Every year fans go to comic book conventions, stores, and media events to have their comic books signed by their favorite comic creators. The concept of autographed comic books has been in our hobby since the early days of fandom. While over the years numerous methods have been used to verify signatures none have ever been entirely flawless. CGC’s Vice President and Modern Primary Grader, Paul Litch spoke with ComicsPriceGuide.com about the CGC Signature Series label and what goes into the process of verifying autographed comics at CGC. 

CPG: What is the CGC Signature Series?
Paul: The CGC Signature Series a designation for books that have been signed under the direct observation of a CGC employee or authorized CGC witness.  The signatures are then authenticated by CGC with the labels indicating who signed the book, the date it was signed on, and in some cases, where it was signed at. 

CPG: How and why did CGC start a Signature Series program?
Paul: CGC started the Signature Series program because there was a need in the marketplace for it.  Getting comic books signed by creators has been a part of the hobby for so long, but there were always concerns surrounding signature authentication, especially in the secondary market.  CGC wanted to help build the signed comics hobby by taking the guesswork out of the authentication so collectors are confident that the signed books they purchase are the real deal. 

CPG: How does one submit books for Signature Series authentication?
Paul: Typically books are submitted unsigned, and then taken to a signing with a witness at a show.  The witness then submits the book.  Other arrangements are possible as well, and CGC customer service can assist with these. 

CPG: Do autographed comics books have to be witnessed and Why?
Paul: Yes, the signings must be witnessed.  If the signing is not witnessed by someone authorized by CGC, than the signature cannot be authenticated for the CGC Signature Series.  The only way to be 100% sure that the signature is authentic is for CGC to be present when the book is signed. 

CPG: What types of people are Signature Series witnesses?
Paul: CGC Signature Series witnesses are longtime submitters to CGC who have proven to be trustworthy and professional.  The witnesses sign a binding legal agreement to follow not only certain rules of conduct, but also strict guidelines set forth by CGC. 

CPG: What is the cost of having a book Signature Series certified?
Paul: It is $27 for a Modern comic at a show, and $24 for a store signing. Beyond that, the cost is $5 more per every tier. 

CPG: Besides comic book artists, writers, and inkers what other types of signatures typically get certified? 
Paul: The signature should have relevance to the comic.  For example, Toby Maguire could sign a Spider-Man comic because he played Spider-Man in the film versions.  

CPG: Will CGC give a Signature Series label to a book if there is a Certificate of Authenticity with the comic book?
Paul: No. If the signing is not witnessed by someone authorized by CGC, then the signature cannot be authenticated for the Signature Series label. Testimonials, photographs, and video recordings are not accepted. 

CPG: If an individual has a restored comic and gets the book signed what color label does the book receive?
Paul: CGC made a purple/yellow Signature Series Restored label. We use it only for restored books that have been signed.  

CPG: Will CGC authenticate vintage signatures like Jack Kirby or Bob Kane?
Paul: No. Again, the signature has to be witnessed by someone authorized by CGC to be eligible for the Signature Series label. It stinks, but them’s the breaks! 

CPG: How successful has Signature Series been and when was it first implemented by CGC?
Paul: The Signature Series was implemented in 2001. It’s been very successful. Each year the program has grown and submissions have increased.  

CPG: How many comic have received the CGC Signature Series label?
Paul: Between 2001 and 2007, well over 40,000 comics have received the CGC Signature Series label.  

CPG: Does CGC have any future plans for Signature Series?
Paul: Oh yeah. We intend to keep growing the CGC Signature Series. We hope to work with CGC authorized witnesses and create more private signings open to the public.  

CPG: What happens if a book is submitted with an autograph, but was not witnessed?
Paul: Since CGC can’t put it in a CGC Signature Series holder unless the signature was witnessed, high grade books with a signature will receive a qualified label with a designation that there is a signature is on the cover. 

CPG: Why do people get their comics autographed?
Paul: Getting comic books signed has been a part of the hobby since early fandom. A signature provides a nice, tangible connection between the creator and his or her creation. As a fan it adds a new dimension to collecting. 

CPG: Does the autograph typically enhance the value of a comic in the secondary marketplace?
Paul: Certainly. If you take a look at actual sales on eBay for popular books such as Amazing Spider-Man #300 you will find that CGC Signature Series books usually sell for substantially higher prices. Buyers have confidence that the signature is 100% authentic. We have taken the worry of forgeries out of the secondary market. 

CPG: What are typically the signatures that are in high demand and that CGC sees the most?
Paul: In terms of difficulty, Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Alex Ross, Geoff Johns and Stan Lee are always hard to get at a show.  In terms of what signature is seen the most, it depends on the convention and who’s attending it and if the signing is limited. One of the rarest signings was Frank Frazetta, who signed 50 books at a private signing. Creators that are hot and beloved artists are always in demand. 

CPG: What is the rarest signature you have ever seen submitted?
Paul: It is hard to pin down just one so here are a few; Stephen King, Barry Windsor-Smith, Jeff Bridges, Sam Raimi, Robert Downy Jr., Nicholas Cage, Hugh Jackman, Topher Grace, Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright and Nick Frost. 

CPG: What is the largest number of signatures ever seen on a single Signature Series certified comic book and what were they?
Paul: I did some research on this one and it looks like there were 22 signatures on an Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project. I’d imagine that be most. I can’t see us being able to fit any more then that on our label!  

For more information on the CGC Signature Series visit CGC.