Graded vs. Raw Comics: What Collectors Need to Know in 2025
In comic collecting, one debate never seems to end: graded vs. raw.
Whether you're new to the hobby or deep into Silver Age runs, how you choose to buy, store, and sell your comics can have a major impact on value—and your experience.
With grading companies busier than ever and raw comic prices fluctuating online, 2025 brings new factors to consider.
What Is a Graded Comic?
A graded comic is one that’s been submitted to a third-party grading company like CGC, CBCS, or PGX.
These companies evaluate the comic's condition, authenticate it, and assign a numerical grade—usually on a 10-point scale—before sealing it in a tamper-evident plastic case.
Grading is most often used for:
-
Key issues (first appearances, #1s, major deaths, etc.)
-
High-value or investment-grade comics
-
Modern variants with high print quality
Pros of Graded Comics
-
Market Confidence: A CGC 9.8 is a standard buyers trust.
-
Protection: The slab keeps the comic safe from damage and environmental wear.
-
Resale Value: Graded books tend to command higher prices, especially in high grades.
-
Verification: Authenticity and grade are both certified, which matters more with rising counterfeits and restored books.
Cons of Graded Comics
-
Cost: Submitting a comic to CGC or CBCS isn't cheap. Fees, shipping, and insurance add up.
-
No Reading: Once it's slabbed, you can’t open it without breaking the case.
-
Turnaround Time: Even with fast-track services, you're usually waiting weeks or months.
-
Not All Books Warrant It: Grading a $10 issue might leave you upside-down financially.
What Is a Raw Comic?
A raw comic is just as it sounds: unslabbed and ungraded. You can hold it, read it, bag it, and board it. Most back issues and reader copies fall into this category.
Many collectors—especially those who actually read their books—prefer raw copies for the tactile experience.
Pros of Raw Comics
-
Affordability: Raw comics usually sell for less than graded counterparts.
-
Accessibility: Easier to flip through at cons, local shops, or flea markets.
-
Control: You can inspect the book yourself and even press or clean it before grading if you choose to.
-
More Fun (for Some): For those who love the art and story as much as the investment, raw books keep the experience alive.
Cons of Raw Comics
-
Condition Guesswork: Sellers might grade a book VF/NM—your eyes might say otherwise.
-
No Hard Proof of Authenticity: Particularly risky with valuable or counterfeit-prone issues.
-
Susceptible to Damage: Without a slab, even the best storage can’t fully guarantee safety.
Which Should You Buy in 2025?
That depends on your goals:
| Goal | Suggested Format |
|---|---|
| Investment or resale | Graded |
| Reading and collecting runs | Raw |
| Preserving high-grade keys | Graded |
| Hunting deals or lesser-known issues | Raw |
Grading is becoming more standardized, and buyers are increasingly savvy. For major keys or long-term investments, graded comics are a safe bet. But if you're in the game for the joy of collecting, raw still has its place—and always will.
Final Word
Graded comics bring security and resale potential. Raw comics offer flexibility and a more personal connection to the hobby. There's no "right" way to collect—but understanding both sides will help you build a smarter, more satisfying collection.
