I think there's a "case" to be made for wanting high end comics in a tank. PSA will win on this front. People today argue that every modern comic shouldn't be slabbed, but this doesn't stop people from using CGC to protect their pristine books. Comic collectors are paranoid enough that I can see them using PSA just for this reason.
I hope that PSA gives a choice of smaller and lighter cases. I don't want to have to buy different storage boxes and bags just for PSA slabs. Plus, you make a good point on the possible increase in shipping costs for purchasing or selling the PSA slabs. Venom
I agree with you on the size. I didn't realize PSA was so much bigger than the CGC, so I will give that to CGC. I have to admit that its hard to break away from the look of CGC on my wall, but I'm intrigued with the PSA for sure. That Venom sure does look nice!
Two tier ; high end comics in a "Vault" thick PSA case and regular thickness case for not-high-end. PSA ! Give the collector the choice. Most will want the extra protection for their collection. This will change the game and you can stand out from the market.
I prefer the PSA slab, although the frosted plastic makes it look cheap. I think if they used a clear plastic to give the (semi) illusion of the book floating could of looked cool.
CBCS tops for me all around. Having Beckett Authentication puts them over everyone else. But I have really loved what I have seen from EGS! New player in town for sure...CBCS and PSA need to get on the Custom Label train, cuz nothing less will do for proper dislay...basic blue is so ugly and PSA is next level horrendous, just like the cards, ugh!
Man, you lost me when you said EGS. They are complete trash from what I have seen LOL. CBCS is underrated and under funded, but a decent company for sure. PSA and CGC will be the big dogs in this space no doubt. Time will tell.
I love basic blue. There are many people that think the custom label with the characters are tacky and gimmicky. My reason is, I like the label to be be formatted properly and have great composition, but I don't want it to be louder than the artwork (comic book). I think custom labels take much away from the comic book you're encapsulating. There is a deeper issue, I like CBCS the most, but I think they are horrible at formatting the text and the label just doesn't look right. The new label is a small improvement. But CGC label is still the most aesthetically pleasing, and the comic book community has spoken. Even if that means I don't like CGC, I can see why it's clearly still King of the Hill. Additionally, CBCS just does not sell as well as CGC. People want slabs they may want to keep for a very long time and be able to resell. If there are 10 graded books of the same comic book, and 9 are CGC, those 9 books will sell before the 1 CBCS book every single time. Even discounted CBCS books will be overlooked for a CGC book that cost more. If it's the old CBCS slab, forget it.
Great review Swag! I’m fed up with GCG, especially how they move the goal post on turnaround times whenever they get overwhelmed! Terrible business model in my opinion, never mind the constant issues in the past year. I like the PSA case a lot, but they definitely need to get a better design and red is not the color to use for comic grading. VENOM!
I would like a bigger case just without the frosted look. I think if they kept it the same size but remove the frost and make it clear it would make it look as if the book is floating or suspended but the Frosted look just takes this away
thank you for the comparison video. I am not sure why PSA felt the need to make it bigger as it won't fit into the boxes the collectors already have. The label needs work to make it more attractive, and lastly how will they sell?
Thanks for the comparison...think I will go with PSA until the Banana issue is rectified. Possibly do a CBCS / PGX comparison in future. Nice venom issue.
Keep the heavy duty quality, but shrink the length and width down to the dimensions of the CGC case. That will lower the weight a little bit, but should still feel solid as a rock. Make the grade bigger and put it in the upper left corner. Have some different font sizes for the title of the book and other information so it all doesn't blend together. I think remove the frosting on the surface but keep it around the edges. Change the white label color and have a strong contrast between label color and border color. Just my thoughts.
Thanks for the thorough comparison, Mickey. I don't think any collectors or dealers want to have to replace all their bins and storage boxes to accommodate an odd size, so it seems likely that PSA will be slimming their girth -and less plastic means less weight, so that will help lessen the issue of back-breaking set-up concerns for dealer, employees, and collectors who have to schlep multiple boxes of slabs at convention load-in and load-out. The difficulty of reading PSA card labels has always been an issue, and it's gone unaddressed this long so seems unlikely to suddenly get fixed now. That will remain a strike against them. The right-side alignment for grading is also an annoyance but less of an issue than than the lack of pop that a background color matching the whole label forces. The frosted surface is something I don't necessarily love, but on the edges it looks expensive and luxurious as part of a very consistent package. PSA label reminds me of the old school, original CGC labels. There's a lot of room for improvement. I've been holding off on slabbing anything for a while now. I think it's been over two years since I submitted to a 3rd party grader, but when last I did, I chose CBCS. Thinner, stronger cases and a label design I don't hate. But the disparity at auction has given me pause from going all in-in. Venom!
