Archie / Grade Assesment & Notes:White/Off-White Pages
*We use the same standardized Overstreet ONE 'grading scale'that companies like CGC is the Standardized ONE Scale for your | (GM) ...................... Gem Mint 9.9 | (MT) ...................... Mint 9.8 | (NM/M) .................. Near-Mint/Mint (*Sometimes referred to as M-) 9.6 | (NM)(+) ................. Near-Mint Plus (+) 9.4 | (NM) ...................... Near-Mint 9.2 | (NM)(-) .................. Near-Mint Minus (-) 9.0 | (VF/NM) ................ Very Fine/Near-Mint 8.5 | (VF)(+) .................. Very Fine Plus (+) 8.0 | (VF) ....................... Very Fine 7.5 | (VF)(-) ................... Very Fine Minus (-) 7.0 | (FN/VF) ................. Fine/Very Fine 6.5 | (FN)(+) .................. Fine Plus (+) 6.0 | (FN) ....................... Fine 5.5 | (FN)(-) ................... Fine Minus (-) 5.0 | (VG/FN) ................ Very Good/Fine 4.5 | (VG)(+) .................. Very Good Plus (+) 4.0 | (VG) ...................... Very Good 3.5 | (VG)(-) ................... Very Good Minus (-) 3.0 | (GD/VG) ................ Good/Very Good 2.5 | (GD)(+) .................. Good Plus (+) 2.0 | (GD) ....................... Good 1.8 | (GD)(-) ................... Good Minus (-) 1.5 | (FA/GD) ................. Fair/Good 1.0 | (FA) ....................... Fair 0.5 | (Poor) .................... Poor
Grader's Notes & Remarks:
We utilize several resources to determine our assesment of the overall condition of any 'RAW' comics that are listed for sale before assigning our 'approx. grade'. Here's a list of some of the resources that we rely on when assessing a comic's grade: (not listed in any specific order, and not necessarily a complete list.)- The Overstreet Guide to Grading Comics
- ComicConect-Grading Criteria
- QualityComix Grading Examples & Definitions w/ Photos
- My Comic Shop: Comic Book Grading
- Comic Book Realm (Grading App/Tool)
- Nostomania's Comic Book Grading Guide
- COVRPRICE: Grading-Comics-101
NOTE: If a comic is listed that has already been graded by a 3rd-party guarantor (CGC,CBCS, PGX, etc.), then the grade is self-evident; yet we will provide a copy the certification (ID) # and enter it in this section (and we will look up the original Grader's Notes - if we can locate them using the CGC (or other) Census / Database.Step #1:Before I begin handling ANY comics:
1.) When handling comics (whether for assessing condition, scanning/imaging, or packaging) in any manner (especially) when it is outside its protective bag, the FIRST thing Ido (at minimum) is ALWAYS make sure to wash and dry my hands!- Skin oils can transfer to the comic and leave imbedded fingerprints that can be nearly impossible to remove without some form of restoration beyond a basic dry-cleaning and pressing.
- Anything beyond basic dry-cleaning/pressing is considered restoration and will impact the grade and the FMV or resale value of the comic!
- No one wants to buy a comic with some stranger's left-over PB&J residue smeared all over the cover!
- It literally takes 1 to 2 minutes to properly wash a pair of hands
2.) AFTER washing & drying my hands, I will put on a pair of new, snug-fitting, latex or nitrile gloves; non-powder, non-textured. Keeping gloves in stock is a small expense compared to the loss in value that can occur from inadvertent degredation and damages due to an 'accident' or unforseen disater... one just waiting to happen and at the worst possible moment!*Here's what I use and what I recommend regarding gloves:
- Latex or Nitrile 2-mil to 4-mil, non-powdered/non-textured, medical or food-service grade gloves.
- These gloves come in a variety of sizes; S, M, L, XL
- Also, there are a handful of affordable options here on ~ for high volume handling, I would maybe do some research on direct distributors?
