FAQ

Terms:

Final Order Cutoff (FOC): The last date on which comic book retailers can adjust their initial orders for upcoming comic issues before they go to print. This allows retailers to increase or decrease their orders based on demand, ensuring they have the right quantity to meet customer interest without overstocking.

By ordering comics before the FOC date, consumers can often guarantee that they will receive a copy of the issues they want. Retailers base their final orders on customer demand, so pre-ordering helps ensure enough copies are printed and available. 

Conditions for Toys, Cards, and Comics:

  • Mint Condition: A toy that is in perfect, like-new condition, with no damage or wear.
  • Near Mint (NM): A toy that is almost perfect, with only minor signs of handling or wear.
  • Loose: A toy that is no longer in its original packaging.
  • MIB (Mint in Box): A toy that is in mint condition and still in its original box.
  • MOC (Mint on Card): A toy that is in mint condition and still attached to its original card backing.
  • NRFB (Never Removed From Box): A toy that has never been taken out of its original packaging.
  • Carded: A toy that is packaged on a cardboard backing, often with a clear plastic blister covering the toy.
  • Blister Pack: A type of packaging where the toy is enclosed in a clear plastic bubble attached to a cardboard backing.

Collectibility and Value for Toys, Cards, and Comics:

  • Variant: A version of a toy that has a different feature (color, accessory, packaging) from the standard version.
  • Exclusive: A toy that is only available through a specific retailer, event, or as a promotional item.
  • Limited Edition: A toy produced in a limited quantity, often individually numbered.
  • Chase Figure: A rare figure that is harder to find than regular figures in a series, often with unique features.
  • Prototype: An early sample of a toy, often hand-made, used to test and refine the design before mass production.
  • Custom: A toy that has been modified or repainted by an individual collector or artist.

Comic Formats and Types

  • Single Issue: A standard comic book, typically 20-30 pages, released periodically.
  • Trade Paperback (TPB): A collection of single issues bound together in a larger volume, often encompassing a complete story arc.
  • Graphic Novel: A long-form comic book that tells a complete story, often published as a single book rather than serialized in issues.
  • Mini-Series: A comic book series with a predetermined, limited number of issues, usually between 3-12.
  • Ongoing Series: A comic book series with no predetermined endpoint, continuing as long as sales and interest sustain it.
  • One-Shot: A single, self-contained comic book issue.

Card Collecting and Trading

  • Booster Pack: A sealed package of random cards, typically used to expand a player's collection.
  • Starter Deck: A pre-constructed deck designed for new players to start playing the game.
  • Set/Expansion: A specific series of cards released together, often themed around a particular storyline or concept.
  • Chase Card: A highly sought-after card that is rare and often valuable.
  • Binder: A book with pockets used to organize and display a card collection.
  • Sleeve: A protective cover used to keep cards in good condition.

Card Types

  • Common: A card that is easy to obtain and usually less powerful or desirable.
  • Uncommon: A card that is moderately difficult to obtain.
  • Rare: A card that is difficult to obtain and typically more powerful or desirable.
  • Ultra Rare/Mythic Rare: Cards that are very difficult to obtain and highly valuable.
  • Foil/Holo: A card with a shiny, reflective surface, often more collectible.
  • Promo: A card released as part of a promotional event, often limited in availability.