Great Comparison Video !!! PSA definitely is the KING when you see people buying and selling sports cards, soo they have experience and knowledgeable. If they can listen and learn from what the Comic Community wants and even your reviews, especially a more esthetic label that POPS and makes fans excited. Because I know the introduction of custom labels from CGC definitely got fans attention, having a Stan Lee label, an Xmen label, Venom, Spidey, etc. It's just that much more eye appeal on a wall and shelf. However the platic quality, centered perfection of the book and sturdiness of PSA, is something worth taking note of. People seem to really be annoyed of years of mishaps and carelessness from CGC so maybe all it takes is CBCS or PSA to come in with something better, and fans may lose their loyalty to CGC. I'm looking forward to seeing your CBCS review and comparison as well. Because before I go and get a some of my books graded, i really need to see who's BEST, CBCS, CGC or maybe now even PSA is on that maybe list. Thanks for the giveaway. I HOPE 😎😉👍🤝🙏👌 I'm lucky and WIN... BEAUTIFUL VENOM Book. I never win cool stuff 😵... Maybe now's my TIME 🤞🙏📚#VENOM
As someone who collects trading cards and comics, PSA is a tempting choice. I think ill stay satisfied juownhaving my comics in CGC and my cards in PSA
I like the clarity of the PSA case containing VENOM, but not a fan of the frosted look, the bulky size, or the label in terms of both look and usability. If I had to choose between the characteristics, I could take the size for better protection, but would prefer to eliminate the frosted and to definitely have a nicer label.
You got the main thing correct. Their current label is for sports cards and statistics. They need to be more artistic for comic books. Also, if the case won't fit in my current boxes and bins, I absolutely will not use them.
In the card world high PSA grades command a premium over all the other grading company. It will be interesting to see how PSA values will compare with CGC on the secondary market. Venom
A great comparison. Thanks. On thing though. I think you meant 2 centimeters not millimeters. There are 2.54 centimeters to 1 inch. A millimeter is 1/10th of a centimeter. VENOM!!!
That PSA label screams "minimum effort". They really need to hire a graphic designer for this. I dont care one bit about them keeping their "look" from the card slabs. NO ONE cares, except them I guess. But no one cares that they care. It looks bad, and that alone will keep a lot of people from using PSA.
Venom is my all time favorite character! I think I might like the PSA case better. It would take me time to get used to it, since I've been so familiar with CGC. Count me in please for your giveaway!
I was at NYCC and was able to hold the PSA case. It definitely feels studier but I'm not sold on the frosted edges. This prevents me from seeing if the comic has the "bends" (I know it's a CGC problem but I'm a bit jaded after having purchased a bannana book with crease marks to boot) . PSA case is still a work in progress. I need the case to be similar in size as CGC/CBCS, remove the frosted edges and yes fix the label.
The Venom PSA case has some nice features: uniform frosted view, the back with the branded PSA logo in the plastic, the book is always centered,.... Curious about the final product.
I’m not the target audience here (I own 0 slabs), but I’ve always thought CGC cases look pretty cheap - mostly due to the variety of fonts at the top. Aside from the grading number (which does need to be seen from afar), I think minimizing the distraction from the cover is a great design choice. Keep it simple.
The PSA case is nice, your completely right about the font. Book title should be a couple fonts larger. It looks very professional though. I feel that CGC could drop the universal grade band at the top. Everyone knows the blue label is universal at this point. The frost is unnecessary on the psa, i like the clear look too.
While I do think the PSA case is more heavy duty, I think it's too much. The biggest enemy of any collector is lack of space. What I do like from PSA, is the design of the Frosted plastic, especially the corners look great. The label is kind of meh, but that's an easy fix. Also, beyond the size issue, all that extra weight is going to be problematic for collectors that want to hang there slabs on a wall. It's a good first effort, but the PSA case need to be slimmed down by half an inch going all the way around book. The extra plastic is a distraction and will increase the cost of slabbing a book with PSA.
The PSA really makes the book stand out!!! It made me think about being a collector not a grader. Buy the book not the grade!!! CGC is so bad at grading you have to give the book a thorough looking over times 5. I think once PSA makes a few changes they wipe CGC out. Seriously going to give PSA books a chance once they come out. You can't trust CGC under any circumstances.
