Our AI is trained based on a traditional comic book grading standard and evaluates cover wear, spine condition, creases, stains, and other defects to produce a grade. It's designed to give collectors a reliable, consistent reference grade for their books, on-demand. Because there is variance across camera lenses, lighting conditions, camera stability, etc, some variance should be expected from time to time. On a regular basis, the AI will be updated based on the books submitted, feedback received regarding the specific grade of the book, and human training input — so expect our accuracy to improve over time.

For most collectors, AI Comic Grading offers something the traditional companies simply can't — instant results, no shipping risk, and the ability to keep your book readable. If you're a serious investor who needs a certified slab for high-value auction or resale, a physical grading service may still fit that specific need. But for the everyday collector who wants to know what they have, grade books before buying at a show, or build a personal grading history, AI Comic Grading is a faster, more affordable, and more convenient solution.

Absolutely not.

We encourage it! That's one of the best use cases. Pull out your phone at a show, photograph a book you're thinking of buying, and get a grade before you hand over any money.

For now, the AI Comic Grading app is free, but we do expect to implement a modest pricing model in the future which will cover the costs of building and running the app. This hasn't been fully worked out yet, but the initial thought is something around $5 for 12 comic submissions / grades received.