The Pop Insider entered into a strategic partnership with Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). The collectible grading company is The Pop Insider’s official grading partner – and you can get your collectibles appraised at New York Comic Con (NYCC)! Certification gives buyers and sellers confidence and assurance in their collectibles and hobby.
At The Pop Insider, our goal is always to help our readers fuel their fandom through collectibles, from comic books and baseball cards to video games and beyond. CGC understands what collectibles mean to fans, and helping them get their items graded goes a long way in preserving their value for years to come. We are so happy to have them as our official grading partner."
CGC is the world’s first independent and impartial third-party comic book grading service. CGC and its companies have certified more than 90 million collectibles, including comic books, trading cards, and video games. The company appraises online and in its offices worldwide in the U.S., UK, Germany, and China. It was founded in 2000, dedicated to the grading and certification of pop culture collectibles. In 2022, CGC launched CGC Video Games, dedicated to expert and impartial video game grading; 2023 saw the launch of CGC Home Video, dedicated to the expert grading of VHS and Betamax videocassettes, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
Fans can submit their collectibles for review in three ways: Join the CGC Collectors Society, submit through a CGC Authorized Dealer, or via a CGC comics internet partner. There will also be opportunities to have your valuables graded at NYCC: CGC Signature Series will have authorized witnesses for fans who need signatures authenticated.
CGC ensures accuracy and integrity while safeguarding and grading valuables, which is a multi-step process. Expert graders work under security cameras and collectibles are entered into the company’s receiving system. When an item is received, it is immediately verified and authenticated. Each collectibles is stored in the company’s vault while awaiting grading, then encased in a protective holder — and examined for quality assurance – before it is returned.
Of course, no collectible is alike; each item has its own needs, and CGC considers that during the process. The company examines comic books for page count, overall quality, stains, staples, and bends, while cards are examined for centering, corners, surfaces, and edges.
Collectors can view CGC’s grading videos online and read CGC President Matt Nelson’s video The CGC Guide to Grading Comics. CGC has uploaded videos regarding comics, cards, and video games. Collectors can also learn about comic defects in the company’s free online guide.
CGC is excited to partner with The Pop Insider and connect with fans who are passionate about comics, collectibles and pop culture. The partnership is designed to create a more integrated experience for collectors and enthusiasts, aligning CGC’s reputation for quality grading and authentication with The Pop Insider's robust platform for entertainment and collectible news. This dynamic duo is like adding a variant cover to your favorite comic — adding something fresh, exciting, and totally collectible to both brands’ stories!"
CGC has given The Pop Insider lanyards, stickers, hats, and more to give away at its booth (No. 1829) at NYCC. GCG will be at its booth (No. 3007) with James Spence Authentication, where con-goers will find more giveaways, including swag and custom art by Marvel Comics artist Clayton Crain, who designed a custom comic for the booth’s wall. CGC plans to give away Batman and Wolverine anniversary pins and host a Golden Egg Hunt. Collectors can also enjoy a “Meet the Grader” event with Matt Nelson, CGC President, and Shawn Caffrey, vice president of Comics Grading.
Collectors can learn more about CGC at collectiblesgroup.com.