Venom. We didn’t see the top. Is there a label up there to view which comic it is if placed in a box? I like the idea PSA has for keeping their case size uniform across all ages and media. The frosted look to me doesn’t take away from the presentation, but gives it a more pictures frame feeling. If you’re hanging it on the wall, you have a border. I like it overall. Price is going to factor in my decision on using their services.
The key to success - - and I'll say it now even though I don't get any royalty for this - - is to organize a lot of in-house signings. A lot of CGC's yellow label money is generated by their inhouse signing events. Which people submit to because of the big names involved. CBCS never does this. Okay maybe Maybe once or twice, and only B-level artists at best. PSA actually has the money to get big names onboard to do private signings.
@winterpurple4587 CBCS has by far the best authentication service, but I think you are right getting the big names to 2 for 1 sign and slab would be amazing
I love the PSA case. But I would love to see them do a case that is the size of the CGC case because new boxes will have to be made just for PSA slabs and that may hurt them. Also the weight is an issue for folks getting up in age. Not easy to move stuff around that is considerably heavier than what they are used to.
If CBCS failed to compete with CGC because people didn't like their label, I see no hope for PSA while they cling to that garish monstrosity of a label. Worse than CBCS' previous labels IMO. It's also funny to me that PSA would choose to make their slabs a different size even though the industry is already making sleeves and boxes to fit CGC/CBCS cases. Do they think that the industry will incur the costs associated with producing products to match their new slab size?
Great review, as I knew you’d do! I was hoping for a Darkhawk #1 side-by-side comparison! 😂 I like the idea of the beefier case, especially if the encasement is actually better(e.g. no Newton rings, tamper-proof, and non-warping / banana bends). It also sounds like it would work for larger format books, like magazines, pulps, and treasury editions, where CGC’s cases tend to feel more fragile and bendy. I do like the frosted surround and the certain centering. However, you mention this millimeter concept, which threw me a bit … 😂 The points about functionality on the label are so valid. I’m not concerned about the beauty of the label, but the fonts and information should be imminently usable. Ultimately, PSA’s processes are what I’m looking for to revolutionize grading again. Pre-touch photos for evidence is a game-changer! How quickly they scale and turn around books is, as well. I’ve had books trapped at CGC for weeks AFTER they met the 2-day turnaround for grading, which is just AWFUL. And the crazy amount of issues with CGC’s quality control is definitely something that PSA can set a new standard on. I’m excited to submit to PSA, and have completely stopped submitting to CGC because of their problems and the way they address them in the community. The loss of trust is substantial, and CGC has to move mountains to get back in the good graces of many folks. PSA is coming in at the right time with the right messaging and improvements to seriously put CGC on their heels. Bring it on!
Thats how CGC got their OG label design they took it from PSA. Then over time got to the label we see today. PSA have been grading cards since i think 1991
The inner wells of CGC always shift around inside the slab. Bumping the corners and lowering the grade of the book. Does the book/inner well shift side2side, up/down or forward/backwards inside PSA?
PSA really needs to compete with CGC and EGS with the labels. Cards are typically sports cards with "stats", comics are art and need a good mat and frame to match.
I like the PSA case, but i think they should keep that size for magazine and golden age, and have a smaller one for silver and modern. Also would be nice if they took the red border around the label and made a red circle around the grading number to make it stand out. Also make the psa center box smaller to give more room for larger text of the title and info for us older collectors. Venom rules!!
I love the competition. You should have done a 3 way comparison and included CBCS. Those PSA labels are yuck right now. I think you mentioned it before about the color red on a comic slab looks bad. I wonder how things are going to pan out after the lawsuit with Beckett ...
I'm so tired of receiving CGC books that are scuffed... The CGC shippers like to forcibly shove the books into the box, tearing the plastic bags and scratching up the new case... I'm so ready to switch.
The size of the PSA slab is the biggest issue. I have heard that they will offer different options and that the larger slab is more of a "premium" slab but it is just a deal-breaker. Everything from storage to display will be affected profoundly if you have a lot of slabbed books. For a single book it isn't a problem. For 100 or 1000 or 5000? Huge issue. They have a great opportunity to get this right at a time where CGC is vulnerable and everyone, including me wants them to succeed. Fix the size and make a better label and they can print money.
The fact they will not budge to make the label more inline with what comic collectors want and the larger case that doesnt fit in anything makes me not want to use them regardless of how good the case actually is.
PSA casing is new in the eye, but CGC is more clearer and elegant. It will depends now to their clients/customers who is more trusted, affordable, and dependable.
