In July 1934, 10 cents bought what most experts consider to be the first modern American comic book. Dubbed Famous Funnies #1, the book was a collection of different comic strip stories and games and kicked off a movement, perhaps unknowingly, that would change the course of entertainment history. Nearly a century later, comic books are still a staple form of entertainment for millions of people around the world. They have given us superheroes that captivated our imaginations and are now featured in blockbusters, television shows, music, clothing, and more.
Comic books that were once a dime to purchase have become immensely valuable for collectors as early age books are increasingly rare. Today, CGC Comic Book Grading preserves these sought after works of art, while also preserving the history of comic book writing long ago. StockX now carries an assortment of Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) graded comic books, the premier company in professional comic book grading.
We compiled our insights for a comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to CGC graded comic books on StockX.
Marvel Venom Lethal Protector #1 Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
What Is Comic Book Grading?
Comic Book grading is the process of assigning a grade to a comic book based on the quality of the book. Since its inception in 2000, the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) has provided collectors and comic book fans an assessment of grade and authenticity for comic books. While there are other companies that provide grading services, CGC is considered the industry standard.
CGC has a team of expert graders that examine each comic book before assigning a grade. The CGC scale for comics is unique and complex: it includes a 25 point scale covering all gradations of condition and quality. On StockX, listings will include 13 grades from 6.0-10.0. A higher grade typically equates to a more valuable comic book. For example, the price difference between a 7.0 and 9.2 graded book could be hundreds of dollars.
Is it Worth Getting Comics Graded?
Golden Age (late 1930s-1950s) and Silver Age (mid 1950s-1970s) comic books are only getting older, and the process of grading offers protection from natural wear in a display case, while assigning a certified grade. Grading also provides standardization and allows comic books to function as an alternative asset class that can easily be traded and invested in. So, if you’re looking for a return on your investment in the future, grading your comic books is an absolute must.
Perhaps just as important is the impact grading comic books has made on the cultural preservation of some significant comic book issues both old and new. There is an archival element to CGC graded comic books that adds to the allure of collecting — safeguarding history as it’s being written. A modern example of this is with Miles Morales, the newest Spider-Man on the block that has become a household name in comic books and cinema.
Marvel Ultimate Fallout #4 showcased the first appearance of Miles Morales, who is arguably the most popular Spider-Man next to Peter Parker. Morales is the son of a Puerto Rican mother and Black American father, living in Brooklyn, New York. True to form, Miles Morales was a kid who dealt with real world problems like Peter Parker, adding to his relatability and appeal as a superhero.
Morales’ representation of the Black and Latino communities brought in a new wave of fans to the Spider-Man universe. While Marvel Ultimate Fallout #4 isn’t that old compared to other comic books (it was released in 2011), its cultural significance makes it one of the most important issues for collectors and fans alike. Graded Marvel Ultimate Fallout #4 books will keep the legacy and foundation of Miles Morales alive for generations to come.
How to Buy CGC Graded Comics
StockX carries CGC graded comic books ranging from 6.0-10.0 grades, which means at the very least, buyers will receive a comic book in the “fine” to “very fine” range on the low end. Buyers can simply change the grading filter on a comic book product page to select the grading of their choice.
Due to the age and status of some of these CGC graded comic books, prices inevitably rise as the grade approaches 10.0. Choosing your desired comic book grade is a decision that will require some consideration. If you’re new to the world of comic book collecting, selecting a lower graded book is a great way to start building a catalog without breaking the bank.
The Special Marvel Edition #15 (1st appearance of Shang-Chi) CGC graded comic book has a current asking price of $2,000 for an 8.5 grade, while the 7.0 grade has an asking price of $1,200. For new collectors, these savings could mean acquiring additional books in the catalog and immediately expanding a collection. Since StockX doesn’t carry below 6.0 grading, every book will come in at least Fine condition.
DC Superman The Man of Steel #18 (1st App. of Doomsday) Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
The Takeaway
Renowned comic book creator Stan Lee wrote superheroes with struggles and flaws, adding a human element to a medium filled with almost-invincible characters. The emotional connections we all feel with superheroes is something first penned in the panels of comic books, long before they hit the big screen. Graded comic books can be a great investment for those seeking alternative assets, but they are also culturally significant, allowing readers to emotionally connect with heroes while preserving the history of these stories.
Like any other hobby, there are no rules on how to start collecting comics. There are collectors that focus on purchasing key issues, while others are completionists — fighting tooth and nail to complete an entire storyline. If art is more your style, CGC graded comic books also make for great displays in an office or home, and some collectors will focus on purchasing comic books based on the aesthetics of a particular creator.
These superheroes have stood the test of time, and it will be interesting to see how a new generation of comic book readers will collect in the future. New stories are always being written, and the appeal of superheroes continues to grow in the mainstream through movies and television.
Don’t let prices discourage you from starting your collection either. Lowering the grade of a comic book you want will save you money, and is a great way to start growing your collection.
