Copyright 1996-1999 Eric G. Myers

TERMINOLOGY:

Bubbling (card): Evidence of card separation present when portions of the card surface become raised or bubble-like in appearance. Bubbling is generally seen away from the edges of the card. (Also see Separation)

Card: A card is considered to be any piece of material used as a backing in the packaging of an action figure (or similar toy). Cards are usually made of cardboard though may composed of other materials (e.g., a totally plastic "clamshell"). This guide assumes a cardboard card (the most common type).

Card Surface Tear: Noticeable rip or tear of the paper, cardboard, print or ink of the card surface. May occur on either the card front or back. Most commonly caused by the removal of a price tag or sticker. Other causes include removal of store stickers, anti-theft devices, or special offer stickers. [Note: Price tags and other stickers can actually hide previous damage such as a previous tag removal tear.]

Corner Curl: One of the most frequent flaws found with modern carded action figures. Since the majority of cards are square, rectangular or have angular edges, corners can be easily curled up due to poor shipping, shelf wear, poor storage or improper handling. Corners generally curl at approximately a 45 degree angle. Minor curls can sometimes be corrected without further damage to the card (see "Curl").

Crack (card): In terms of the card, a crack occurs when part of the print or ink is removed or damaged. Usually occurs due to a crease or fold, but may also occur spontaneously due to improper exposure to light or heat.

Crack (bubble): In terms of the bubble, a crack is a noticeable fracture, crevice, split or chip-like flaw in the plastic covering of the action figure but does not include the separation of the bubble from the card itself (though cracks may be present along the boundary of the separation).

Crease: A severe curl or bend that leaves a permanent mark or crinkle on the print or ink. A crease can occur without completely cracking or removing the print or ink. Severe creases may allow portions of the underlying cardboard to show through.

Curl: Less severe than a crease. Cardboard can be bent somewhat without damaging the print or ink. Many curls can be corrected without further damaging the card. [A note of caution, however -- as with other "invisible" repairs, it is very easy to unintentionally worsen a defect by trying to fix it. Thus, trying to un-curl curls can very easily lead to the bubble actually separating from the cardback -- so be careful.]

Dent (bubble): An indentation or concave section of the clear plastic bubble not originally intended by the manufacturer. May or may not be accompanied by a whitening of the clear plastic.

Detachment (bubble): see "Separation/Detachment."

Ding (bubble): Similar to a dent, but on a smaller scale. May or may not be accompanied by a whitening of the clear plastic.

Fraying: When cardboard fiber is pulled apart or stretched, individual fibers begin to show, giving a fuzzy impression to the cardboard (at the edges especially). Non-frayed cardboard is usually tightly packed and firm.

Hole (card): Any complete piercing or perforation of the card or bubble. Occasionally, some older items did not come with a hook or hole to hang the item on a peg or rack. Some retailers took it upon themselves to punch or cut holes into the card or bubble for just this purpose. Holes are sometimes also put in cards/bubbles to compensate for damaged peg hooks or holes. Conversely, some retailers will try to bolster a weak or frayed/torn peg hole with a plastic stick-on reinforcement. This should be noted in any description of the card-hole. Holes are occasionally found for tags or other promotional items.

LLH: Lower Left Hand (as in LLH corner).

LRH: Lower Right Hand (as in LRH corner).

Price Tag Tear: See "Card Surface Tear."

Punched (card): Signifies that the little piece of cardboard that filled the hanger hole or hook has been removed so that the item may be hung on a peg or rack. Most current figures are found with punched cards.

Reforming (bubble): Some bubble defects can be at least superficially corrected by reshaping the bubble gently by hand. This includes popping out small dents or reshaping dings. Many times, this reformation is quite evident in a whitening of the clear plastic.

Repair: Any restorative action taken in an attempt to fix a perceived defect. These can include (but are not limited to) tape repair (see below), use of staples, card flattening, bubble resealing, glue repairs, hanger hole reinforcement (see Hole) and color enhancement.

Separation/Detachment (bubble): Since bubbles are affixed to card in some manner, there is a chance that they can become detached. Some bubbles are detached (at least partially) from the card in order to remove the figure inside. Conversely, these figures can also be replaced at a later time.

Separation (card): Many cards are actually two pieces of cardboard which are joined together to form the front and back of the finished action figure card. For a variety of reasons, these two halves may begin to pull away from each other. Most typically, this process begins at the corners. Separation can be complete in the most severe cases. More commonly, separation is observed only on a section of the card. Fraying often accompanies separation. (also see Bubbling)

Staining: A permanent discoloration of the card or bubble due to contact with some foreign substance. Usually caused by a liquid of some type but may also be the result of contact with other materials (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.). Separate from bubble or card yellowing which may occur without contact with any foreign substances.

Tape Repair: Occasionally, scotch tape (or other type of tape adhesive) is used to repair a card or reseal a bubble. Some types of tape may be removed without further damage. Some tapes themselves can damage the surface of the card or bubble, even if not removed. [also see Repair and Restoration]

ULH: Upper Left Hand (as in ULH corner).

Unpunched (card): Signifies that the little piece of cardboard that fills the hanger hook or hole is still in place. An unpunched item has never been displayed on a peg or rack. More commonly found in older lines like original Star Wars or Marvel Secret Wars. Though infrequent, even current lines such as McFarlane Toys occasionally can be found with unpunched cards.

URH: Upper Right Hand (as in URH corner).

Yellowing (bubble): Plastic bubbles may begin to yellow for a variety of reasons. In short, yellowing is an indication of the breakdown of the plastic used to make the bubble. The process of yellowing is irreversible though it may be slowed down in a number of ways. Probable causes for yellowing are excess exposure to heat, humidity and UV light. Severe exposure can lead to bubbles that are completely brown and opaque.

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