This free comic book condition checklist creates an observation-first record before you buy, sell, insure, grade, store, or authorize treatment. It does not produce a certified grade. Copy it into your collection notes, complete only what you can verify safely, and attach dated photographs.

The 10-minute condition check

Work on a clean, dry, uncluttered surface with clean, dry hands. Ask the owner's permission before removing a book from its enclosure. Do not force a brittle book open or flatten it for a photograph.

1. Identity

  • Title as printed in the indicia
  • Volume or series year
  • Issue number
  • Publisher and publication date
  • Printing statement
  • Cover or price variant
  • Barcode or other edition evidence
  • Language and country

If any field is uncertain, follow the first-print identification guide before assigning value.

2. Completeness

  • Front and back cover present
  • Cover attached at both staples or original binding points
  • Centerfold present and attached
  • Pages appear complete
  • Coupons, inserts, posters, or cards checked when relevant
  • No clipped panels, cut-outs, or missing pieces observed

Write “not checked” instead of assuming. Page counting can damage brittle or tightly bound books.

3. Cover and surface

  • Creases located and measured
  • Color-breaking marks distinguished from non-color-breaking bends
  • Dents, ripples, scratches, scuffs, and abrasion noted
  • Tears, chips, missing pieces, and corner wear noted
  • Stains, tide lines, fading, foxing, or mold-like growth noted
  • Writing, stamps, stickers, residue, tape, or glue noted

4. Spine and staples

  • Spine roll or misalignment noted
  • Spine ticks and splits located
  • Staple rust, migration, or replacement noted
  • Loose cover or interior paper around staples noted
  • Detached or barely attached pieces noted

5. Interior paper

  • Page color described consistently
  • Pages supple, stiff, or brittle
  • Tears, folds, chips, writing, or stains noted
  • Odor recorded without prolonged exposure
  • Water, pest, or heat damage signs noted
  • Interior printing defects distinguished from later damage where possible

6. Possible alterations

  • Color touch or added media suspected
  • Trimming or edge work suspected
  • Piece fill, reinforcement, tear seals, or replaced staples suspected
  • Tape, glue, solvent, cleaning, or pressing history known
  • Treatment records or certification notes attached

Do not state “unrestored” merely because no work is obvious. Use “no alteration observed during this inspection” and describe the inspection's limits. The pressing vs. restoration guide explains why these terms need specific definitions.

7. Documentation and storage

  • Front, back, spine, corners, staples, centerfold, and indicia photographed
  • Important defects photographed close-up
  • Inspection date and inspector recorded
  • Previous grade, holder number, invoice, or provenance retained
  • Sleeve, board, box, and shelf location recorded
  • Immediate water, light, heat, pest, or crushing risk addressed

Follow the safe comic storage guide after the inspection.

Copyable condition record

IDENTITY
Title / volume / issue:
Publisher / date:
Printing / variant / barcode:
Language / country:

COMPLETENESS
Cover:
Centerfold:
Pages / inserts:
Items not checked:

CONDITION OBSERVATIONS
Cover and corners:
Spine and staples:
Interior paper:
Odor / moisture / pests:
Writing / tape / glue:
Possible alteration or known treatment:

DOCUMENTATION
Inspection date:
Inspector:
Photo filenames:
Sources consulted:
Storage location:
Immediate action:

Write observations before assigning a number

A useful note is specific: “complete; cover attached; 15 mm lower-right crease breaks color; two 3 mm spine ticks; centerfold attached; pages supple; no tape or writing observed.” An unhelpful note says only “very good for its age.” Age does not excuse defects, and optimistic adjectives are hard to compare later.

When you need grading vocabulary, use the comic book grading scale explanation. A checklist documents evidence; it does not replace professional examination, authentication, appraisal, or conservation advice.

Turn the evidence sheet into a mystery

Condition notes can become story clues: a staple that does not match, a missing insert, or a stain that maps an old journey. Invent an original artifact and collector, then use ComicPix to turn the mystery into a connected comic.

Start your comic with ComicPix on the App Store or get ComicPix on Google Play.

Sources