I like the PSA case the lettering needs to be bigger that’s what she said. I like the size of the case for the reason of displaying your magazine next to your comics will be more eye pleasing. The cases will be the same sizes
I just wonder how their membership will work for comics? Currently if you sign up they give you $120 in Loupe credit & $60 Fanatics to buy cards with, comic people aren't going to want to mess with Loupe & Fanatics Live to buy cards. PSA needs to offer something different. Maybe they can give a free $150 credit in comic submissions like CGC does for buying the yearly membership.
Thank you very much for this detailed review. I've been waiting for a review that puts these two slabs side-by-side and on top of one another. A few thoughts... (1) Do you think the PSA slab only appears clearer due to the stark contrast between the underlying frosted well and the portion that exhibits the comic? (2) I'm afraid that you may have given CGC an idea at 12:50 on how to hide the bent inner wells--just frost the sides! (2) I'm in the minority of people who actually liked the previous incarnation of the CBCS label, but the PSA makes the CBCS label look like there's a party going on! (3) I really hate that the slabs are so much wider than the CGC/CBCS slabs. This will really cause my OCD to flair up when I can't keep consecutive books in a run in the same box because they are graded by different services. (4) Is the aspect ratio of the PSA case closer to the aspect ratio of a raw comic? CGC/CBCS slabs do not in order to accommodate the label. (5) If it were not for bend/banana gate, I wouldn't consider using PSA; however, I just might. P.S. Pick me, my lord! #Venom.
I think the size of the case is a deal breaker for me. CBCS and CGC adhere to the same size-ish cases, I prefer consistency. Not a fan of the fogged tray either. Also, the oversized case, when you store it with other slabs, is there a better chance for damage if a smaller slab collides with it causing cracking or scratching.
Another thing with the PSA Label they used all caps...that will also make it harder to read....it just doesn't flow as well. The Red on the label keeps ringing out as a negative thing to me.... Maybe from years of having red pounded into my head as wrong, stop, negative, red marker = bad so it just seems weird on the label to me....not very inviting I guess. Also Blue, as in the CGC label, is the most relaxing color for the human eye out of all colors. I didn't like the frosted plastic at first but now it has kinda grown on me... it seems to frame the book like art. When you set the books on the table together, man, that PSA case just looks way more pro. When you were comparing the edges and PSA has frosted edge. ...well maybe CGC should start frosting their edge so people can't see the bends in their books anymore :)
And when you say millimeter, do you mean centimeter differences? Because only 1-2 millimeter difference wouldn’t be minimal but looking at when you stacked them on top, it definitely looked pretty substantial
I think there's a "case" to be made for wanting high end comics in a tank. PSA will win on this front. People today argue that every modern comic shouldn't be slabbed, but this doesn't stop people from using CGC to protect their pristine books. Comic collectors are paranoid enough that I can see them using PSA just for this reason.
upvote for the pun
Plus if it's a watertight case.... That'd be a game changer..
I hope that PSA gives a choice of smaller and lighter cases. I don't want to have to buy different storage boxes and bags just for PSA slabs. Plus, you make a good point on the possible increase in shipping costs for purchasing or selling the PSA slabs. Venom
Does PSA bend your book like CGC?
I think the psa case looks great . Can’t wait to send in some books
cant wait for PSA to go live
I agree with you on the size. I didn't realize PSA was so much bigger than the CGC, so I will give that to CGC. I have to admit that its hard to break away from the look of CGC on my wall, but I'm intrigued with the PSA for sure. That Venom sure does look nice!
Great comparison video, I’m excited to see the PSA case in person. Venom
Two tier ; high end comics in a "Vault" thick PSA case and regular thickness case for not-high-end. PSA ! Give the collector the choice. Most will want the extra protection for their collection. This will change the game and you can stand out from the market.
Nice analysis of the PSA case. Thanks.
Venom
Try investing in a circular polarizer to mitigate glare when filming cases and other items with reflections.
I prefer the PSA slab, although the frosted plastic makes it look cheap. I think if they used a clear plastic to give the (semi) illusion of the book floating could of looked cool.
CBCS tops for me all around. Having Beckett Authentication puts them over everyone else.
But I have really loved what I have seen from EGS! New player in town for sure...CBCS and PSA need to get on the Custom Label train, cuz nothing less will do for proper dislay...basic blue is so ugly and PSA is next level horrendous, just like the cards, ugh!
