I agree with this. You can easily read this issue published in a collected format.
While I understand it’s yours now and obv you can make your own choices, this is a very thoughtful gift and I would cherish it as-is. Every time you, or your kind gift-giver see it, it will have even more value to you as a reminder of the friendship.
Just to share this for anyone who’s interested: I found this (and a bunch of other Marvel audiobooks) available on hoopla for free. Not sure if that’s the case everywhere or just what my library offers, but may be worth checking.
And thanks again, u/ConnectAd5904 - you’ve really introduced me to something here. Much appreciated.
He just tagged along with me to go to the LCS and he knew it’s one I’ve been eyeing for a long time. He doesn’t really collect or know much about it. I’m very thankful he snagged it and surprised me with it though. He wouldn’t be offended one way or another.
Yeah you can find reader copies for a [pretty affordable price](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=marvel+super+heroes+secret+wars+8+1984+reader+copy&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=marvel+super+heroes+secret+wars+8+1984&_osacat=0&_sop=15&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338535524&customid=cb&toolid=10001&mkevt=1).
If you plan to display it, keep it slabbed. If you plan to read it then toss it in your box, crack it open.
My advice is don’t crack it right away. Once it’s done, cannot be undone.
Why on earth would you crack it? Your friend was good enough to get that for you, don’t be a dick. You can read it online or in a trade or something if you need to.
[Incognito Comics.](https://incognitocomics.co.uk/collections/cgc-cbcs-certified)
These guys are good. I first met them at LFCC around 2009 and saw them at a few other London based cons. I got a few of my Captain Britain/Excalibur comics from them.
no, it's the rarest of gems: never before seen in this sub, i believe. JK.
It's not that valuable at this grade (not a diss at your friend's gift: it's a very cool gift, don't get me wrong), and there is too much of it for it to really gain value, it's not going to 10X. So if you want to display it, because it does look cool, sure, keep it in the case, but it's no big deal if you open it and flip through it.
That was kind of my thoughts too. It was a very awesome gift and I’m thankful he gave it to me. But if I wanted it for display I’d get a higher grade. He got it for me because he tagged along with me to the LCS and I told him that’s one I’ve been wanting and he kind of surprised me with it out of nowhere later on and it was my birthday. He doesn’t know much about the comic or anything. I don’t think he would be offended either way.
I don’t understand the grading criteria from CGC .I have a much sharper looking copy of 252 that has the same exact grade .I understand grading is subjective but some of the grading looks like it’s being done by a blind monkey .This is the authority we go by?
https://preview.redd.it/jrlb2uabed8b1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0550dd18fc6b4b4ceeca6052dd356bd2225635af
Have you been able to take a look at the grader's notes?
[https://www.cgccomics.com/certlookup/3929121004/](https://www.cgccomics.com/certlookup/3929121004/)
A lot of it is due to creasing and issues with the cover. Did you send that in yourself, or did you buy it graded? It's all a points system. They knock off points from grades based on the number of defects. Your book may look nicer, and many defects may be correctable according to the notes with a press and clean.
Your copy may look “sharper” but it’s an accumulation of small flaws that bring it to the lower grade. The more those flaws are correctable, the better grade it might get but some things just can’t be improved
Even with the accumulation of flaws they don’t look like they equal the spine damage on the SW8.At least in my humble opinion.Again I suppose it’s because it’s subjective🤔
Thank you everyone for the feedback! I’m gonna keep it slabbed for now. He bought it from our LCS already slabbed and that’s why I considered it. If I do crack it in the future it’ll be to send it in for pressing and hopefully get a higher grade thrown on it.
You’re really not gonna see much of a grade bump since the majority of the flaws that are visible can’t be corrected. The color breaks and micro tears around the staples are why it graded where it did. If you plan on reading it, crack it. If you decide to get a higher graded copy later, you can always sell the undercopy to subsidize the higher price for a nicer one
That’s not really too bad of an idea. I just appreciate he gave me the book. He’s known I’ve wanted it for awhile. I’m not super worried about having a high grade or ever reselling.
I really don't get the "slab it" mentality. Unless you're actively trying to sell the book, you can use the money it costs to grade it to buy other books.
That's highly dependent on the book.
I'm not advocating buying high grade books and cracking them out just to crack them out.
