Comic Book Grading Glossary

A comic book published once a year often featuring unique or extended stories outside the regular series narrative.

A marking usually on the cover placed by the distributor or newsstand dealer to note when the book was placed for sale helping identify the comic's release date.

A preliminary version of a comic book typically in black and white and with a simpler cover used to secure copyright or for promotional purposes before full publication.

The period in comic book history from 1946 to 1956 characterized by stories influenced by the atomic bomb and the beginnings of the Cold War.

A publication frequency of once every two months allowing for a slower story progression or for managing multiple series.

A publication frequency of once every two weeks offering readers more content of a series within a month.

Comic book covers that depict characters in restraints or bondage often seen in vintage or Golden Age comics.

The condition where paper has deteriorated to the point that it crumbles when handled common in older comics.

A period in comic book history from 1970 through 1984 noted for darker themes and more complex characters.

The stage of paper aging where it turns brown indicating a level of deterioration less severe than brittleness.

A brief appearance or mention of a character in a comic book often before a fuller introduction.

An organization formed in 1954 to regulate the content of comic books in the U.S. marked by the CCA seal on covers.

The emblem placed on comics from 1955 onwards indicating approval by the Comics Code Authority.

A listing of comic books graded by CGC showing how many copies exist in each grade indicating scarcity.

The middle pages of a comic book typically where the staples are located often featuring key art or ads.

The process of having a comic book professionally graded for condition including checks for restoration.

A company that provides grading services for comic books offering a standardized grade and encapsulation

A comic book cover made with a shiny metallic finish that stands out from standard covers.

A cover that is widely recognized and celebrated for its artistry or significance within the comic book industry.

The process of carefully removing dirt dust and other contaminants from a comic book without damaging it.

A restoration technique where missing color on a comic book's cover or pages is filled in to improve its appearance.

One who makes a living buying and selling comic books. Local comic shop owners and online retailers.

1954 guidelines for comic content formed by publishers to self-regulate content.

All issues of a specific title or series collected.

A convention for comic book fans to buy, sell and exchange comics

The state of preservation of a comic book affecting its value.

Term for comics published between 1984 and 1991 noted for mature themes and storytelling.

A comic missing a coupon often cut out for special offers or promotions.

A condition where the cover is no longer attached to the comic book's staples or glue.

A cover that has been cut to enhance its appearance by removing rough edges.

A fold or bend in the paper that often breaks the color layer of the comic.

Storylines or characters from one title appearing in another title's series.

The process of reducing acidity in paper to preserve comics longer.

Any flaw that detracts from the comic book's appearance or structural integrity.

A cover featuring cut-out portions to reveal elements of the next page.

Color stripes applied to the edges of comic stacks for distribution purposes.

A manufacturing error where a comic book has two or more covers.

A darkened area on the edge of a comic caused by exposure to dust over time.

Covers with raised designs created through an embossing process for a tactile feel.

An amateur magazine or publication produced by fans of a genre for other fans.

A comic book kept by the publisher for archival purposes.

The debut of a character team or concept in a comic book.

A scene in a comic that takes the narrative back in time from the current point.

A comic cover made with a shiny metallic foil material for decorative effect.

Refers to the four-color printing process used in comic books.

Age-related brown spots that appear on paper due to humidity or aging.

A cover that folds out to reveal a larger image or additional information.

A term used in grading to describe a comic book in perfect condition.

A category that describes the style or subject matter of a comic book.

A comic book distributed for free as part of a promotional effort.

A term for the period of comic book publishing from the late 1930s to early 1950s.

A comic art style featuring attractive women in provocative poses.

Professionals who assess and assign a grade to comic books based on their condition.

A comic book cover featuring a holographic image that changes appearance when viewed from different angles.

A technique used on comic covers involving the application of foil or holographic images.

The section of a comic book that lists publication and copyright information.

An artist who outlines in ink over pencil sketches on comic pages.

The first presentation or appearance of a character or concept in a comic book.

A superhero team in the DC Comics universe.

The first superhero team in comic book history appearing in DC Comics.

A comic book that is notable due to its contents characters or historical significance.

Information provided on the encapsulation by grading services detailing the comic's grade and relevant details.

A comic cover featuring a lenticular image that appears to move or change when the cover is tilted.

A condition seen in some older Marvel comics where the edges of the cover are chipped or frayed.

Paper material used in comic book preservation to absorb harmful acids.

A term referring to the period of comic book publication from the early 1980s to the present.

A comic book issue released without an issue number.

A single-issue comic book that tells a complete story and is not part of a regular series.

The backstory that explains the history and motivations of a character or concept.

A comic book cover created using traditional painting techniques.

A comic book or collection known for its high quality historical significance or condition.

The era of comic book publishing before the Golden Age starting with the first appearance of sequential art in book form around 1897.

Comics published after the implementation of the Comics Code Authority's guidelines.

Comics published before the Comics Code Authority's guidelines were put into effect.

A comic book that was issued with different cover prices for different markets or regions.

Flaws in a comic book caused during the printing process such as misalignments or color errors.

A cover with a prismatic effect to create a sparkling or rainbow appearance.

A grade given by comic grading services to a comic book that meets criteria for a higher grade except for one significant flaw.

A comic book published four times a year.

Damage to a comic book caused by rodents.

A crease on the spine of a comic book caused by reading or handling.

Any attempt to enhance a comic book's appearance through non-original means.

The method of binding comic books using staples along the spine.

A term for the period of comic book publishing from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s.

The protective casing used by comic grading services to encapsulate graded comics.

Describes paper that is beginning to show signs of brittleness but is not yet crumbly.

A book by Dr. Fredric Wertham that criticized comic books' impact on youth leading to the Comics Code Authority.

The edge of a comic book where it is bound.

A defect where the spine curves away from the edge often due to improper storage.

A binding method for comics where the spine is glued rather than stapled.

A mark or stamp placed on a comic book by a retailer.

Lines on the spine of a comic book caused by bending or pressure.

A crease down the middle of a comic book resulting from it being folded for mailing.

A faded area on a comic book cover caused by exposure to sunlight.

Artwork in a comic book that closely resembles or copies another artist's work.

The level of service offered by a comic grading company often based on turnaround time or value.

The page in a comic book that displays its title and often the credits for the writer artist and other contributors.

A comic book issue that features an alternative cover design often for promotional or collectible purposes.

A comic book that comes from a discovered stockpile usually in pristine condition.

Short for crossover referring to a story that spans multiple comic book titles or series.

Short for fanzine a fan-produced magazine or publication dedicated to a particular genre topic