Collector & Reseller Glossary

What the jargon actually means — and what it does to resale value. 3,211 terms across 12 categories.

13 terms in Comics starting with “B” · page 1 of 1

1. back coverComics
   This refers to the reverse side of a comic book's exterior cover. For collectors, the back cover is a crucial area because it often contains important information, such as publisher logos, copyright notices, advertising
2. binding integrityComics
   This refers to the physical condition of the comic book's spine and binding, indicating how well the pages are held together. A strong, tight spine suggests the comic has been handled carefully and has not suffered from
3. black and whiteComics
   This refers to the printing style of a comic book, meaning the artwork and ink are rendered using only black and white tones, lacking any color printing. For collectors, the presence or absence of color can significantly
4. board wearComics
   This refers to the physical signs of handling and use on a comic book, such as scuffs, minor creases, or slight indentations on the cover or interior pages. It is a form of surface damage that collectors and resellers sc
5. book conditionComics
   This refers to the overall physical state of a comic book, encompassing factors like spine integrity, cover wear, interior page condition, and any signs of damage such as tears, creases, or fading. For collectors and res
6. book runComics
   A book run refers to the initial, limited printings of a comic book series, often before the title gains widespread popularity or before the publisher adjusts its production schedule. These early issues are highly sought
7. book scanComics
   This term refers to a digital image or scan of a comic book, rather than the physical, tangible item itself. For resellers and collectors, the distinction is crucial because a scan is a representation, not the actual col
8. book stateComics
   This refers to the overall physical condition of a comic book, encompassing factors like the cover's wear, spine integrity, interior page condition, and any signs of damage such as tears, creases, or staining. Collectors
9. book valueComics
   This term generally refers to the intrinsic worth of a comic book, often calculated based on its original retail price or a standardized valuation metric, rather than its current market resale price. For collectors, it's
10. book weightComics
    This refers to the physical heft or density of a comic book, often measured in ounces or pounds. While not a standard grading term like Near Mint, book weight can be relevant when assessing the overall condition and perc
11. bookplateComics
    A bookplate is a decorative or informational label, often affixed to the inside cover or flyleaf of a book or comic book. In the context of comics, it can sometimes refer to a specific type of internal insert or a sticke
12. brittlenessComics
    This refers to the physical characteristic of paper becoming fragile, easily torn, or brittle over time due to age, environmental exposure, or poor storage conditions. For comic book collectors and resellers, brittleness
13. bronze ageComics
    This refers to a specific era in comic book history, generally spanning from the late 1960s through the early 1970s. It represents a significant shift away from the superhero dominance of the Golden and Silver Ages, intr