The condition of a comic book is one of the key elements of the value and ultimately the final selling price. Before CGC, grading was the source of many arguments in the comic book community. Agree with CGC or not, they have provided an impartial third party to arbitrate this touchy subject and provide a known standard.

But with CGC we have a new set of issues.

Every slight difference in grade can mean tens, hundreds or even thousands of dollars difference in final selling price.

Don’t believe it? Look at this example.

X-men #94 in CGC 9.8 sold for a high of $12,548 in 2011. A CGC 9.6? A high of $4,250 (not to mention several copies selling in the $2,000 range). Have a CGC 9.4 copy? Shave another thousand or so off the price.

Do you see the importance of every small grade difference?

If you can increase the grade of your comic just slightly it could mean huge gains in value.

Fortunately there is just such a way you can legally “cheat” CGC and potentially come away with these increases. The “cheat” I’m talking about is pressing.

Pressing is a method of eliminating the minor flaws in a comic that can mean the difference between a CGC 9.2, 9.4 or 9.8. Flaws such as dents, folds (non color breaking) and bends. Although a controversial topic, CGC has said it is not restoration so you avoid the dreaded “purple label of death” denoting a restored comic.

There is one place I recommend to learn more about the process, how it’s done, whether your comics are a good candidate and much more. I’m not paid a dime for this advice but I want you to know about it and take advantage of the service if it means getting more cash for your comics.

The source is Matt Nelson at Classics Incorporated. He gives you all the information you can possibly need about pressing at the page Comic Book Pressing Services.

Use and profit from this information!

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2012 is another big year for comic book movies. Let’s take a look at the agenda and our picks.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance – Marvel Spotlight #5 and Ghost Rider #1

John Carter: Watching the Marvel Comics series from the 70′s

The Avengers: Avengers #1

The Amazing Spider-man: More reasons why Amazing Fantasy #15 and Amazing Spider-man #1 remain such key investment issues.

Batman: The Dark Knight Rises: Detective 27, Vengeance of Bane, Batman 1. Outside of Vengeance of Bane these comics can be out of reach of all but the most hard core and monied collectors and investors.

You can also checked out the Avengers movie case study here

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Showcase 8 contains the second Silver Age appearance of the Flash and has remained one of the most valuable comics of the age.

It’s not the first appearance, so should you pursue this book as an investment? It depends.

The comic is desirable for strict collectors and for completists. For strict investors my opinion is you should pursue other comics for your portfolio unless you find a great deal or arbitrage opportunity and if so it may be worth the quick flip. That strategy puts you a little further into the speculator camp but it may be worth the time and money if the conditions are right.

To give you some perspective on current price trends for collectors, investors and speculators (and perhaps find that great deal) keep an eye on the issues offered for sale below. Don’t forget to check GPAnalysis and completed auctions to track current values.

Looking to buy comics like Showcase 8 for huge discounts? Check out the Comics for Pennies Course.

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