Thanos Creator Has Harsh Words For Comics Grading Service

For many comic book collectors, grading and encapsulating — or “slabbing,” as the cool kids [...]

For many comic book collectors, grading and encapsulating — or "slabbing," as the cool kids call it — their collection is a top priority in protecting their collection. Legendary comic creator Jim Starlin, however, seems to have had it with the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), one of the leading grading providers.

In a post from his booth at Comic Con Revolution in Ontario, California this weekend, Starlin said he "disavows" any association with the company, sharing his disagreements on charging for signature authentication.

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"I hereby disavow any association with the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) and will not be signing any further books where they are involved," Starlin posted on Facebook. "Folks, you don't freakin' need to pay good money to prove a signature is authentic. If the book is signed by me, it's been at a convention and you've seen me sign it."

While grading companies have their base grading service, many charge an additional fee should a comic be signed. From the grader's point of view, they're unsure if the signature is legitimate. If it turns out real, the companies typically use a certain label saying so. If it's unable to be authenticated, the grade will treat it as if it were any other writing, significantly taking away from the final grade of the book.

Starlin — a legend in the comics industry — is credited as the creator of several fan-favorite characters including Thanos, Drax, Gamora, and Shang-Chi. He was a big part of Marvel's large expansion into the cosmic side of the universe starting with The Infinity Gauntlet (1991) and its subsequent series along the lines of The Infinity War (1992) and The Infinity Crusade (1993).

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