than 1/2", minor water spotting or residue
(less than the size of a dime), an impacted corner, and moderate foxing.
Very Good (VG) 5.0 to 3.5
A comic in VG condition shows some significant wear, but has not accumulated enough
total defects to reduce eye appeal to the point that it is not a desirable copy.
Acceptable defects on a VG copy include: Spine roll, 1/2" to 1" spine splits or other tears,
a cover or centerfold that is detached at one staple, discoloration due to oxidation,
and a moderate accumulation of water damage or staining.
Good (GD) 3.0 to 1.8
A GD copy has major defects, but is still complete and readable.
Acceptable defects on a GD copy include: A vertical book-length crease, 1.5"-2" spine split,
cover or centerfold completely detached, major tears, heavy discoloration/brittleness
due to oxidation, heavy amounts of staining, residue, and water damage