It is ComicConnect’s belief that every serious comic collector should enjoy the experience of adding at least one double-cover or printing rarity to their collection.
One of the best things about winning auction lots from the Joe Desris Collection (currently at auction on ComicConnect.com) is that each and every comic has been carefully examined by Mr. Desris and is authentic. For those just getting started with collecting double-covers and rarities, ComicConnect believes it is important to educate newcomers to the hobby so that they may know what to look for in the years to come.
“I believe it is impossible to successfully fake a double cover without it being noticeable; that discourages those who attempt it and so it actually is a rare event,” stated Mr. Desris. “Nevertheless, below are 10 guidelines I have followed, not only on how to identify fakes, but also on how to spot prized gems for my collection.”
10.) Holy Staple Holes, Batman!
The location of staples is not precisely the same on every copy of a comic from the same issue. For example, the top staple on one copy of Batman 200 is highly unlikely to be in the same location of the top staple on another copy of Batman 200. When examining a multi-cover book, if any of the covers have extra staple holes, it’s clearly a fake! Further, wiggling and removing staples can widen staple holes, and reattached staples can appear loose, bent or misaligned.
9.) Are You Impressed?
Creases, tears, bumps and dents on an inside cover that do not appear on an outer cover are a dead giveaway for a forgery. For example, it’s highly unlikely for an entire book to suffer a noticeable spine crease, yet not have the same crease appear on the outer cover. Conversely, writing on the outside cover (such as a name) will usually leave a slight indentation in the exact same location of the inner cover.
8.) Watch Your Tone!
The degree of yellowing on a cover is an important clue. An interior cover may spend decades next to newsprint, so there is usually a degree of yellowing on the inside back cover. An outer cover, however, will have little yellowing or tanning because it rested against another glossy cover, rather than newsprint. Therefore, an outer cover that is highly yellowed on the inside back should be considered suspect!
7.) Does The Ink Stink?
Both covers from a genuine double cover come off the press within seconds of each other. If one cover is noticeably lighter or darker than the other, it was probably printed at a different time. Random printing flaws such as ink smears, smudges or missing ink should also be essentially the same in appearance and location on the covers.
6.) Water Under the Bridge
Stains from water, ink or beverages affect the entire book. A water stain at the bottom of an outer cover that is nonexistent on the inner cover should raise an eyebrow.
5.) Attach of the Mismatch
Comics are printed, collated and bound by machines. Genuine double covers become attached at the same time during binding and will be the same size from top to bottom. If the measurements vary, consider them suspicious, unless they are skewed or have other trimming errors.
4.) Smudge Me Not
A comic’s back cover can pick up light smudging in white areas, particularly near the spine, from moderate handling and rubbing against other comics in a box. None of this should appear on an inner cover if it was protected. Sunfading and dust shadows also should not be on an inside cover.
3.) Isn’t It Ironic?
Many double-cover and printing error collectors particularly enjoy what are considered “ironic” examples of covers and comics. For example, a double cover of a comic featuring Duo Damsel would be a cool “ironic”, as would be a comic story called “They Came From Planet Blue” where all the blue inks are missing Captain Atom #78). A multi-cover “Infinity Cover” is also considered a good one – that means double the infinity!
2.) A Solid Investment
The value of vintage comic books have a long history of steady growth and price appreciation, largely in part due to their rarity. Always keep in mind that a double cover comic is uncommon, no matter the condition, and in many cases prove to be unique items. This can be the case even with modern comic books, where printing technology and quality-control measures have greatly reduced instances of double-covers and printing anomalies.
1.) Strike While The Iron Is Hot!
Never miss the opportunity to pick up a double-cover or printing error of your favorite character or series. If you happen to see one of your favorite issues as a double-cover, stop at nothing. Because these comics are so rare, you never know when or if you’ll get another chance!
Click Here to view all 1,700 lots from the Ultimate Double Cover and Rarities Event Auction.
The Event Auction is open for bidding, and will conclude in six separate sessions ending Friday, January 29 -Wednesday, February 3 from 7 PM – 12 AM EST. The auction is online. For assistance creating an account or questions about bidding, email support@comicconnnect.com or call 212-895-3999. For international callers, dial 001-212-895-3999.
ComicConnect.com is an online marketplace for comic buyers and sellers, focusing on comic books published between 1930 - 1975. Membership is free, and members may list their comics for sale or auction for free. ComicConnect.com brokers transactions, and accepts a low 10% commission only after comics are sold through the site. ComicConnect.com never charges Buyer's Premiums.
ComicConnect provides FREE SCANNING for all CGC graded comics shipped to ComicConnect for auction at $1 start & no reserve! ComicConnect also offers generous cash advances up to $1 million dollars for top-notch consignments.
For a personal consultation for representation in the sale of your comics or collection, call ComicConnect’s Director of Consignments, Rob Reynolds, at 212-895.3999 (international 001-212-895-3999) or email him support@comicconnect.com.
