Question

select the word that means like new. comic books decrease in value after they have been damaged. because of this, collectors store their comics in protective sleeves. these covers help guard against dust and dirt, keeping comics in mint condition.

Explanation:

The text explains that comic books lose value when damaged, and protective sleeves help keep them "in mint condition" by guarding against dust and dirt. Since the question is to find the word meaning "like new", and the context shows that "mint condition" is achieved by preventing damage (so the comic remains like new), the word is "mint" (from "mint condition").

Answer:

mint (from "mint condition" in the text, as the sleeves keep comics like new by protecting from damage)