SLABBA DABBA DOO-DOO: Any Advice On Removing CGC SLABS?

[Scott Shaw!]

I've recently acquired a few new vintage Oddball Comics that are, unfortunately, encased in those idiotic "CGC" lucite slabs. I believe in keeping books in good condition, but this is ridiculous -- I want to READ the comics!

So, does anyone out there know the correct way to crack open one of these !!?$%!&?!! slabs without damaging the comics within and/or injuring myself? I'm REALLY clumsy and I need help!

Aloha,

Scott!

P.S.: (I hear it costs $40 to have a comic graded and "slabbed"!) -- SS!

[Samurai]

I don't buy slabbed books, so I can't say, but here is the CGC message board... I'm sure someone there can help you out, though the idea of opening one there will likely be deemed heresy...

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?Cat=

[Scott Shaw!]

I'm not kidding, folks. I need help -- and fast. (Either that or I've gotta switch my selection for ODDBALL COMICS' upcoming 5th Anniversary.) Any useful suggestions?

Aloha,

Scott!

[MWGallaher]

Weird...the only thing I've been able to find on unslabbing CGC comics (I don't have any) only claims that doing so is not reversable. Has noone ever opened one?!

[T GUy]

CGC message board... the idea of opening one there will likely be deemed heresy... - Samurai

That's alright; here the idea of putting a comic into one of those things is regarded as heresy...

unslabbing CGC comics (I don't have any) only claims that doing so is not reversable - MWG

You mean that if Scott takes that issue of Treasure Chest or Prez out of its 'slab' it'll never be able to be put in a slab again?

Scott: do you have an angle grinder around? I mean, those things are designed to cut paving slabs. One of the GCG's slabs ahould present no problem.

[Scott Shaw!]

I'm pleased to report that, despite great risk to my life and limb, the dirty deed is done.

I had three CGC comics -- the first I'd ever owned -- to de-slab. First, I pried open the side-fissure with a flathead screwdriver. Then, using an old steel ruler as a "shim", I carefully worked my way around the edges to the top, breaking the seal. That done, I could easily remove the comic inside, which was hermetically sealed inside a labeled, plastic sleeve. Using scissors, I carefully cut open this plastic pouch, saving the label. Inside each comic's inside-front and inside-back covers was a piece of that special paper used to suck the acid out of cheap pulp paper. The lucite pieces of slab are still mostly intact; I'll probably use 'em the next time I have to ship some particularly fragile comics.

All of the books were in fairly low grade, so it's not as though I was somehow "endangering" them. But I'll admit, after a lifetime of trying to preserve collectibles, it was a strange feeling trying to intentionally break something!

And you'll be seeing all three of 'em very soon -- CHOICE COMICS No. 1 will be featured for the column's 5th anniversary -- at ODDBALL COMICS!

Aloha,

Scott!

P.S.: "Angle grinder"? If that's a power tool, there's NO WAY you want me to go near one! I'm fine as long as I'm operating in 2-D, but when I have to deal with reality, I'm one unintentionally dangerous dude! -- SS!

[Nate C.]

Scott,

I work weekends so I don't post then much, but I have de-slabbed 3 CGC comics and I gotta tell you, it feels great.

I used an exacto knife to work all the way around, breaking the seal, then prying it open. Then I used the same blade to open the inner "well" which is a bag of sorts.

My unslabbed CGC books?

X-Men #1 (1963)
Daredevil 168
Amazing Spider-Man 90

I would encourage the use of de-slabbing for most books. Unslabbers unite!!!

Nate.