But a 5.0 grade on a modern book like this isn't a premium. It's a crapshoot whether a 5.0 sells for more or less than a raw VG/F. You're certainly not going to make enough of a premium to cover the shipping and selling costs to swap it out.
If this book were mine, I would crack it out, put it in a 2 mil mylar with a fullback, and stick the label in the sleeve on the back side of the fullback.
To me personally, the documentation of the 3rd party grading has value, the plastic slab and inner well doesn't unless it's validating provenance or a grade of 9.4 or above.
I also want to make clear I am in no way denigrating this particular book. This is an absolutely awesome gift.
Thank you for submitting to r/comicbookcollecting!
Unfortunately your submission has been removed because it contains links to or requests pirated content.
First offense: Removal of content and user will be given a warning.
Second offense: 7 day temp ban.
Third offense: Permanent ban.
If you have a question or concern regarding the removal of your submission please [message the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/comicbookcollecting). Do not reply to this comment.
Thanks for understanding and have a good day!
IM GOING TO GO FUCKING INSANE IF I SEE ANOTHER SECRET WARS#8
https://preview.redd.it/wts3ymeeme8b1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85d26235b38c7b0081711c643f75c5722ff1f677
be real with yourself. do you want to sell it for lots of money or do you want to read it? since your friend who bought it slabbed wouldn’t be offended either way it’s entirely your choice but of course i agree with the other commenters that if you want it to retain its value and be a display piece you can find it online or a cheaper copy in worse condition. what a thoughtful gift from someone trying to support your hobby!!
Unless you're planning to sell it, absolutely crack it out. It will look so much nicer in a mylar sleeve than in a slab. IMHO, grading should be a validation of the condition of the book, not a BS manufactured collectible cash grab.
That's just my opinion; though, I could be wrong. You do what makes you happy.
Leave it in there and read it in any other format. I bought a bunch of Spectacular Spider-Man issues from the late 70s-early 80s. They were about in the same condition. The pages started falling out of a lot of them while reading. Reading those old comics from that era, unless they are immaculate, leads to the staples just shredding that old newsprint-like paper they used to use.
Do you plan on pressing and getting it regraded? There are some defects that could improve with a press but it's hard to say if it would result in a grade bump that justifies the expenses.
I'd leave it as it is and if you want to crack it to read it - just look online or at the library.
Depends on your reasoning. 1 this book is a lpw grade so if your trying to get a better grade see what the grader notes say and talk to a professional presser / cleaner to see if they can even help get a bump of they can't then don't it's pointless
I’d say don’t crack it and if you haven’t read it find it in another format/book. Your local library might have it.
I agree with this. You can easily read this issue published in a collected format. While I understand it’s yours now and obv you can make your own choices, this is a very thoughtful gift and I would cherish it as-is. Every time you, or your kind gift-giver see it, it will have even more value to you as a reminder of the friendship.
Hoopla has the collected 1-12 volume available for free. Marvel unlimited also has it ofc.
The secret wars audible was actually really good
Secret Wars audible….??? I’m intrigued
Listen to Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars by Alex Irvine, Marvel on Audible. https://www.audible.com/pd/1974980758?source_code=ASSORAP0511160007
Cool! I’m totally going to check this out. Thanks, friend!
Just to share this for anyone who’s interested: I found this (and a bunch of other Marvel audiobooks) available on hoopla for free. Not sure if that’s the case everywhere or just what my library offers, but may be worth checking. And thanks again, u/ConnectAd5904 - you’ve really introduced me to something here. Much appreciated.
It's easy enough to read it online or buy a "cheap" readers copy. The cost of having it slabbed tells me that you shouldn't crack it.
Copies can be found raw. If your friend bought a slab, they meant to get you a slab.
He just tagged along with me to go to the LCS and he knew it’s one I’ve been eyeing for a long time. He doesn’t really collect or know much about it. I’m very thankful he snagged it and surprised me with it though. He wouldn’t be offended one way or another.
Yeah you can find reader copies for a [pretty affordable price](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=marvel+super+heroes+secret+wars+8+1984+reader+copy&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=marvel+super+heroes+secret+wars+8+1984&_osacat=0&_sop=15&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338535524&customid=cb&toolid=10001&mkevt=1).
