Glossary, SpotOn Grading Systems

What is Foxing? a Zine? what are all those comic geeks talking about?

need an explanation in the world of comic book nerds?

Foxing, sun shadow, humidity chamber? What in the world are comic nerds talking about? It’s like they are talking in Kilngon. Ok, we suppose that’s not much better, huh?

Below is a compiled list of almost every comic term you will every come across in the comic community. Zines, gloss, and even the mysterious term “foxing”. We have gathered them all in an easy and alphabetized list for your reference.

If there’s something missing after we’re finished adding the terms and removed the “Still Adding” text, let us know and we will work on getting it added and you the credit Just email the site admin at admin@spotongrading.com

“foxing”

glossary / dictionary of comic book industry terms and definitions

3-D Comic	Comic books drawn / printed / designed in two color layers which produce a three dimensional effect when viewed through specially designed eyewear.
3-D Effect Comic	Comic books that are drawn to appear in 3-D, but truly aren’t in 3-D.
a	Abbreviation for “Story Art”.
a(i)	Abbreviation for “Story Art Inks”.
a(p)	Abbreviation for “Story Art Pencils”.
a(r)	Abbreviation for “Story Art Reprints”.
Abrasion	Scuff-type (think rough sandpaper) marks / areas due to rubbing from caused by improper handling / storage.
Abraded Corner	Blunting and roughing of corner area caused by improper handling / storage. Imagine if it were run against a piece of rough sandpaper. Also known as “Rounded Corner”.
Abraded Spine	Blunting and roughing of the edge of the spine area caused by improper handling / storage. Imagine if it were run against a piece of rough sandpaper. Also known as “Rough Spine”.
Abraded Staple Hole	Can be cause when staples are removed and replaced several times. You would see rough paper wear around the staple.
Adult Material	Contains story and / or art for “mature” readers / audiences such as sex, violence, obscene language. Think rated PG-13 or higher movie ratings.
Adzine	A book for advertising comic books / collectibles.
After Credits Scene	A story or character which typically appears after the main story.
After Credits Story	A story or character which typically appears after the main story.
Allentown Collection, The	A comic book collection found in 1987-1988 near Allentown, PA. It consisted of about 135 Golden Age comic books in high grade and paper quality.
Aniline	A poisonous, oily liquid which is colorless when pure. It’s obtained from coal tar or nitro benzene. This was used to create a dye which was used to create Photostats or Xerox copies of original comic art.
Annual	An over-sized special comic book released in addition to the regular comic books of that series. This book is published yearly and can also refer to some square-bound comic books.
Apparent	An “Apparent” grade is attached to a Restored grade. It is given to a comic book which has obvious evidence of repair / restoration. Repairs can be either professional or amateur.
Arrival Date	Typically on older books, the date written often in lead, graphite or grease pencil or stamped on the cover of comic books by either the wholesaler, newsstand owner or distributor to show when it arrived for sale or when bought. Interesting piece of trivia: the date typically is before the book’s cover date by about 15 to 75 days. Third party grading companies do not downgrade or downgrade very minimally for date stamps / writing if the date / stamp does not affect the art much. Also known as “Date Stamp” or “Stamp Damage”.
Ashcan	A publisher’s in-house copy of a proposed new comic book. Most ashcans have black and white covers stapled to an existing coverless comic on the inside. Other ashcans are completely black and white. Ashcans are typically smaller (almost half the size) than a standard comic book.
ASM	Amazing Spider-Man, The
Atomic Age Comic Book	A comic book published from about 1946 to 1956.
Average / Fine	A reference to describe “fine minus” condition.