Key issues

Some comics matter beyond the story inside them. A first appearance, a first issue, a death, a costume change, an artist's debut. Those are key issues, and they are flagged on the card so you can spot them while browsing.

Major key and key

There are two flags rather than one, and the split is deliberate.

• Major key. The significant ones. First appearances of characters people actually chase, and issues that changed something.
• Key. Genuinely notable, but not in the first group. A first issue of a run, an early appearance, a notable cover.

One flag for both would have been useless. Roughly a sixth of this collection carries some kind of key designation. A badge that appears on one book in six tells you nothing about which book to look at.

Where the designation comes from

The key data comes from my collection database rather than being assigned by hand here. That means it is consistent across the whole catalog, and it also means it reflects a general view of what matters rather than my personal opinion of a given book.

A key issue is not a grade

The two are independent. A major key in rough shape is still a major key, and a common book in beautiful condition is still a common book. The flag tells you the issue is notable. The grade tells you the state of that particular copy. Price reflects both, plus the market.

Looking for something specific?

Search by series or title from the browse page. If you cannot find a book you expect me to have, email support@grabmyslabs.com or use the contact form and I'll check.