CGC vs Raw Comics: Is Grading Worth It?

Q: Does grading always increase a comic's value?

Not necessarily. If the grading fees plus shipping exceed the market value of the slabbed book, you lose money. Grading is best for high-grade keys or very rare books.

Q: What is a 'raw' comic?

A 'raw' comic is any comic book that hasn't been professionally graded and sealed in a plastic slab (like those from CGC or CBCS).

Q: Can I take a comic out of a CGC slab?

Yes, but it instantly loses its certified grade. You would have to pay to get it re-graded to get the label back.

If you’ve spent any time on eBay or at a comic convention recently, you’ve seen them: those thick, clear plastic cases with a colorful label at the top. These are “slabs,” and they represent the biggest divide in the modern comic collecting world.

On one side, you have the Raw Collectors. They like the feel of the paper, the smell of the ink, and the ability to actually read the book they bought.

On the other, you have the Graded Investors. They see comics as assets, and they want a third-party guarantee of condition and authenticity.

The question is: Which one should you be? And more importantly, when is it actually worth spending the $30-$100+ to get a book graded?

What is CGC Grading?

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) is the industry leader in third-party comic grading. When you send them a book, a team of professional graders examines it for flaws, assigns a numeric grade from 0.5 to 10.0, and “slabs” it in a tamper-evident holder.

The ROI: When Grading Makes Sense

Grading isn’t a magic button that makes every comic worth more. It’s a tool for liquidity and price certainty.

1. High-Value Key Issues

If you have an Amazing Fantasy #15 (1st Spider-Man), you must grade it. The difference between a 4.0 and a 5.0 grade on that book is tens of thousands of dollars. A buyer isn’t going to take your word for it—they want the CGC label.

2. High-Grade Moderns

Modern books (1980s-Present) are common in raw form. However, a CGC 9.8 (Near Mint/Mint) copy of a modern key like Edge of Spider-Verse #2 (1st Spider-Gwen) can sell for 5x to 10x the price of a raw copy. In this case, the slab is the “proof” that the book is perfect.

3. Verification of Restored Books

If you suspect an old book has been repaired (color touch, glue, etc.), CGC will catch it. A “Purple Label” (restored) book is worth significantly less than a “Blue Label” (universal), but having the truth is better than getting a return from an angry buyer later.

When to Stay Raw

Don’t go “slab crazy.” Here is when grading is a waste of money:

Low-Value Books: If the book is only worth $10 raw, spending $40 to grade it makes no sense. Even if it gets a 9.8, you might only break even after shipping.
Low-Grade Moderns: A modern comic in 8.0 condition is almost always worth less than the cost of grading it.
Reading Copies: If you bought the comic because you love the story and want to flip through it on a rainy Sunday, keep it in a bag and board.

The Cost Breakdown (The Hidden “Negative ROI”)

To see if grading is worth it, use this formula: Raw Value + Grading Fee + Shipping (Both ways) + Insurance < Estimated Graded Market Value

If that math doesn’t work out with at least a 20% margin for error, stay raw.

Conclusion: Use Data to Decide

At ComicValue, we see the data every day. The market for graded books is more stable, but the barrier to entry is higher. My advice? Use our app to scan your raw books first. Look at the “Sold” listings for both raw and graded versions.

If you see a massive gap—and your book looks pristine—send it in. If the gap is small, keep it raw, keep it safe, and enjoy the art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does grading always increase a comic's value?