EGS labels have so many wrong design elements, I don’t understand why “regular” people can’t see this…
Man, you lost me when you said EGS. They are complete trash from what I have seen LOL. CBCS is underrated and under funded, but a decent company for sure. PSA and CGC will be the big dogs in this space no doubt. Time will tell.
Cbcs is great if you plan on keeping the slab for eternity and never trying to get rid of.
I love basic blue. There are many people that think the custom label with the characters are tacky and gimmicky. My reason is, I like the label to be be formatted properly and have great composition, but I don't want it to be louder than the artwork (comic book). I think custom labels take much away from the comic book you're encapsulating.
There is a deeper issue, I like CBCS the most, but I think they are horrible at formatting the text and the label just doesn't look right. The new label is a small improvement. But CGC label is still the most aesthetically pleasing, and the comic book community has spoken. Even if that means I don't like CGC, I can see why it's clearly still King of the Hill.
Additionally, CBCS just does not sell as well as CGC. People want slabs they may want to keep for a very long time and be able to resell. If there are 10 graded books of the same comic book, and 9 are CGC, those 9 books will sell before the 1 CBCS book every single time. Even discounted CBCS books will be overlooked for a CGC book that cost more. If it's the old CBCS slab, forget it.
Venom. Thanks for this opportunity!
Subscribed to both you and them, signed up for the newsletter, and VENOM!!!!!
Great review Swag! I’m fed up with GCG, especially how they move the goal post on turnaround times whenever they get overwhelmed! Terrible business model in my opinion, never mind the constant issues in the past year. I like the PSA case a lot, but they definitely need to get a better design and red is not the color to use for comic grading. VENOM!
I would like a bigger case just without the frosted look. I think if they kept it the same size but remove the frost and make it clear it would make it look as if the book is floating or suspended but the Frosted look just takes this away
thank you for the comparison video. I am not sure why PSA felt the need to make it bigger as it won't fit into the boxes the collectors already have. The label needs work to make it more attractive, and lastly how will they sell?
I like the case. The label needs work. The PSA on the label is what draws my attention first, and that’s not a good thing.
Millimeters? Son, we gonna have to sit you down and have a serious talk about the metric system.
PSA labels look like official government/military documentation.
I think I actually might like the PSA better. The quality looks good.
VENOM 😀
Thanks for the comparison...think I will go with PSA until the Banana issue is rectified. Possibly do a CBCS / PGX comparison in future. Nice venom issue.
Keep the heavy duty quality, but shrink the length and width down to the dimensions of the CGC case. That will lower the weight a little bit, but should still feel solid as a rock. Make the grade bigger and put it in the upper left corner. Have some different font sizes for the title of the book and other information so it all doesn't blend together. I think remove the frosting on the surface but keep it around the edges. Change the white label color and have a strong contrast between label color and border color. Just my thoughts.
Missed opportunity to also have the cbcs case in the video!
Thanks for the thorough comparison, Mickey.
I don't think any collectors or dealers want to have to replace all their bins and storage boxes to accommodate an odd size, so it seems likely that PSA will be slimming their girth -and less plastic means less weight, so that will help lessen the issue of back-breaking set-up concerns for dealer, employees, and collectors who have to schlep multiple boxes of slabs at convention load-in and load-out.
The difficulty of reading PSA card labels has always been an issue, and it's gone unaddressed this long so seems unlikely to suddenly get fixed now. That will remain a strike against them. The right-side alignment for grading is also an annoyance but less of an issue than than the lack of pop that a background color matching the whole label forces.
The frosted surface is something I don't necessarily love, but on the edges it looks expensive and luxurious as part of a very consistent package.
PSA label reminds me of the old school, original CGC labels. There's a lot of room for improvement.
I've been holding off on slabbing anything for a while now. I think it's been over two years since I submitted to a 3rd party grader, but when last I did, I chose CBCS. Thinner, stronger cases and a label design I don't hate. But the disparity at auction has given me pause from going all in-in.
Venom!
