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Comic Book Pressing & Cleaning

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Restoration Woes

December 14, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

My first Restored Comic Book

I remember the first time I submitted some comic books to CGC for grading. Although the experience was sort of fun, I was absolutely terrified my comics would be lost in transit. You see, I decided to save a few bucks and not send my package (which included an Amazing Spider-Man 1, 6, 129 and Avengers 1) with overnight delivery. Instead, I ended up using a three day delivery option that UPS had at the time. Those were the longest three days of my life! Fortunately, my comics did arrive safe and sound and were returned to me a short time later.
Opening the package, I was thrilled to see my precious comic books slabbed safe and sound. I did, however, notice that two comics were slabbed with blue labels, while the others had purple ones. I soon came to realize that my Amazing Spider-Man #6 and Avengers #1 were restored grade – also known as the “dreaded purple label”. Please know that I bought these comic books way before the days of CGC – way back in the 1980s- when only the hard core collectors gave a darn about restoration.   Today, however, comics have become big business, and getting stuck with an undisclosed restored book can really put a damper on things.  I am discussing restoration today  because many customers ask me to inspect their comics before I clean and press them.  Please understand that while some some signs of restoration are obvious, others can be much harder to detect.  The best advice I can give to collectors is to simply pass on any comic book they might suspect has been restored…that is, if a restored comic book is something you hope to avoid (believe it or not, some collectors don’t care!). These days, key books can cost collectors not hundreds, but thousands of dollars, and a restored specimen is just not worth as much – so buyer beware!

A Non-Disclosed Restored Comic Book

daredevil 1A customer recently purchased a gorgeous copy of Daredevil #1 from one of his local dealers. He sent the comic book to me for a quick press and clean before sending to CGC.  I quickly realized that the comic had been restored.  I wanted to show this comic book to you because the store owner  did not disclose any restoration, yet charged the gentleman full guide value for the comic.    I suppose it is possible that the store owner had no idea the comic had been restored, but  I find that hard to believe – anyone who owns a store should be able to recognize some obvious signs of restoration.  Glancing upon the first pic, it is virtually impossible to detect any restoration… most simply see a beautiful copy of Daredevil #1.   But take my word for it…upon closer examination,  slight discoloration around the main image, title and text on the front and back cover is obvious.  Upon further investigation, I also notice extra piercings where the original staples/ or extra staples used to be. And finally, the texture of the comic was all wrong. It was almost rough to the touch;  like over-spray from a bad paint job. This was a good indication that some sort of spray fixodent or gloss was applied to the book’s cover.  The staples were also black in colour and glossy (also a result of the spray).

Notice the two extra "vacant" staple holes by Daredevil's feet? Zoom in for a closer look!
Notice the two extra “vacant” staple holes by Daredevil’s feet? Zoom in for a closer look!

For your viewing pleasure, I also provided some shots I took of the comic using a UV flash light. Notice how the restored areas now glows purple. UV lights are a great tool for detecting certain types of restoration work. So again, when buying a high valued raw book, take your time and inspect the comic very closely. Take pictures, send them to either myself or a restorer or other individuals who press and clean and have examined a lot of comics over time. The last thing you want is to pay top dollar for a comic book only to find out later that it is actually worth far less  – because the comic is not original. And one more thing – most collectors I know do not leave their high valued comic books raw. If a comic is worth over $500, most usually have the book slabbed by CGC or another third part grading service – doing so ensures a higher return on their investment.  So, if a dealer is selling a high valued book that is not slabbed and graded, that in itself should be a red flag.  Not to say that all raw books are restored…just be extra cautious.

Daredevil 1 - Restored
The purple discoloration mentioned above clearly visible using UV light

Filed Under: Collecting Tips Tagged With: colour touch, comic books, daredevil, restoration

Mark Hamill Talks Star Wars

July 7, 2015 By admin Leave a Comment

Mark Hamill on Playing Luke Skywalker Again!