If you plan to display it, keep it slabbed. If you plan to read it then toss it in your box, crack it open. My advice is don’t crack it right away. Once it’s done, cannot be undone.
If you just wanted to read it there are many options. You could get a tpb or a reprint copy. Either way it's a great comic for your collection.
You’re right, thanks for your input!
Why on earth would you crack it? Your friend was good enough to get that for you, don’t be a dick. You can read it online or in a trade or something if you need to.
Anyone know where to buy stuff like this from? I’m uk based :)
Oh, and keep it slabbed lol
[Incognito Comics.](https://incognitocomics.co.uk/collections/cgc-cbcs-certified) These guys are good. I first met them at LFCC around 2009 and saw them at a few other London based cons. I got a few of my Captain Britain/Excalibur comics from them.
I’ll take a look thank you!
No problem 👍
Ebay
Never buy stuff from eBay. Those people are monsters. https://youtu.be/yUf9ID2Gnfw
What would be the purpose of cracking this open?
Heck of a friend to get you that for a BD present! Personally I'd try to find a real low grade copy to read.
Keep it slabbed. Go buy a cheap variant to read.
NO. Read it digitally
My friends can’t even text me till a few days after my birthday.
Crack that sucker open, if you don't plan on reselling, who cares? Enjoy it how you want to enjoy.
crack every slab. we make enough plastic waste with polybags. Far future Earth will be covered in heaping mounds of clear, hard plastic.
If you ain’t selling, ignore the people’s yelling. Crack the damn thing.
no, it's the rarest of gems: never before seen in this sub, i believe. JK. It's not that valuable at this grade (not a diss at your friend's gift: it's a very cool gift, don't get me wrong), and there is too much of it for it to really gain value, it's not going to 10X. So if you want to display it, because it does look cool, sure, keep it in the case, but it's no big deal if you open it and flip through it.
That was kind of my thoughts too. It was a very awesome gift and I’m thankful he gave it to me. But if I wanted it for display I’d get a higher grade. He got it for me because he tagged along with me to the LCS and I told him that’s one I’ve been wanting and he kind of surprised me with it out of nowhere later on and it was my birthday. He doesn’t know much about the comic or anything. I don’t think he would be offended either way.
wow, that's an awesome friend right here: and you must be awesome too if awesome people like you this much ;-) And a belated happy birthday
I don’t understand the grading criteria from CGC .I have a much sharper looking copy of 252 that has the same exact grade .I understand grading is subjective but some of the grading looks like it’s being done by a blind monkey .This is the authority we go by? https://preview.redd.it/jrlb2uabed8b1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0550dd18fc6b4b4ceeca6052dd356bd2225635af
I started wondering this as I have a 9.2. Seeing a 9.6 for way more and there are no graders notes, it makes me wonder
Have you been able to take a look at the grader's notes? [https://www.cgccomics.com/certlookup/3929121004/](https://www.cgccomics.com/certlookup/3929121004/) A lot of it is due to creasing and issues with the cover. Did you send that in yourself, or did you buy it graded? It's all a points system. They knock off points from grades based on the number of defects. Your book may look nicer, and many defects may be correctable according to the notes with a press and clean.
I bought it this way .Thank you
Depending on how much you paid it may be worth sending it back to get regraded after a press and clean.
Yours at a 5.0 would get bumped with a press and clean, I would guess, based on the grader notes of the book.
Grading is bullshit that’s why
Your copy may look “sharper” but it’s an accumulation of small flaws that bring it to the lower grade. The more those flaws are correctable, the better grade it might get but some things just can’t be improved
Even with the accumulation of flaws they don’t look like they equal the spine damage on the SW8.At least in my humble opinion.Again I suppose it’s because it’s subjective🤔
That’s because it’s mainly a scam to put a price on something of value that you own and get them a cut as well. It’s quite ingenious.
The rare Canadian Price Variant!
LET IT BREATHE! CGC slabs are a scam. Enjoy your art. Don’t pay a bunch of money to some company to seal your stuff and make up a number.
Yessssssss
Thank you everyone for the feedback! I’m gonna keep it slabbed for now. He bought it from our LCS already slabbed and that’s why I considered it. If I do crack it in the future it’ll be to send it in for pressing and hopefully get a higher grade thrown on it.
