What we look at before you submit
Pre-Submission Checks are for collectors who want a calm, practical review before a comic leaves your hands. We inspect the book as it sits, then highlight anything that could affect how it is handled or judged by a grading house. That includes visible wear, spine stress, corner blunting, surface marks, page colour, loose inserts and signs of moisture or storage damage.
The aim is not to dress the book up. It is to give you a clear picture so you can decide whether to submit now, hold back for later, or do a little more care first. You get straight feedback, with no guesswork and no pressure to grade every copy in the pile.
- Visual condition review of front, back and spine
- Check for bends, creases, colour rub and handling wear
- Basic page and interior assessment where safe to do so
- Notes on moisture risk, dust, and storage marks
A careful check now can save a grading mistake later.
How the review is done
You bring the comic in, or send clear photos if you are using courier delivery from outside Cape Town. We record the book details, then inspect under good light and on a clean surface. If needed, we will ask about how it was stored, whether it has been cleaned, and if it has ever been pressed or repaired. That history matters because some issues are not obvious at first glance.
We then give you a practical summary. For some books, the best advice is to submit as is. For others, a gentle clean, better storage or a second look after a short rest period may be better. If a comic has been kept in a sleeve that traps dust or in a box without enough support, we will flag it. It is a simple process but it saves a lot of wasted submissions.
- Book intake and identification
- Condition notes written in plain language
- Submission readiness advice
- Optional next step guidance for storage or cleaning
What is included in the service
This service is useful for both single high-value books and mixed batches from long-time collections. We do not offer guesswork grading, and we do not make promises about final scores. What we do offer is careful preparation advice that helps you submit with confidence. The service can also be used if you are comparing several copies of the same issue and want to choose the cleanest one for grading.
Depending on the condition and the book type, your check may include close viewing of staples, cover edges, print defects that are not structural, and any signs of handling around the opening edge. If there is a removable insert, poster or coupon that must remain with the comic, we will point that out too. This kind of detail matters, especially when a book has been stored for years in a family collection or moved between homes in humid coastal areas.
- One-to-one collector feedback
- Submission suitability check
- Advice on whether to clean, press or store longer first
- Notes on safe sleeve, board and box choice
Turnaround and booking expectations
Turnaround depends on how many books you bring and how detailed the review needs to be. A small intake can often be handled quickly, while larger collections may need a longer slot. We work by booking, so collectors from Observatory, Cape Town, Bellville, Stellenbosch and nearby areas can plan ahead instead of waiting around. If your comics are coming by courier from Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria or Gqeberha, allow extra time for delivery and return handling.
For urgent submissions, tell us in advance. We will advise whether the books should come in as a batch or split into groups. If a comic is needed for a grading deadline, we can help you decide what to prioritise first. A bit of planning helps avoid rushed handling, which is where corners get knocked and covers pick up fresh marks.
- Booking recommended for all collections
- Short reviews for smaller submissions
- Longer lead times for mixed or larger batches
- Courier customers should allow for transit time both ways
Pricing and what affects it
Pricing is based on the amount of time needed, the number of comics, and whether you want a basic check or a more detailed collector consultation. A simple review of a few books is priced differently from a broader look at a whole run or several key issues. We keep the structure straightforward so you know what you are paying for before the work starts.
Factors that can affect the cost include the condition of the book, how many notes you want, and whether you need help selecting the best copies for grading submission. If you only want help with one or two books, the service stays light. If your collection is larger and stored in boxes that need sorting, we will factor that in before we begin. Clear pricing conversations matter, and they save time for everyone.
- Single-book checks available
- Batch review for collectors with several issues
- Detailed guidance charged according to time and scope
- No hidden add-ons discussed after the fact
Storage and maintenance before you submit
Sometimes the best way to improve a submission is not to rush it. If a book shows light waviness, minor dusting or storage marks, we may suggest a short maintenance period before grading. That can mean moving it to a cleaner sleeve, keeping it upright in a firm box, or leaving it flat in a cool dry space. In Cape Town and other coastal areas, humidity can shift quickly, so storage matters more than people think.
A quick review every few months helps catch issues early, especially if you are storing books in cupboards, garages or rooms with changing temperatures. If you are building a submission pile, it is better to check it regularly than to discover damage the week you want to send it off. small habits make a real difference.
- Recheck stored comics every 3 to 6 months
- Keep books upright in clean archival sleeves and boards
- Avoid damp rooms, direct sun and loose stacking
- Use firm outer boxes for safe holding before courier pickup
Shelf notes
| Service type | Pre-submission comic review before external grading |
|---|---|
| Suitable for | Single issues, key books and mixed collector batches |
| Format | In-person review or courier-supported intake |
| Typical focus | Visible condition, storage issues and submission readiness |
| Turnaround | By booking, with timing based on quantity and detail needed |
| Service areas | Observatory, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Gqeberha and nearby delivery areas |
Name the title, issue or character you are hunting for, and our comic shop crew will help you track it down.
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