Mark Hamill Talks Star Wars
Mark Hamill Talks Star Wars

Since the news of the Star Wars movie hit the net, Mark Hamill has been talking about welding his light saber once more as he returns to the Star Wars universe. Hamill has since also revealed that that he feels it will be very difficult for the next chapter in the Star Wars cinematic line up live up to the hype.
At a recent interview, Hamill said “I have this feeling that no matter what we do there’s going to be a faction that really is disappointed. You just can’t live up to that.”
Regardless of what fans will think, Hamill is starting to get into playing Luke Skywalker again. “I’ve altered my diet. I’ve started working out,” he explained. “But on the film itself: I toured departments, I’ve looked at wardrobe, and I saw the creature shop. I went around and met all the cast people, saw the technicians working on some new things.
And it seems a real highlight for Hamill has been reuniting with his cast mate from the earlier films: “I hadn’t seen Tony Daniels or Carrie [Fisher] or Harrison [Ford] or Peter Mayhew in ages… it was wonderful to see them again, because I didn’t expect to. Again, this is all so unexpected. It’s like getting out that pair of pants you haven’t worn in five years and finding a 20-dollar bill in the pocket!”
Hamill  insists that he will not provide any teasers for the next highly anticipated Star Wars film … “This is a whole different world” he explained. “The first one no one cared. The second one there was a lot of interest, but it was before the internet… I tell people we’re not trying to annoy you or tease you or play some massive game. Basically, what the goal is [is] to keep the surprises for the movie instead of spoiling them on the internet.”

Star Wars Force Awakens
Opens December 18, 2015

Original Star Wars Comics – Hot Hot Hot!

As December approaches, fans of the original Marvel Comics adaptation (and even those discovering it for the first time) of Star Wars have been snapping up copies from the series.   And while issue number 1 is usually on the radar for most collectors, I have found that issues 42 and 68, both featuring Boba Fett, are also in high demand.  The Comic Doctor has worked on countless Star Wars comic books, and I anticipate many more will be worked on before Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theatres in five months.  If you have a Star Wars comic that has seen better days, perhaps I can help – give The Comic Doctor a call.

Perhaps one of your Star Wars comics looks like the one in the following gallery.  Check out what can be done, even to comics with pretty bad defects.  And take a look at more before and after samples here:

All
Before
After
Star Wars 1 Cover Before
Star Wars 1 Cover Before
BEFORE
Star Wars 1 Cover Before
Star Wars 1 Cover After
Star Wars 1 Cover After
AFTER
Star Wars Cover After
Star Wars Top Corner Before
Star Wars Top Corner Before
BEFORE
Star Wars Top Corner Before
Star Wars Top Corner After
Star Wars Top Corner After
AFTER
Star Wars Top Corner After
Star Wars 1 Spine Roll Before
Star Wars 1 Spine Roll Before
BEFORE
Star Wars 1 Spine Roll Before
Star Wars 1 Spine Roll After
Star Wars 1 Spine Roll After
AFTER
Star Wars 1 Spine Roll After

 

Star Wars
Top: Recent submission of 25 Star Wars #1s from a local collector. Bottom: The Boba Fett Issues – #s 42 & 68.

 

Filed Under: Comic Book News, Comic Books in the Movies, Press, Pressing Tagged With: comic book pressing, comic books, force awakens, mark hamill, star wars

The Comic Doctor Reviewed

May 9, 2015 By admin Leave a Comment

Comic Book Doctor Testimonials

I love to receive testimonials from customers, because it reaffirms that I am doing something right.   Accolades for the work I do is always appreciated,  but it is even more gratifying to hear that I treated my customers right.  I pride myself on being friendly and honest. Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked in customer service for many years –  perhaps this is why I strive to make customers happy.  I answer my phone or return messages/ e-mails promptly;  I will always let customers know when their books arrive (if sending by mail); I will never perform work that is not needed…these are just some of the things I do when dealing with customers.