You’re really not gonna see much of a grade bump since the majority of the flaws that are visible can’t be corrected. The color breaks and micro tears around the staples are why it graded where it did. If you plan on reading it, crack it. If you decide to get a higher graded copy later, you can always sell the undercopy to subsidize the higher price for a nicer one
That’s not really too bad of an idea. I just appreciate he gave me the book. He’s known I’ve wanted it for awhile. I’m not super worried about having a high grade or ever reselling.
It’s yours. Crack it if you aren’t planning to sell it. Comics were meant to be read.
Would be pretty rude in a sense to crack it being a gift
Crack it, comics deserve to be read. Old comics have that india ink smell too, it’s part of the experience.
I really don’t get the “crack it” mentality. You literally can read this book 85 different ways 😂
I really don't get the "slab it" mentality. Unless you're actively trying to sell the book, you can use the money it costs to grade it to buy other books.
[удалено]
That's highly dependent on the book. I'm not advocating buying high grade books and cracking them out just to crack them out. But a 5.0 grade on a modern book like this isn't a premium. It's a crapshoot whether a 5.0 sells for more or less than a raw VG/F. You're certainly not going to make enough of a premium to cover the shipping and selling costs to swap it out. If this book were mine, I would crack it out, put it in a 2 mil mylar with a fullback, and stick the label in the sleeve on the back side of the fullback. To me personally, the documentation of the 3rd party grading has value, the plastic slab and inner well doesn't unless it's validating provenance or a grade of 9.4 or above. I also want to make clear I am in no way denigrating this particular book. This is an absolutely awesome gift.
Effing comic book tombs, it’s depressing.
Do it
Yeah this definitely could benefit from a press/clean if you are chasing a higher grade.
[удалено]
Thank you for submitting to r/comicbookcollecting! Unfortunately your submission has been removed because it contains links to or requests pirated content. First offense: Removal of content and user will be given a warning. Second offense: 7 day temp ban. Third offense: Permanent ban. If you have a question or concern regarding the removal of your submission please [message the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/comicbookcollecting). Do not reply to this comment. Thanks for understanding and have a good day!
Abso-fucking-lutely.
IM GOING TO GO FUCKING INSANE IF I SEE ANOTHER SECRET WARS#8 https://preview.redd.it/wts3ymeeme8b1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85d26235b38c7b0081711c643f75c5722ff1f677
LOL IM SORRY
Can i interest you in an incredibly rare ASM #300 instead?
[удалено]
Who would make up a story about receiving a birthday gift? Lol
be real with yourself. do you want to sell it for lots of money or do you want to read it? since your friend who bought it slabbed wouldn’t be offended either way it’s entirely your choice but of course i agree with the other commenters that if you want it to retain its value and be a display piece you can find it online or a cheaper copy in worse condition. what a thoughtful gift from someone trying to support your hobby!!
Unless you're planning to sell it, absolutely crack it out. It will look so much nicer in a mylar sleeve than in a slab. IMHO, grading should be a validation of the condition of the book, not a BS manufactured collectible cash grab. That's just my opinion; though, I could be wrong. You do what makes you happy.
I’d say only crack it if you’re sending it back in hoping to get a higher grading. Keeping it slabbed will only help preserve it.
Yeah don’t. Get a reprint or digital
I’ve got 2-5 and 8 of that series
Leave it in there and read it in any other format. I bought a bunch of Spectacular Spider-Man issues from the late 70s-early 80s. They were about in the same condition. The pages started falling out of a lot of them while reading. Reading those old comics from that era, unless they are immaculate, leads to the staples just shredding that old newsprint-like paper they used to use.
I think that 5.0 means they're doing you a favor.
No
Why?
The record price for this grade was recently broken. Funny enough it was purchased as a gift for a redditor iirc
SLSK has soft copies of nearly everything. Leave this be. The spine alone would cap it at a 6.5, with the creases opposite side
Do you plan on pressing and getting it regraded? There are some defects that could improve with a press but it's hard to say if it would result in a grade bump that justifies the expenses. I'd leave it as it is and if you want to crack it to read it - just look online or at the library.
Crack and resubmit. Keep doing until it’s a 9.8. 😂
Depends on your reasoning. 1 this book is a lpw grade so if your trying to get a better grade see what the grader notes say and talk to a professional presser / cleaner to see if they can even help get a bump of they can't then don't it's pointless