Great insight, as a collector, I love it, but I could see dealers getting upset on weight with volume
Great Comparison Video !!! PSA definitely is the KING when you see people buying and selling sports cards, soo they have experience and knowledgeable. If they can listen and learn from what the Comic Community wants and even your reviews, especially a more esthetic label that POPS and makes fans excited. Because I know the introduction of custom labels from CGC definitely got fans attention, having a Stan Lee label, an Xmen label, Venom, Spidey, etc. It's just that much more eye appeal on a wall and shelf. However the platic quality, centered perfection of the book and sturdiness of PSA, is something worth taking note of. People seem to really be annoyed of years of mishaps and carelessness from CGC so maybe all it takes is CBCS or PSA to come in with something better, and fans may lose their loyalty to CGC. I'm looking forward to seeing your CBCS review and comparison as well. Because before I go and get a some of my books graded, i really need to see who's BEST, CBCS, CGC or maybe now even PSA is on that maybe list. Thanks for the giveaway. I HOPE 😎😉👍🤝🙏👌 I'm lucky and WIN... BEAUTIFUL VENOM Book. I never win cool stuff 😵... Maybe now's my TIME 🤞🙏📚#VENOM
Venom ! Thanks for showing the differences
As someone who collects trading cards and comics, PSA is a tempting choice. I think ill stay satisfied juownhaving my comics in CGC and my cards in PSA
I like the clarity of the PSA case containing VENOM, but not a fan of the frosted look, the bulky size, or the label in terms of both look and usability. If I had to choose between the characteristics, I could take the size for better protection, but would prefer to eliminate the frosted and to definitely have a nicer label.
You got the main thing correct. Their current label is for sports cards and statistics. They need to be more artistic for comic books. Also, if the case won't fit in my current boxes and bins, I absolutely will not use them.
Thanks for the review!
Thanks for doing the Comparison and the giveaway. Venom.
In the card world high PSA grades command a premium over all the other grading company. It will be interesting to see how PSA values will compare with CGC on the secondary market.
Venom
Case looks solid and the label is pretty cool. I'll be sending them some books.
It's hard to say if I would use PSA? I like the idea of a bigger, tougher case but I am use to the big grader number of CGC and CBCS...
A great comparison. Thanks. On thing though. I think you meant 2 centimeters not millimeters. There are 2.54 centimeters to 1 inch. A millimeter is 1/10th of a centimeter. VENOM!!!
That PSA label screams "minimum effort". They really need to hire a graphic designer for this. I dont care one bit about them keeping their "look" from the card slabs. NO ONE cares, except them I guess. But no one cares that they care. It looks bad, and that alone will keep a lot of people from using PSA.
Venom looks good in any format 💜
I’ll probably stick with CGC for now but curious to see the PSA slab in person. Nice VENOM book regardless!
Venom is my all time favorite character! I think I might like the PSA case better. It would take me time to get used to it, since I've been so familiar with CGC. Count me in please for your giveaway!
Great review Venom
The PSA case does seem interesting!! Definitely going to submit and get a few done. Venom
Venom great review and comparison
Venom! Thanks for the review!
Psa needs to let go of the “frosting” and redesign the labels. They should of kept the size the same, cool Venom book btw 😊
I was at NYCC and was able to hold the PSA case. It definitely feels studier but I'm not sold on the frosted edges. This prevents me from seeing if the comic has the "bends" (I know it's a CGC problem but I'm a bit jaded after having purchased a bannana book with crease marks to boot) . PSA case is still a work in progress. I need the case to be similar in size as CGC/CBCS, remove the frosted edges and yes fix the label.
Excellent review, Swag. Very informative.
The Venom PSA case has some nice features: uniform frosted view, the back with the branded PSA logo in the plastic, the book is always centered,.... Curious about the final product.
I’m not the target audience here (I own 0 slabs), but I’ve always thought CGC cases look pretty cheap - mostly due to the variety of fonts at the top. Aside from the grading number (which does need to be seen from afar), I think minimizing the distraction from the cover is a great design choice. Keep it simple.
Looks great. Venom
The PSA case is nice, your completely right about the font. Book title should be a couple fonts larger. It looks very professional though. I feel that CGC could drop the universal grade band at the top. Everyone knows the blue label is universal at this point. The frost is unnecessary on the psa, i like the clear look too.
That would be awesome to win the "Venom"!
While I do think the PSA case is more heavy duty, I think it's too much. The biggest enemy of any collector is lack of space. What I do like from PSA, is the design of the Frosted plastic, especially the corners look great. The label is kind of meh, but that's an easy fix.
Also, beyond the size issue, all that extra weight is going to be problematic for collectors that want to hang there slabs on a wall. It's a good first effort, but the PSA case need to be slimmed down by half an inch going all the way around book. The extra plastic is a distraction and will increase the cost of slabbing a book with PSA.
I’m going to have to send some books into PSA Venom
Venom - ready for PSA in the comic grading market, their set registry is awesome. Not something that ever gets talked about for these kind of videos.
The PSA case looks nice and solid. Venom!