Comic Book Daily I was recently approached by Charlie Kim, a blogger for comicbookdaily.com, to press and clean a few of his downtrodden comic books.  Somewhat skeptical with the process, he dropped off his comics and I began to work on them.  The link below will take you  to the article he wrote following the work I did.  Give it a read and be certain to take a gander at the before and after shots he took as well.

Read the article here!

 

Filed Under: Dry Cleaning, Pressing Tagged With: comic books, DC comics, grading, pressing

Superheroes Are Taking over the Boob Tube

March 11, 2015 By admin Leave a Comment

Comic Book Shows I Watch

As a comic book fan, I honestly can’t get enough of the various comic based television on the air right now.  My weekly TV ritual currently includes Gotham, the Flash, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and of course my favourite, The Walking Dead.

walking dead, amc, zombie
My Favourite – AMC’s The Walking Dead

Thankfully, comic book movies, and now TV shows, are starting to get it right.  The two  biggest mistakes that producers of these films and shows made in the past were: 1) not sticking close enough to the comic book source material and 2) isolating our favourite characters from others in their universe.  Well these mistakes – which were made over and over again  – have finally been avoided by the creative teams responsible for bringing our favourite comic books to life today!

As spring approaches, I eagerly await the arrival of even more comic book television.  The following are properties that will be hitting our TV screens very soon!

Netflix: Daredevil

Daredevil on NetflixOnce  it regained the rights to The Man Without Fear from Fox, it didn’t take Marvel much time or to begin working on a series for Daredevil.  Marvel has obviously decided to use his familiarity  to their advantage, using the Daredevil series as a springboard for a new intertwining Defenders series (sound familiar Avengers fans)  on Netflix.

Charlie Cox of Boardwalk Empire, Stardust and recently The Theory Of Everything has he title role of Daredevil/ Matt Murdoch .  Vincent D’Onofrio is set to play the villainous Kingpin.

The entire 13-episode Daredevil series will drop onto Netflix simultaneously on the 10th of April 2015.  So all you comic nuts can binge on the series all at once (I know I will).

Check out the trailer below…and pay close attention to the words spoken by a character at the end referencing the Avengers.  Like I said above….all apart of the same universe.  Awesome.

The CW: iZombie

izombie on The CWThe success of The Walking Dead has certainly prompted other companies to shift their zombie properties into the world of live action.   DC’s  iZombie tells the tale of a young zombie named Liv (played by Rose McIver of Once Upon A Time) who is given visions after consuming human brains.   Using some rather gross techniques, Liv becomes a crime-fighter.

This series is pretty obscure to common folk, but is likely familiar to those of us who hung out at the local comic shop a few years back.  The show is based on a comic from DC’s mature Vertigo line which  ran  28 issues from 2010 to 2012.

iZombie can be seen on The CW beginning the 17th of March.  As indicated by the first trailer,  it seems the show will push hard for its home network’s target teen audience via romance and a steady gag rate.   You’ll get the idea after watching the trailer below.  I may have to pass on this one.

Superhero Shows in the Works

1. Preacher

2. Luke Cage

3. Iron Fist

4. AKA Jessica Jones

5. Supergirl

6. Krypton

7. Walking Dead Spin-Off

8. The Defenders

9. Vixen

10. Dreadstar

…and many, many more!

Superhero TV Series and Your Collection

As I stated in a previous article,  as these new shows continue to pop up, their source comic books often increase in value.  If you have any of these comics, maximize their value by improving their condition. Contact The Comic Doctor to see if the condition of your prized comic books can be improved.  In the meantime….enjoy the shows!

Filed Under: Comic Book News, Comic Books in the Movies Tagged With: comic book movies, comic books, comics, dardevil, DC comics, izombie, marvel, Marvel Comics, netflix

How To Handle Your Comic Books

February 20, 2015 By admin Leave a Comment

For those of us who have collected comics for a long time, the following guidelines may seem obvious. For collectors new to the hobby, however, these points may just save a precious comic book from being damaged.