Examples of common defects and/or flawsthat we focus onwhen assessing a comic's condition:
Color Loss: reduced color saturation to portions of a comic?s coverMissing or Incomplete Pages: pages or portions of pages torn, destroyed, or otherwise removedFading: another type of Color Loss that is typically used to describe sun damage or overall reduced color saturation of the entire coverFoxing: bacterial or fungal growth in the paper that appears as discolored spottingRusty Staple: occurs when a staple rusts and bleeds onto surrounding pagesYellowing: a yellowing of pages due to age and overexposure to moisture and oxidationChipping: a series of chips or tears at the top, bottom, and right edges of a coverTears: a hole or split in a page caused by it having been pulled apartSpine Stress: a small fold perpendicular to the spineBlunted Corners: dented or dull cornersColor Breaks: another term used for Color Loss but localized to a specific interruption to the flow of color on a comic?s cover (e.g. a white line caused by a crease on a black cover)Spine Rolls: occurs when a portion of the cover dips or curves from the rest of the
While conducting our assessment of a comic's overall condition, using the resources mentioned above; we generate a unique summary of the comic's condition. We list and describe any and all of the defects, flaws, damages, degradation, etc., that have had a direct impact on the outcome of our assessment. I personally follow a 20-point 'Inspection Checklist' that I created myself (compiled from my research) that focuses on all of the key target areas. I find that this also makes the process consistent from grading one book to another while also adding a level of efficiency.
Assessment Summary of this Comic (Alpha-Flight #51)
* Comic is complete, all pages accounted for, no cut-outs. White/Off-White Pages* A few Spine ticks (one or two color-breaking)* Top Right-Side of Front-Cover - a scratch that is just barely starting to tear (3 mm maybe)* Comic lies flat with no observable warbing or spine roll* If not for the top-right scratch/gash - I would feel comfortable assigning a 7.0, but a 6.5 is more accurateAs always, if anyone is interested in seeing more images of the listed item(s),and/or a full summary of my assessment and grader's notes; please don't hesitate to messge me to style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 18.6667px;">*Questions, Comments, Suggestions, or Anything else pertaining to this listing or any of our other listings?
>> Feel Free to contact us here @ anytime! <<
*We will reply in a timely manner! (Usually within 24 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Market Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0in -1pt class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Market Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0in -1pt 8pt; line-height: 14.45pt;">Matty's Virtual Variety |Standard 'Returns Policy'
- If a Shipping Fee was originally added to your order, we'll cover the return shipping costs!
- If Shipping was FREE initially, you (Buyer) will be responsible for paying some or all of the return shipping costs!
- Items damaged during shipping qualify for either a replacement (of equal type and/or value!) or a refund if item is returned to us!
* We would provide you with an identical issue (if possible.)
* Or we will submit you with a refund if a suitable replacement is not available.
(Buyer may be responsible for some or all return shipping!)
NOTE: We handle this kind of situation at our discretion, based on the circumstances, and on a per/order level, either way, you're covered against damages [DURING SHIPPING] which render the book in significantly worse condition than as described in listing!
- All items MUST be returned within 30-days of Purchase Date (After payment clears processing)!
- Item(s) Returned for ANY REASON MUST be in the SAME condition as they were when shipped.
* If we sell something in NEW condition, we expect it back in NEW condition!
- Once a return label has been printed/generated it must be used within 5 business days, or the return request will be cancelled.
- If you are returning your order(s), we encourage you to take pictures of ALL item(s) prior to shipping back to us!
* If you opt not to take pictures of your potential returns, you WILL BE held liable for any damages that were caused during the return shipping, unless the shipping service admits to, or it is otherwise obvious that damage was caused during return shipping.
- PARTIAL RETURNS ARE NOT ACCEPTED on STANDARD LOTS, SPECIALS, or CUSTOM-LOTS.
- NO Refunds will be issued UNTIL we have PHYSICALLY RECEIVED your returned item(s);
* We will need to inspect the item(s) in order to match up any serial number(s), or part numbers, etc.
* And we will need to inspect for any damage to your returned item(s) before we can release your refund!
- DOA (Dead on Arrival) Items will automatically qualify for an EXCHANGE (If an exchange is unavailable, you can either substitute an item of equal or/lesser value, or can request a refund. Continue reading for more details.
* Exchanges qualify for an item that is either identical, or remarkably similar in type and function.