The PSA really makes the book stand out!!! It made me think about being a collector not a grader. Buy the book not the grade!!! CGC is so bad at grading you have to give the book a thorough looking over times 5. I think once PSA makes a few changes they wipe CGC out. Seriously going to give PSA books a chance once they come out. You can't trust CGC under any circumstances.
both cases look great and we are venom !
Venom.
We didn’t see the top. Is there a label up there to view which comic it is if placed in a box? I like the idea PSA has for keeping their case size uniform across all ages and media. The frosted look to me doesn’t take away from the presentation, but gives it a more pictures frame feeling. If you’re hanging it on the wall, you have a border. I like it overall. Price is going to factor in my decision on using their services.
I like the look of VENOM in the PSA case
The key to success - - and I'll say it now even though I don't get any royalty for this - - is to organize a lot of in-house signings.
A lot of CGC's yellow label money is generated by their inhouse signing events. Which people submit to because of the big names involved. CBCS never does this. Okay maybe Maybe once or twice, and only B-level artists at best.
PSA actually has the money to get big names onboard to do private signings.
@winterpurple4587 CBCS has by far the best authentication service, but I think you are right getting the big names to 2 for 1 sign and slab would be amazing
Do you see it having Newton rings and is the inner welling loose or the book doesn’t move when you shake the slab
Can you see the spine with all that frosting on the Psa case? At least on the CGC case and for that matter the CCS and the PGX you can see the spines.
I love the PSA case. But I would love to see them do a case that is the size of the CGC case because new boxes will have to be made just for PSA slabs and that may hurt them. Also the weight is an issue for folks getting up in age. Not easy to move stuff around that is considerably heavier than what they are used to.
If CBCS failed to compete with CGC because people didn't like their label, I see no hope for PSA while they cling to that garish monstrosity of a label. Worse than CBCS' previous labels IMO.
It's also funny to me that PSA would choose to make their slabs a different size even though the industry is already making sleeves and boxes to fit CGC/CBCS cases. Do they think that the industry will incur the costs associated with producing products to match their new slab size?
i like the new psa cases, Venom looks great in it
Great review, as I knew you’d do! I was hoping for a Darkhawk #1 side-by-side comparison! 😂
I like the idea of the beefier case, especially if the encasement is actually better(e.g. no Newton rings, tamper-proof, and non-warping / banana bends). It also sounds like it would work for larger format books, like magazines, pulps, and treasury editions, where CGC’s cases tend to feel more fragile and bendy. I do like the frosted surround and the certain centering. However, you mention this millimeter concept, which threw me a bit … 😂
The points about functionality on the label are so valid. I’m not concerned about the beauty of the label, but the fonts and information should be imminently usable.
Ultimately, PSA’s processes are what I’m looking for to revolutionize grading again. Pre-touch photos for evidence is a game-changer! How quickly they scale and turn around books is, as well. I’ve had books trapped at CGC for weeks AFTER they met the 2-day turnaround for grading, which is just AWFUL. And the crazy amount of issues with CGC’s quality control is definitely something that PSA can set a new standard on.
I’m excited to submit to PSA, and have completely stopped submitting to CGC because of their problems and the way they address them in the community. The loss of trust is substantial, and CGC has to move mountains to get back in the good graces of many folks. PSA is coming in at the right time with the right messaging and improvements to seriously put CGC on their heels. Bring it on!
The PSA label looks like an OG CGC case minus the grade number
Thats how CGC got their OG label design they took it from PSA. Then over time got to the label we see today. PSA have been grading cards since i think 1991
The inner wells of CGC always shift around inside the slab. Bumping the corners and lowering the grade of the book.
Does the book/inner well shift side2side, up/down or forward/backwards inside PSA?
Nice Venom piece.
PSA really needs to compete with CGC and EGS with the labels. Cards are typically sports cards with "stats", comics are art and need a good mat and frame to match.
Venom movie looks great 👀
I like the PSA case, but i think they should keep that size for magazine and golden age, and have a smaller one for silver and modern. Also would be nice if they took the red border around the label and made a red circle around the grading number to make it stand out. Also make the psa center box smaller to give more room for larger text of the title and info for us older collectors. Venom rules!!
I picked up the PSA case at SDCC and thought it was way too heavy. Also don't care for the label and size.
Venom
I love the competition. You should have done a 3 way comparison and included CBCS. Those PSA labels are yuck right now. I think you mentioned it before about the color red on a comic slab looks bad. I wonder how things are going to pan out after the lawsuit with Beckett ...
