Choosing a Comic Book Grading Company: Which One is Right for You?
If you’re looking to grade your comic books, you’ve likely come across the big names in the industry: CGC, CBCS, and PGX. Each has its own strengths, but which one should you choose? The answer depends on your goals—whether you’re grading for resale value, preservation, or personal satisfaction. Let’s break down what you need to consider when selecting a grading provider.
Why Grade Your Comics in the First Place?
Before jumping into the grading company options, let’s answer the essential question: why are you grading your comic books?
Investment & Resale Value – If you’re looking to sell, grading establishes a standardized condition and can significantly increase a book’s value.
Authentication & Protection – Slabs (encapsulated graded comics) protect against environmental damage and counterfeiting.
Collection Management – Having your comics graded can help track their quality over time, especially with census data from companies like CGC.
With your goals in mind, let’s compare the key grading services.
The Contenders: CGC, CBCS, and PGX
1. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
Pros:
Market Leader: CGC-graded books tend to fetch higher resale prices and are widely accepted by collectors.
Extensive Census Data: Their database helps collectors track rarity and population counts.
Signature Series: CGC authenticates signed books through its Signature Series, preserving autograph value.
Cons:
Longer Turnaround Times: Due to high demand, CGC’s grading can take months unless you pay for fast-tracking.
Pricey Fees: CGC charges more than other services, making it less appealing for lower-value comics.
Best for: Investors, high-end collectors, and those looking for the best resale value.
2. CBCS (Comic Book Certification Service)
Pros:
Signature Verification: Unlike CGC, CBCS can verify signatures that were not witnessed in person.
Competitive Pricing: Slightly lower fees than CGC.
Quality Slabs: Strong encapsulation similar to CGC.
Cons:
Lower Resale Value Than CGC: While CBCS books are respected, they don’t command the same market premium as CGC.
Turnaround Times Vary: They can be quicker than CGC but also have inconsistencies in processing times.
Best for: Collectors looking for verified signatures or those wanting a solid grading alternative to CGC.
3. PGX (Professional Grading eXperts)
Pros:
Fast & Affordable: PGX offers the quickest turnaround times at the lowest cost.
Signature Authentication Available: They provide an in-house signature verification service.
Cons:
Reputation Issues: PGX has faced criticism for inconsistent grading standards.
Lower Market Value: PGX-graded books generally sell for less compared to CGC or CBCS.
Best for: Casual collectors looking for budget-friendly grading or quick encapsulation.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Market Perception & Resale Value
If resale value is your priority, CGC is the clear winner.
CBCS is a close second, but some buyers still prefer CGC books.
PGX is generally not recommended for investment-grade comics.
2. Signature Authentication
Go with CGC for witnessed autographs (i.e., signed in the presence of CGC reps).
Choose CBCS if you have already-signed comics and need third-party verification.
3. Turnaround Time & Cost
Fast & Cheap: PGX
Balance of Cost & Reputation: CBCS
Best Long-Term Value: CGC
4. Personal vs. Investment Grading
For long-term investment: CGC is the most widely accepted.
For personal collection preservation: Any service will do, depending on budget.
Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | CGC | CBCS | PGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resale Value | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Signature Services | Witnessed Only | Can Verify Old Signatures | Can Verify |
| Turnaround Time | Slow | Moderate | Fast |
| Cost | High | Moderate | Low |
| Best for | Investors | Signature Collectors | Budget Collectors |
If you’re looking for maximum return on investment, CGC is the way to go. However, if you need signature verification without a witness, CBCS is a great alternative. And for quick, budget-friendly grading, PGX can work—but don’t expect high resale value.
In the end, your choice depends on what you value most. Whether you're slabbing books for personal enjoyment or future profit, choosing the right grading company ensures you get the most out of your collection. Happy collecting!
