Conservation Service Even though conservation is restorative by definition, it does not include the aesthetic repairs associated with our restoration service, such as piece fill, page bleaching, and color touch. As a result, conservation cost is more modest. There are three general reasons to use the conservation service: 1) To rid a comic of harmful agents, such as tape, glue, mold, rust, and stains. 2) To repair a singular defect that dramatically decreases the grade of a beautiful comic. 3) To resuscitate very low grade comics so they can at least be handled and collectible. Preserving comics for the future Click to Enlarge This Batman #1 had a store stamp glued to the front cover, but was otherwise a nice mid-grade copy. For $120, the sticker was removed and the appearance of the book dramatically improved. Regardless of grade, many comics exhibit dangerous agents that can threaten its future, such as tape and glue repairs, mold, rust, and stains. All of these defects can contribute to the comic's degradation if not removed or neutralized. Glue and tape both contain chemicals that break down paper over time. This is evidenced by how paper sometimes turns dark or brittle underneath tape. Mold eventually turns into foxing, which clearly affects the grade of the comic. Rust, beginning on a comic book's staples, can continue to migrate into the paper causing brittleness and eventual detachment. The staples themselves may disintegrate as well. Depending on what causes them, stains can break paper down over time if left alone. All of these defects can be removed or halted using our cleaning process. Staple cleaning or even staple replacement can halt the rust process, although proper storage conditions are necessary to ensure rust does not reoccur. Repairing singular defects that dramatically affect a comic's grade Click to Enlarge A More Fun #26 that at first glance appears to be beyond help. Closer inspection revealed that the brown tape was removable, and the white area at the bottom was actually paper from another book that had adhered to the cover. Removal and spine support totaled $220. Many times a beautiful comic will exhibit only one or two major defects that significantly lowers the grade. Examples range from detached covers and centerfolds to cleanly split spines, detached pieces, a long tear, or large spine roll. Minor support or sealing using archival rice paper can easily correct these defects, bringing the comic's grade back to where it should be. No piece replacement or color touch is used in conservation work.       Resuscitating very low grade comics Ever find those really beat, low grade copies of expensive comics that are just too cheap to pass up? Sometimes they're hanging on for dear life, with only the bag and board holding them together. Even thumbing through it seems impossible without incurring damage. Click to Enlarge This copy of Buck Rogers was nearly complete, but the cover was detached, and suffered from multiple creases and tears. After a basic cleaning, rice paper support and tear seals, the book is now in very collectible shape, and can be handled safely. Cost: $250. Here's where conservation works wonders. A simple cleaning with necessary support and seals can bring a book back from the brink of destruction and make it collectible again. Given the low cost of conservation, it's feasible on just about any Golden and Silver Age key issue, as well as many other early issues that are valuable in the guide. The cost of conservation ranges from $30 (staple replacement) to $350 (full job), and can include water, dry and solvent cleaning, tear seals, support, staple cleaning/replacement and pressing. Turn times are based on the extent of work performed. See the chart top left of this page for a complete list of services and prices. To submit comics for conservation, or any other service, please go here.