Before packing
Match every comic to the submission order and photograph the books and finished parcel for your own records. Remove loose extras that are not requested, including certificates of authenticity, previous labels and promotional inserts.
Use clean bags and correctly sized backing boards. Put the comic in with its spine aligned safely and avoid tape that can touch a cover when the book is removed.
Build a rigid comic sandwich
Place the bagged books between flat corrugated-cardboard sheets cut slightly larger than the comics on every side. Secure the sandwich firmly enough to prevent sliding, but do not tighten tape or bands until they bow the boards or press the corners.
For several books, keep the stack square and use additional rigid dividers where useful. Do not rely on a padded envelope, thin mailer or bubble wrap alone to prevent bending.
Choose the outer box
Use a strong box with room for cushioning on all six sides. Fill empty space so the comic sandwich cannot move when the sealed parcel is gently tilted. Keep hard objects, loose accessories and box seams away from comic edges.
A box within a box can add protection for valuable submissions. Avoid an oversized outer carton with large unsupported voids, because movement creates impact damage.
Seal, label and insure
Put the Fantasy Road order reference inside the parcel and follow the address instructions supplied with the order. Seal every opening with parcel tape and cover or remove old barcodes.
Choose tracked, adequately insured postage based on the full replacement value. Customer-arranged transit remains the customer’s responsibility until Fantasy Road receives and checks the parcel; Fantasy Road’s operational insurance applies through the managed process after receipt.
What happens at intake
Intake means Fantasy Road receives the parcel, matches the comics to the paid order, checks the quantity and visible arrival condition, and records each comic against the customer account.
Keep the carrier receipt and tracking details until intake is confirmed. If the parcel appears damaged, the photographs and postage evidence may be needed for a carrier claim.
What to do next
Use this guidance to shortlist suitable comics, then use the Fantasy Road submission form for current prices and service eligibility. CGC assigns the final grade and its published turnaround times are estimates, not guarantees.
