Collector & Reseller Glossary

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

20 terms in Comics starting with “D” · page 1 of 1

1. dedicationComics
   This refers to a personalized inscription, usually signed by the creator, writer, or artist, placed inside or on the cover of a comic book. It transforms a standard copy into a unique piece of memorabilia. For collectors
2. deluxe editionComics
   This term generally refers to a comic book or graphic novel released in a premium format, often featuring higher quality paper, larger dimensions, special binding, or exclusive content not found in the standard release.
3. deluxe reprintComics
   A deluxe reprint refers to a re-release of a previously published comic book that is presented in a higher quality or more premium format than the original printing. These editions often feature upgraded paper stock, lar
4. deluxe variantComics
   A deluxe variant refers to a special, often limited-edition version of a standard comic book release. These editions usually feature premium packaging, higher-quality paper stock, exclusive cover art, or unique inserts n
5. deluxe variant coverComics
   This refers to a special edition of a comic book where the cover art is significantly different or enhanced compared to the standard release. These variants are often produced in limited print runs, making them highly so
6. demand surgeComics
   A sudden, sharp increase in the market interest and buying activity for specific comic books or related collectibles. This phenomenon can be triggered by various events, such as a major movie adaptation, a character's re
7. digest sizeComics
   This refers to a smaller, often more affordable format of a comic book, typically produced to be more accessible to a wider audience or for specific promotional runs. While not always a direct indicator of rarity, the si
8. digital copyComics
   A digital copy refers to a scanned or electronically preserved version of a comic book, rather than the physical, printed issue. These files can be viewed on computers, tablets, or smartphones. For resellers and collecto
9. digital scanComics
   A digital scan refers to a high-resolution photographic reproduction of a physical comic book, captured using specialized scanning equipment. For collectors and resellers, the quality of the scan is paramount, as it dict
10. direct editionComics
    This refers to a comic book that was released directly to the consumer, bypassing traditional newsstand distribution channels. These editions are often sold through specialized direct market retailers, such as comic shop
11. display conditionComics
    This refers to the overall aesthetic state of a comic book when it is presented or displayed, going beyond just the structural grading. It encompasses factors like how the book is held, whether it has been kept in a prot
12. distributionComics
    This refers to the entire process by which a comic book moves from the publisher to the retailer, and subsequently to the end collector. For resellers and collectors, understanding distribution channels is crucial becaus
13. dj conditionComics
    This term refers to the specific grading standard used to describe the physical state of a comic book. It is not an official industry grading like CGC or CBCS, but rather a colloquial descriptor used by sellers and buyer
14. dog-ear severityComics
    This refers to the degree to which the corners of a comic book page or cover have been bent or folded down. Collectors and resellers assess this to gauge the book's overall condition, as dog-ears are considered form dama
15. dog-ear visibilityComics
    This refers to the visible creasing or bending at the corners of a comic book page or cover. When a corner is bent down, it's known as a dog-ear. For collectors and resellers, the presence and severity of dog-ears are si
16. dog-earedComics
    This describes a comic book or graphic novel where the corners of the pages or covers have been bent or creased, often from being frequently read or handled. For collectors, this is a form of wear and tear that detracts
17. dot gainComics
    This refers to a printing artifact where ink bleeds or spreads beyond its intended boundaries during the printing process. In comics, it often appears as fuzzy edges, smudging, or areas where solid black ink looks slight
18. dust jacketComics
    This is the protective outer wrapping, or cover, that originally encased a comic book or graphic novel. For collectors, the condition of the dust jacket is paramount because it significantly impacts the overall grade and
19. dust jacket conditionComics
    This refers to the physical state of the outer wrapping, or dust jacket, that protects a comic book. The jacket is often as important, or sometimes more so, than the comic book itself in determining its overall grade and
20. dustingComics
    This refers to the act of gently removing surface dust and debris from a comic book or other collectible item. It is a basic preservation step, not a grading or restoration process. While dusting itself doesn't add inher