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Matty's Virtual Variety | Policy: Pt II (Re: Comics & Books)
- « All comics include a new bag & a new, acid-free, backing board.
- « We usually Double Board (2x) all of our comics valued at $20+ for added rigidity and protection!
- « All comics are handled with EXTREME Care; and are professionally packaged by an actual Collector!
- « All Packages will be processed and delivered to the local post office within 1 to 2 business days! Our items SHIP FAST!
- « All Packages will be clearly marked as FRAGILE, and your comics will be double packed; first inside a Gemini (or similar) Mailer, then enclosed inside a high-quality, bubble-lined polybag.
* We package our comics very well; since I am also a collector, I package comics the way I would like to receive them.The outer Bubble-Lined, Polybag is for additional protection in case of bad weather (rain, snow, etc.)
* Plus, double packaging adds an additional layer of security and protection!
- « YES! We will Combine Shipping on ALL Single Comics, and/or Comic Lots, and/or any combination of Comics/Books/DVDs/Video Games, etc...
- « Our Grading (for reference) when listing comics is intentionally on the conservative side,
For example, if a comic is in a solid 9.0, I would still intentionally list it as an 8.5 (This is just to be on the safe side of the inherent subjectivity that exists within the grading spectrum from one individual to the next.)
- «The full assessment(s) and approximate grading of all listed comics is very consistent - as I run every aspect of this store myself.
- « ALL Comics, TPB, and Books are carefully and gently handled when being assessed for their completeness and condition by none other than myself; AKA the completely 'Obsessive Compulsive Dude' and I have 35+ years in the 'Comics Industry'
PLEASE, if you have ANY ISSUES at all, regarding the grading/condition, etc., of any comics, or other item(s),contact us ASAP so we can resolve these issues!
Disclaimer /Notes on 'Grading':
- While we do our best when grading RAW comics, and while we are very thorough, consistent, and confident at assigning an approximate assessment (grade) regarding a comic's condition; please note that we are not licensed or certified professional graders!
- Therefore, unless you're purchasing a CGC/CBCS Slab that has been professionally graded, none of the grades we've assigned (which are specifically for your reference) are guaranteed! However, as mentioned previously - I intentionally tend to be conservative with the 'grades' assigned....
- Due to the inherent subjectivity that exists from one collector to another, and the possibility (no matter how rare) of human error, the grades that we've assigned are merely to provide you with an approximation/estimation of what kind of grade one could expect to receive if they were to submit the comics to CGC for grading!
- We always upload clear scans of the front & back covers and we will include interior scans (pics) (especially if there is any kind of damage or cut-outs (missing MVS, etc.) and/or missing pages, and/or writing, etc.) And we will also include any of our 'grading notes' either by default, and especially upon request. Additional scans/pics, etc. are available upon request!
- We will always disclose any damages to the inner pages and/or any from the cover/back cover that may not be easily visible in the scans.
*If you wish to purchase multiple items and want to receive "combined shipping." Then...
*Please, make sure you leave your items in your "cart" until you are ready to finalize purchase!
---> Then, click the "Request New Total" link and we will you send the updated invoice with any discounts,
promotions, coupons, offers, and/or the updated shipping rates, etc.
-RE: Shipping Rates-
*AS of July 2025, USPS Has Raised Their Rates by as much as 51% for postage & services
*AS of July 2026, USPS Has Raised Their Rates (yet again) by approx. 10%
« In case you're wondering; yes, the large increases in shipping costs announced by the USPS regarding everything from simple 'Postage Stamps,' to the price of renting a P.O. Box, has caused us to make some changes and adjustments, yet we'll always do whatever is possible to continue operating without having to pass on too much of these costs on to our customers.
« We continue to offer great prices on all of our items - as well as extremely fair and accurate shipping costs (in a lot of instances, we've ended up covering the difference between what we're charged by USPS compared to the rates we request of our customer. Therefore this is why we have had to increase our shipping rates on some items, and on a lot of items, we had to add a shipping fee whereas before the July 2025 increases, shipping was usually free on most of our other listed items!
« We'll always do our best to maintain our amazing prices and great deals on our listed items, as well as continuing to adhere to charging fair and accurate shipping rates!
