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Definition:
The term "slab" when it comes to comic books is used to describe the kind of comic book that is sealed in some kind of protective device. The process is referred to as "slabbing" and a comic that has gone through the process is called a "slabbed comic".
Most of the comic books that are slabbed right now are comic books that have been graded by a grading company such as CGC or PGX. They put a seal on the comic book that you have to break in order to access the comic book in the protective sleeve.
If the seal has been broken, then the grade has become invalidated. These kinds of comic books are highly sought after since they take the grading process out of the hands of the buyer and seller. This is great as grading can be such a subjective process and it takes any question as to what condition the comic book is in.
Some people love a slabbed comic as with it comes that all valuable grade and any question as to the value of the comic can be diminished greatly. A professionally graded comic book can have a much higher value than a non-graded comic book as has been seen on the open market. There are those that don't like the concept of slabbing as it makes the comic book inaccessible for reading and totally invalidates one big aspect of collecting comic books...that is the reading portion of it.
No matter what stance on slabbing is, the process is here to stay, especially for older comic books that can be valued in the millions.
Pronunciation: slab
Also Known As: encased
Examples: Check out my slabbed copy of Fantastic Four #1!
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