Breaking News! The titans of grading sports cards are stepping into a new arena—one dominated by capes, cowls, and colossal collections. World-renowned for grading everything from Mickey Mantle cards to Magic: The Gathering, PSA is about to change the comic book market game. They’re sharpening their pencils (perhaps literally), ready to leave their mark in this ink-and-paper world with a new comic and magazine grading service.
But first, let’s talk dollars and cents because PSA’s plunge into this visual storytelling world is accompanied by a splash of dollar signs. Mark your calendars, because beginning July 14, collectors can submit their beloved Modern-era (that’s anything comic-ish post-1975) treasures to PSA for a starting price of $25.99 per item. Keeping in line with the pacing of a good comic series, PSA is promising a turnaround of about 20 business days.
For those comics that need a little TLC—think of it as a spa day for your Spider-Man or Superman—PSA is also offering a pressing service. Starting at $11.99, this service promises to enhance the presentation of your comics because, let’s face it, everyone deserves a little sprucing up now and then. But heed this warning, collector heroes: integrating pressing prolongs that turnaround time, doubling the wait at the entry-level tier. Though a longer wait, the results could be akin to a Superman in a freshly dry-cleaned suit—immaculate!
This seismic shift in the comic grading terra firma poses a significant challenge to CGC, the longstanding hero, or villain, depending on who you ask, in comic grading. For purists and price-watchers alike, it’s pertinent to note that CGC has historically been the Midas of the comic world—all of the top 10 most expensive comics sold bore the CGC brand mark. Yet, PSA’s strategically crafted pricing structure seems to be channeling a little bit of David’s tenacity against Goliath. In some instances, PSA’s fees are akin to, or a fraction below, the current market leader, CGC. The competition is here, and it’s palpable.
Not just a shot across the bow, PSA’s move is a full-frontal assault designed to resonate with a collector’s heart and wallet. For those asking if PSA is truly serious about turning the page into comics, consider this move akin to their secret origin story. This isn’t the company’s first rodeo or, should we say, comic debut. Back in 2024, PSA covertly dipped its toes into the vibrant world of comics at the San Diego Comic-Con. Their collaboration with Marvel and fashion brand Kith introduced some wickedly exclusive comic variants, capped off by a jaw-dropping 1-of-1 Venom-Spider-Man sketch variant that leapt from collector’s hands to a hefty bid on eBay—a whopping $30,000!
Now, the stage is set, and it’s a high-stakes waiting game as PSA officially opens up the submission gates. Collectors, hobbyists, and investors are holding their breath—more than a few will be poised at their keyboards, waiting to see how the comic community embraces this fresh grading competitor, bringing with it PSA’s deep network, robust standards, and brand power.
In comics as in life, the script is never set in stone. Change is the only constant, and as PSA challenges the status quo, this tale of grading is about to take an intriguing twist. Whether PSA emerges as a new contender, a worthy sidekick, or a dominant force will depend greatly on the next year’s ebbs and flows, the acceptance of the comic community, and perhaps a little comic magic. Collectors, be ready to flip the page—or in this case, submit one—as the comic grading saga evolves with an exhilarating new chapter.