«For Enhanced Shipping, or Custom Shipping Requests, please note that additional shipping fees may be required!
«Make Sure to Read Each Listing's Description for Complete Details Regarding Shipping for that Listing!
«For details on the most current USPS shipping rates, please refer to:usps.com (notice 123)
>>> USPS Tracking# provided for ALL purchases... <<<
(unless otherwise indicated.)NOTE:
For orders exceeding 20 US Lbs.
- We hereby reserve the right to apply an additional 'Service' and/or 'Handling' fee; contingent upon:
- The contents of the order and whether packaging required added time, care, and/or shipping supplies.
- The location that the package is being shipped to (Which US Zone/Country/etc.?)
- The current* retail rates for corresponding USPS Shipping Service used @ time of purchase!
* Current = as of Last Update to Listing: class="MsoNormal">NOTE:* The Following is Applicable to International Shipping Only
- Shipping will be calculated at time of order and based on several metrics. Before shipping, we will send you an explanation of all additional fees prior to shipping! You may receive an updated invoice from us reflecting any additional shipping fees once we've had the opportunity to calculate them.
- In addition to our shipping fees, please be aware of, and expect to, pay any additional fees for 'Customs,' 'DUTY,' 'Border Fees,' etc., any of which may be added by a 3rd-party (an entity other than me) well after I've shipped your order(s); this applies mainly to International / Overseas Shipments, but if you live outside of the USA (Which includes the 48 Contiguous States, Alaska, Hawaii, P.R.) it's a good idea to research your country's policies and procedures regarding incoming postal mail from any other country or locality.
- If you should purchase an item and see one specific 'Shipping Rate', please note that we'll contact you directly in the event we need to make any adjustments.. However, if you notice that a "Shipping Fee" was added on the Invoice/Packing Slip, and it was not added by us prior to being shipped, then please note that this amount (whatever it may be) was NOT added by us, but was instead added by and subsequently collected by as well (including any amount that they claim was 'taxable shipping'! collects ALL taxes applied to any/all of our sales! This increase may also be true of any "VAT Fees"
Yes, WE OFFER COMBINED SHIPPING Rates @ Customers' Request!!
* Applies Unless otherwise indicated...
- Just Request 'Combined Shipping' >> PRIOR to Your Final Payment!
- $ave Ca$h on your TOTAL SHIPPING Costs; on Comics/TPBs, Paperbacks, and even Hardcovers!
- Make Sure to Read Each Listing's Description for Complete Details Regarding Shipping for that Listing!
Combined Shipping: @ Only $5.99 (initial shipping rate.)
* For each combined item, add the following:
- + $0.50 per/ea. ~> Comic/TPB/Paperback Book
- + $1.00 per/ea. ~> Hardcover Book/Omnibus
- * Shipping maxes out at $11.99! (which is equal to 13 Comic/TPB books, or 7 Hardcovers)
* This is for all Comic Books, Paperbacks, and Hardcover Books being Shipped in the USA!ADDITIONAL DISCLAIMER(S): (RE: Damages, Responsibility, etc.)
We are not responsible for replacing or for offering a refund for any items that have become damaged, made inoperable, or have been completely destroyed if they have undergone ANY type of misuse or mishandling; or have been used in a manner that is inconsistent with, or that seriously deviates from the indicated usage-specifications outlined in/on an item's, or item(s') labeling/packaging and/or accompanying item documentation,
(i.e., Operating Manuals, Owner's Manuals, Printed Instructions, etc.)
This is Our Policy and we will firmly stick to this policy whether the misuse or mishandling occurs by the primary purchaser/buyer, OR ANY OTHER third-party individual - whether known or unknown by the primary buyer, and/or whether the buyer authorizes the use of said item(s), or does not.
Regarding Manufacturer's Warranties:
*For information regarding the manufacturer's warranty on any of your purchased items, please make sure to read the product packaging upon receiving your delivery. Some products have a Manufacturer's Warranty that may cover malfunctioning items (i.e., electronic devices, Gaming Systems, PC Hardware, etc.) Make sure you follow their instructions if required to register your product or create an account at their website.
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Matty's Virtual Variety Shop, Ltd.
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