For Deadpool comics, CGC grading is crucial because the difference between a 9.6 and a 9.8 can representa difference of 50-200% in value. New Mutants #98 in CGC 9.6 is worth around $900-1,200 compared to $2,800-4,500 in 9.8. Submit via Economy ($30) for comics under $400 estimated value.
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) grading has become essential for serious Deadpool collectors. In a market where the difference of half a grade point can double the value of a comic, understanding the evaluation criteria specific to Deadpool issues—and knowing when to submit and when not to submit—is a decisive competitive advantage.
This guide covers the practical aspects of CGC grading as applied to Deadpool comics: how to grade your copies before submission, what defects are most common on key issues, and how to maximize your chances of getting a high grade.
Understanding the CGC Scale for Deadpool Comics
The CGC scale ranges from 0.5 (Poor) to 10.0 (Gem Mint). For Deadpool comics from the 1990s, realistic grades for well-preserved copies are between 8.0 and 9.8. Here are the critical value thresholds for New Mutants #98:
CGC 9.8 (Near Mint/Mint):$2,800-4,500. The trophy grade, almost perfect. Tolerance: a single minor non-structural defect (slight stress mark invisible to the naked eye). Less than 35% of submissions reach this grade for NM #98.
CGC 9.6 (Near Mint+):$800-1,200. The investment sweet spot. Several acceptable minor defects but no major defects. About 25% of submissions.
CGC 9.4 (Near Mint):$500-700. A copy in excellent general condition with some imperfections visible on close inspection. Most common grade for “like new” examples released from collections.
CGC 9.2 (Near Mint-):$350-500. The beginning of “investment grade”. Below 9.2, liquidity decreases sharply for NM #98.
Common Flaws on Key Deadpool Issues
New Mutants #98 — specific issues:The cover uses a light white/yellow background which easily reveals fingerprints (fingerprints), tanning (yellowing) and foxing spots (brown spots). The spine is particularly prone to stress marks due to the standard stapled binding of the Marvel era. Newsstand copies often have subscription folds that limit the grade to 6.0-7.0 maximum.
Circle Chase #1 — specific issues:Printed in 1993, this issue regularly suffers from manufacturing defects. Color-breaking spine ticks are common and can limit an otherwise perfect copy to a 9.4 instead of a 9.8. Systematically check the back under grazing light.
Deadpool #1 (1997) — specific issues:The foil/glossy cover of this issue hides visual defects well but the corners are easily degraded. Spine roll is the most common defect, often caused by prolonged horizontal storage.
When to submit for CGC grading
CGC grading is not free. Depending on the service chosen, count between $30 (Economy, declared value under $400) and $150 (Express) per comic, plus shipping and return costs. The rule of thumb: only submit if the potential gain in value justifies the cost.
Submit if:You estimate your copy at 9.4+ AND the slab value is at least double the raw value + the cost of grading. Example: a NM #98 that you estimate raw at $400 in 9.4 will be worth $500-700 in CGC 9.4, a net gain of $70-270 after the $30-50 fees.
Do not submit if:You see obvious defects (folds, tears, stains) that will limit the grade below 8.0, OR if the comic's CGC value at the estimated grade does not cover the cost. For numbers worth less than $50 raw, grading is only profitable if you are aiming for a 9.8+ with certainty.
Preparation before submission
Dry cleaning:Dry cleaning (or dry cleaning + pressing) is a service that can improve a grade by 0.2 to 0.6 points by removing non-structural wrinkles and flattening the paper. For an NM #98 that ranges between 9.4 and 9.6, a $20-40 pressing can make the difference between $500 and $1,200 in final value. The cost/benefit ratio is often excellent.
Recommended dry cleaning providers:The most reputable in the community are CCS (CGC subsidiary, included in some submissions), CGC Pressing Direct, and independent pressers like HOS (Heroes Only Pressing). Delivery time: 3-8 weeks depending on the service provider.
Self-assessment:Before submitting, examine your comic under a direct, grazing LED light. Check: the cover (creases, color breaks), the spine (spine ticks, stress marks, roll), the corners (blunted, dinged), the staples (rusting, pushing), and the interior pages (tanning, foxing, fingerprints). Document each defect found and compare with online CGC visual guides.
CGC vs CBCS: which service to choose for Deadpool
CGC remains the dominant standard for high value comics. Its census is the most complete and its recognition on the secondary market is universal. For issues over $500 in estimated value (New Mutants #98, Deadpool #1 1997 in high grade), CGC is the risk-free choice.
CBCS (Comic Book Certification Service) offers slightly lower rates and often shorter turnaround times. For lower value numbers (Circle Chase #1, X-Force #2, Modern Titles), CBCS is a viable alternative. However, CBCS slabs generally sell for 10-20% less than CGC of the same grade, to be taken into account in your profitability calculation.
For the Signature Series program (signed and certified comics), CGC has the advantage of its network of witnesses at major conventions. If you're planning to have a comic signed by Rob Liefeld, Fabian Nicieza, or Joe Kelly, schedule a CGC Witness appearance in advance.
Do you own Deadpool comics?Estimate the value of your collection for freeto know their current rating.