Does CGC know how to grade?

[caxiotis]

I just bought two Batman CGC 9.8 books. Modern books and the comics were definitely not 9.8. Larger than expected spine stress marks with color break. This is not the first time I have noticed this, however it is the first time It was so pronounced that I sent the books back to the seller. Am I losing my mind?

Also, the older CGC books appear to be better graded. Has CGC loosened uo this grading restrictions?

[ckb]

"Buy the book and not the label" is still the mantra. Not all 9.8s are created equal.

It is wise to buy from sellers who allow CGC returns.

[nycjadie]

I have seen more inconsistency with CBCS, and have a few 9.8s with visible spine breaks. I just don't think a 9.8 can have a visible spine break outside of a consistent manufacturing error. Maybe a slight spine crease, but never a break. Anywhere!

[lobo]

Maybe these are manufacturer defects?

Pics would help...

[IMJ]

I just bought two Batman CGC 9.8 books. Modern books and the comics were definitely not 9.8. Larger than expected spine stress marks with color break. This is not the first time I have noticed this, however it is the first time It was so pronounced that I sent the books back to the seller. Am I losing my mind?

Also, the older CGC books appear to be better graded. Has CGC loosened uo this grading restrictions?

Well if anything I give you credit for at least giving consideration to the book inside the slab rather than the slab itself. I've run into this now and again as well. It drives me nuts. It works in both directions too - it's crazy.

Maybe these are manufacturer defects?

Pics would help...

This is very true as well. CGC has been known to allow some defects on certain books that were known to come out of the printer a certain way across the whole spectrum.

[caxiotis]

I wish I would have taken photos before sending the Batman 493 back today. The second was not as bad, but Bad enough that I couldn’t live with it. These were not a manufacturer defects IMO. The Batman 493 - From the bottom staple there were two spine bends (not going to call this a nick anymore). Only on the front cover, not able to be seen from back. The first bend emanating about one inch out from the top part of the bottom staple at a 45 degree angle. The second at the bottom of the staple at a downward 45 degree angle. The color break wasn’t egregious. You had to look at it to see it, but they were there. Regardless of the breaks, I can’t believe the bends would be okay for a 9.8

[IMJ]

I wish I would have taken photos before sending the Batman 493 back today. The second was not as bad, but Bad enough that I couldn’t live with it. These were not a manufacturer defects IMO. The Batman 493 - From the bottom staple there were two spine bends (not going to call this a nick anymore). Only on the front cover, not able to be seen from back. The first bend emanating about one inch out from the top part of the bottom staple at a 45 degree angle. The second at the bottom of the staple at a downward 45 degree angle. The color break wasn’t egregious. You had to look at it to see it, but they were there. Regardless of the breaks, I can’t believe the bends would be okay for a 9.8

I believe you. I think somewhere here on the boards I made a similar post sometime back about a Spawn #1 9.8 I picked up.

[maraxusofkeld]

Generally they are softer by Age, starting from Golden Age and up, look at 9.4 GA or SA book and then compared to CA or MA, crazy.