I'm so tired of receiving CGC books that are scuffed... The CGC shippers like to forcibly shove the books into the box, tearing the plastic bags and scratching up the new case... I'm so ready to switch.
Venom is a cool character!! Love Marvel
Id like to see PSA in person.
Venom
The size of the PSA slab is the biggest issue. I have heard that they will offer different options and that the larger slab is more of a "premium" slab but it is just a deal-breaker. Everything from storage to display will be affected profoundly if you have a lot of slabbed books. For a single book it isn't a problem. For 100 or 1000 or 5000? Huge issue.
They have a great opportunity to get this right at a time where CGC is vulnerable and everyone, including me wants them to succeed. Fix the size and make a better label and they can print money.
The fact they will not budge to make the label more inline with what comic collectors want and the larger case that doesnt fit in anything makes me not want to use them regardless of how good the case actually is.
I kind of like the frosted border. Fonts should be bigger on the PSA label. Venom!
PSA casing is new in the eye, but CGC is more clearer and elegant. It will depends now to their clients/customers who is more trusted, affordable, and dependable.
I like the PSA case the lettering needs to be bigger that’s what she said. I like the size of the case for the reason of displaying your magazine next to your comics will be more eye pleasing. The cases will be the same sizes
I just wonder how their membership will work for comics? Currently if you sign up they give you $120 in Loupe credit & $60 Fanatics to buy cards with, comic people aren't going to want to mess with Loupe & Fanatics Live to buy cards. PSA needs to offer something different. Maybe they can give a free $150 credit in comic submissions like CGC does for buying the yearly membership.
Not bad at all Venom ❤
Thank you very much for this detailed review. I've been waiting for a review that puts these two slabs side-by-side and on top of one another. A few thoughts... (1) Do you think the PSA slab only appears clearer due to the stark contrast between the underlying frosted well and the portion that exhibits the comic? (2) I'm afraid that you may have given CGC an idea at 12:50 on how to hide the bent inner wells--just frost the sides! (2) I'm in the minority of people who actually liked the previous incarnation of the CBCS label, but the PSA makes the CBCS label look like there's a party going on! (3) I really hate that the slabs are so much wider than the CGC/CBCS slabs. This will really cause my OCD to flair up when I can't keep consecutive books in a run in the same box because they are graded by different services. (4) Is the aspect ratio of the PSA case closer to the aspect ratio of a raw comic? CGC/CBCS slabs do not in order to accommodate the label. (5) If it were not for bend/banana gate, I wouldn't consider using PSA; however, I just might. P.S. Pick me, my lord! #Venom.
Great topic.
I think when you said "millimeters" you meant "centimeters". ;)
The one that's cheaper and has less scandals and has better turn around times. I pay for the grade not the label
That's the major problem for us. Value is unfortunately based on the stupid label.
@@Dev003x I agree the collectors focus is in the wrong place with the label should be about the grade and how secure the book is in the case.
VENOM. Thanks
im digging the frosted plastic. its about getting the attention of the book not the case in my opinion, and psa does it
Gotta love that PSA is in the game to give CGC some competition, right? Maybe the consumer gets better deals with competition?
I have no idea what Venom book that is. Label says Kith #3 but the comic shows #1. Best I can see is maybe a SDCC Venom exclusive book?
Any news from CGC in Tampa are they safe , everyone there got scuba gear?
CGC label is so much better and it's not really close
I think the size of the case is a deal breaker for me. CBCS and CGC adhere to the same size-ish cases, I prefer consistency. Not a fan of the fogged tray either. Also, the oversized case, when you store it with other slabs, is there a better chance for damage if a smaller slab collides with it causing cracking or scratching.
Another thing with the PSA Label they used all caps...that will also make it harder to read....it just doesn't flow as well. The Red on the label keeps ringing out as a negative thing to me.... Maybe from years of having red pounded into my head as wrong, stop, negative, red marker = bad so it just seems weird on the label to me....not very inviting I guess. Also Blue, as in the CGC label, is the most relaxing color for the human eye out of all colors. I didn't like the frosted plastic at first but now it has kinda grown on me... it seems to frame the book like art. When you set the books on the table together, man, that PSA case just looks way more pro.
When you were comparing the edges and PSA has frosted edge. ...well maybe CGC should start frosting their edge so people can't see the bends in their books anymore :)
And when you say millimeter, do you mean centimeter differences? Because only 1-2 millimeter difference wouldn’t be minimal but looking at when you stacked them on top, it definitely looked pretty substantial
But does the PSA have banana effect, cause we love to have our books damaged and bent.