Harbinger #1 condition problems

Schmakt · Post by **Schmakt** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:13:18 am

thought about putting this in "Professionally Graded Comics," but I wasn't sure... it's not graded yet, so... eh... whatever.

Just looked at my Harbinger #1 again last night, and I think it's in really really good condition. There aren't any bends along the spine, the coupon is included, and I don't notice anything that stands out on the cover as a flaw.

I know that the early Harbingers are tough to get in super-high grade; just wondering if someone could provide a list of things to look for on these books that generally keep them from attaining a high grade. I haven't sent anything in for grading before, but I'm playing with the idea of sending this in to see how it goes... I could provide scans tonight if that would help... Viel Dank...

Peter Parker · Post by **Peter Parker** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:29:30 am

Things to look for:

1) Any minute " tears or splits" at the staples

2) Transverse stress lines along the spine, and corners

3) "Chaffing" along the spine.

4) impact indentations (look for these under a black light if possible)

5) "Other" types of indentations to the cover

6) tight, square cut corners

7) An overall quality "sheen" to the book, cover hues are still bright and vibrant

8) a solid once over of the interior pages, just to be sure.

For a modern book like Harby# 1...that is about it in my opinion, but others may provide more opinions

Remember, it is VITAL when submitting High Grade books to be completely, and objectively honest with yourself about the books quality. It is common for an owner of a book to OVER grade it out of desire, or personal attachment...DO NOT do this, and grade it accordingly

Schmakt · Post by **Schmakt** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:38:13 am

rock on - thanks Peter... are any of those things particularly likely to creep up on Harbingers? I'll definitely go over your list and check it tonight, regardless. Thanks again

wrunow · Post by **wrunow** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:45:16 am

Harbinger 1 is pretty notorious for it's thin (cheap) cover stock. The most pervasive problem seems to be spine splits on or near the lower staple because the thin coverstock didn't hold up when folded and creased and split.

That's why a cgc 9.8 in this book is on the rare side.

Schmakt · Post by **Schmakt** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:46:58 am

good, good. Thanks... those two posts full of info will help me a lot

x-omatic · Post by **x-omatic** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:26:32 am

I think the most common problem missed is spine tears. Make sure you examine it with the book open as well. They can be hard to spot.

Schmakt · Post by **Schmakt** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:29:59 am

x-omatic wrote:I think the most common problem missed is spine tears. Make sure you examine it with the book open as well. They can be hard to spot.

open the book and check the outside of the spine? It's just the cover that is problematic, right? Thanks...

ckb · Post by **ckb** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 12:37:23 pm

Spine splits, top, bottom and all along the spine, especially at the staples.

White flaking at the fold of the spine.

Bad staple placement, shifted front or back.

Tears at the staples.

Whiteness of Valiant logo and back cover.

Considering it is worth having this book slabbed at 9.4, it's easier to find candidates than most other books. Meaning it's easier to pick out good copies from bad (once you know what to look for). Unofortunately, even given a stack of H1s, you won't be picking too many out.

jedimarley · Post by **jedimarley** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:31:49 pm

Why 9.4?
Is that considered mint for a Harby #1?

ckb · Post by **ckb** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:04:36 pm

jedimarley wrote:Why 9.4?
Is that considered mint for a Harby #1?

If you compare the price you would get for a raw book advertised 9.4, and one actually in the slab, and the difference is some factor more than the grading cost, it's worth it.

That factor more is different for different people. For me - I just like getting superior copies into the hands of those that enjoy them - that number is about $5-$10. I don't think I would have much trouble selling a 9.4 H1 at $50, and they go raw for about $30.

DirtbagSailor · Post by **DirtbagSailor** » Thu Mar 26, 2015 11:06:22 am

Good info.

myron · Post by **myron** » Thu Mar 26, 2015 11:51:24 am

lazarus ... did a double take on some of those nicks

x-omatic · Post by **x-omatic** » Thu Mar 26, 2015 12:57:30 pm

Although not noted by CGC there are books with 2 staples and some with 3. Most of the higher grade harbinger 1 books I have owned had 3.

It's very common to have splits at the seem next to the staples.

David_Cody · Post by **David_Cody** » Thu Mar 26, 2015 11:09:20 pm

WOW, seeing Peter Parker's old postings did take me aback.

I remember when Greg pulled the trigger and banned him. PP had some "entertaining" posts, but I do understand Greg's reasoning behind it.

ckb · Post by **ckb** » Fri Mar 27, 2015 12:30:44 am

There's my 2005 self pretending like he knows what he's talking about again... Sigh.

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Harbinger #1 condition problems

Harbinger #1 condition problems

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