New comics smudging easily

Zhurrie

I'm a bit OCD with my comics and even my read comics would easily pass as entirely unread by even the best grader. I never open them even near flat and I always wash and dry my hands fully before touching them. I've noticed a trend I'm not so keen on the past few weeks, smudging. Covers mainly and it has been Image, Dark Horse, and even Marvel books so not one publisher. I barely touch them and my copy of Ragemoor #1 (which was terrible) had the blue/green color on the front center of the cover actually wear away to a white spot, and another has a full copy of my thumbprint from literally being picked up to bag and board it... not even read. The weather/humidity hasn't been crazy and these have been within 15 minutes of purchasing them from a comic shop. Anyone else notice this? I'm going to have to add Nitrile gloves to my comic reading requirements it seems.

DoctorDoom

I've noticed it on occasion.

Getting an iPad is starting to look better and better...

WetRats

Save yourself some stress, go digital.

Mr_Cosmic

I've noticed this too. Even with trades.

Zhurrie

I'll keep my print comics and when they go away so will I. It has happened in the past on rare occasions but it seems like every week I have a book that reacts like this now and it doesn't matter who the publisher is. I tested with that Ragemoor #1 and with fully dry and clean hands in a different spot the color wiped off with just a single touch. I'm pretty well versed in printing and quality printing like giclees and this is definitely a new trend and not a good one. Really frustrating on comics and trades that cost what they do. Archaia is the one company that I never even have a single doubt with, their stuff is done exceedingly well and it really is a shame if this keeps up.