1. Avoid rolling the comic, as you would a newspaper.

2. When handling a comic, do so gently. Avoid holding it tightly.

3. Always handle the comic flat in the palm of your hand, and turn the pages carefully, allowing each page fall down gently on its own. In doing so, you avoid placing any pressure on the comic book or its spine.

4. Comic stores tend to organize their comics standing up in comic boxes or bins. When perusing these comics, avoid bending the top of the comics down over the previous books. If you bend the spines while searching for a particular comic book, you will damage the spines for the next customer who comes along. That being said, a previous customer could very well damage the spines of comics you want to purchase. Always handle comics with care and respect.

5. When enjoying trade paperbacks or graphic novels, simply cradle the spine of the comic book and open it just enough to read. Avoid opening the book completely and “cracking” the spine, and never grasp the comic by its covers and read in the air, doing so will surely cause dents on the covers and the pages.

6. If paperbacks or graphic novels have been stored in extremely cold weather, let the books acclimatize to room temperature before opening it to read. Opening a “frozen book” could cause the spine to crack. If the glue on the spine becomes very brittle due to t e cold, the cover may even pop off.

7. Avoid “dog ears”, that is, don’t bend the corners of the pages to place mark where you last read. Invest in a book mark.

8. Eating while reading is a bad habit, especially around valuable comic books. If crumbs fall into your book, this could stain your comics or cause impressions when/if your comics are stored. If you handle food while reading, you may also actually transfer oils from the food you eating directly to your comic books.

9. Always keep your hands clean. We naturally excrete oils and these are easily transferred to your comic books, especially if they are being held tightly.

clark kent, washing hands, handling comic books

10. As outlined in an earlier post, be sure to store your comics in a cool dark area. Using comic bags and boards is also strongly recommended. Storing your comics upright is also suggested;

Comic Book Storage Box, long box
The trusted comic book long box (made from card board). Will keep harmful UV rays away from your comic books.

there are a variety of comic boxes to choose from. Mylars and Mylites are the preferred choice of comic sleeve. These are museum grade and while they may cost a little more, the will last a lifetime. WARNING: Be careful when using the stiff Mylar bags, comics can be damaged when inserting them, take your time.

11. Avoid storing your cardboard comic boxes directly on the basement floor, especially if it is concrete. Use a palette of some kind or shelves to keep the boxes off the floor. Over time, boxes may absorb moisture from the concrete and even the carpet. Moisture + comics is a no no.

12. Again, this was mentioned in an earlier post, but avoid exposing your comic books to direct sunlight, and even bright artificial light.

13. Don’t write on your comic books or colour in black and white areas! It is not a colouring book. Also, be careful not to write on paper with a comic book beneath your work – this will cause impressions on the comic book cover and although this sort of damage can be minimized with a good press, often times the impression is still faintly visible.

14. Do not cut coupons out of your comic books…especially back issues…most of those offers have expired. 🙂

 

handling comic books, mego advert
Darn the Mego Corp! They tempted kids all around the world to cut out their order forms and purchase their action figures! I wonder how many comics were ruined because of Mego!

Filed Under: Collecting Tips, Comic Care Tagged With: comic books, comics, handling tips, storage

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The Comic Doctor is located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
You can also reach me by phone at 905-449-5680. The best time to call is after 3:30 pm.

Latest From My Blog

The Amazing Spider-Man – Top 10 Issues

Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s creation, Spider-Man, remains one of Marvel’s top tier characters.  Several Spider-Man comic book titles, spin-off series, … [Read More...]

CGC Submissions

Submitting to CGC

The Comic Doctor is an authorized CGC dealer and as such can submit comics on your behalf to CGC.    The following is important information regarding our submission service. Your books ship within two weeks of being pressed!   No waiting for large bulk … Read more

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