A seismic shift is about to hit the comic book collecting world, and it’s coming from an unexpected corner: PSA, well-known in the sports and trading card spheres, is officially stepping into the comic book and magazine grading space. For years, the market has been largely dominated by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), but PSA’s strategic entry might just shake things up.
PSA announced this week that it would start offering its grading services for comic books and magazines, revealing detailed pricing tiers and estimated turnaround times. The official grading begins on July 14, and modern-era books, which include those published in 1975 and later, will see a starting grading price of $25.99 per item. The estimated turnaround for these submissions sits at an ambitious 20 business days.
But PSA isn’t stopping at just grading. They’ve thrown an additional service into the mix: pressing. This additional step, which aims to correct imperfections before grading, starts at $11.99. However, it doesn’t come without a cost on wait time—pressing submissions are expected to take about twice as long as those slotted only for grading, particularly at the entry-level tier.
PSA, usually best known for its expertise and prestige in the world of sports and trading card grading, is now positioning itself as a serious contender in the comic book market. This move will likely itch a bit under the skin of CGC, who currently hold titles such as having graded all of the top 10 most expensive comics ever sold.
By unveiling a pricing structure that either matches or potentially undercuts CGC, PSA’s intention is clear: they are here to offer collectors, both old and new, a viable and attractive alternative. In doing so, they aim to both loosen CGC’s grip and widen the horizons for collectors seeking more options in a market that’s craved innovation.
This leap into comic book grading isn’t PSA’s first brush with the world of illustrated literature. Last year, they made a quiet but significant debut with prototype comic holders during the San Diego Comic-Con. What made these debuts particularly notable was the partnership with Marvel and the high-profile fashion brand, Kith. This collaboration led to the release of special “Marvel Super Villains” sneakers accompanied by exclusive comic variants, some encapsulated by PSA themselves. The buzz was palpable when a 1-of-1 Venom-Spider-Man sketch variant from this collection hit eBay, fetching a jaw-dropping $30,000.
With PSA’s entry kicking into high gear, they are likely leveraging this experience and their established brand recognition. They have a robust infrastructure which has historically handled high volumes in the trading and sports card arenas, a background that might offer them an edge in meeting demand efficiently.
The world of comic collecting is not just about preserving art; it’s about preserving history, culture, and passion. For decades, collectors have trusted CGC with this task. Now, PSA’s arrival on the scene adds a new layer of choice, promising innovation, competitive pricing, and potentially faster grading times that could win over collectors who have felt bottlenecked by current offerings.
As the first submissions begin to roll in, many in the hobby will be watching closely. Can PSA deliver on their promises of speed and cost-effectiveness without compromising on accuracy and reliability? Will collectors wholeheartedly embrace this newcomer, or will the stalwart behemoth CGC continue to hold its crown as the grader of choice?
One thing is certain: the comic book grading landscape is evolving. PSA’s entry marks the dawn of a new chapter, and both seasoned collectors and newcomers will have the pen in their hands to shape how this narrative unfolds. Only time will tell if PSA’s gamble will transform the market or simply enrich it with more opportunities for those who love the world of comics.
