Comic Pressing
Pressing removes minor defects from comic books, such as dents, folds and bends to make the comic appear flatter and less flawed. Pressing will often enhance the appearance of a comic book.
Comic pressing removes slight non-color-breaking defects in a comic book through non-restorative techniques in order to improve its appearance. Paul Charabin, owner of WHI, has pressed various types comic books in his career, including but not limited to treasuries, golden through bronze through current, magazine format, video game packaging, toy packaging, and has even pressed vintage comic retail signage!
How do you press? It’s a process we have spent hundreds of hours developing through research, testing, and pressing hundreds of comics. We strive to make sure every technique is safe for the short and long term. Our pressing process does not involve disassembly, nor do we use abrasive materials like chemicals, nor do we perform any work that is considered restoration. The end result is undetectable, with each comic exhibiting a fresh, untouched look and feel.
| Good defects (do not break color) | Bad defects |
| Dents
Bends Folds Light creases Minor spine stresses Impacted corners or edges Slight warping Ripples (with no stains present) Spine rolls Waviness Stacking bends Light cover impressions Light pencil marks (usually in white areas) Dirt |
Creases that break color
Missing chips or pieces Tears Stains Detached staples or staple tears Spine stresses that break color Fading Fingerprints or smudges Dust shadows or sun shadows Rusted staples or rust stains Rounded or blunted corners Pen markings or printer ink Cover veins Brown or brittle cover or pages |
Once you’ve read through the information above and you’re ready to submit, simply go to the submission page and follow the instructions.
We Have Issues loves comics and by pressing them we can make comics great again!
Here are a few examples of how pressing a comic can increase it’s grade. Click on an image to view the details.
