Adventure Comics #42

We sure like a challenge and this fire-damaged, trimmed on all sides, brittle, water-stained copy of Adventure Comics #42 fit the bill! The book was dry-cleaned to remove the surface dirt and soot then washed to remove all the soluble acids from the interiors. To restore flexibility to the interiors, the book was bleached. During washing and bleaching treatments, any brittle pieces usually detach - in this case the entire spine of the book fragmented. Leafcasting of the interiors and cover was done and the newly formed folios were then restored with all damaged interior panels redrawn, all missing and damaged areas of the cover recreated and any areas of loss infilled to bring the final dimensions of the book back to its original size. After inpainting, recreation of all fine details and recoating of the cover, the final book was refolded and pressed. What was once a brittle pile of paper is now a supple, solid book that can be read and enjoyed for many more years to come.