My $80 lesson in grading comics from a YouTube video

I bought a mid-grade copy of X-Men #129 for $80 online, trusting a seller's video that made it look near mint. When it arrived, the spine had a half-inch color-breaking crease the camera never showed. What's the best way to check a book's real grade before you pay?

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1 Comment

wadepalmer1h ago

Ouch, that's a classic bait and switch with the camera angles. Videos can hide a lot. The best move is to ask for extra pictures before you pay, specifically of the spine and corners. A seller who's honest will have no problem sending a few more shots. If they refuse or make excuses, that's a huge red flag to walk away. Always get those close ups of the areas where damage likes to hide.