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Batman
#1 · 1940
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DC Comics · 1940 · CGC 4.5 · Universal Blue
Batman's first solo title — introducing the Joker and Catwoman in one book. CGC 4.5 VG+.
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Batman #1 (Spring 1940) is among the top-ten most valuable comics in existence. It introduces both the Joker — in two separate stories — and Selina Kyle (here called 'the Cat'), making it a landmark even within the Golden Age.
This CGC 4.5 VG+ copy shows light wear with bright cover colours. The iconic Bob Kane cover featuring Batman and Robin against a yellow moon is vivid and striking at this grade.
Both Joker stories ('The Joker' and 'The Joker Returns') appear here alongside Robin's early adventures. A truly irreplaceable piece of comics history.
This copy is encapsulated by CGC at 4.5 on a Universal Blue label under certification number 1102233445, which you can verify independently on the CGC website before you buy. The holder is intact and has not been cracked, re-sealed or altered.
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What is Batman #1 worth? See the Batman #1 price guide (1 copy on sale by grade).
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Background on Batman, the grade and what drives the price.
Key issues
Most famous Batman quotes come from films, TV and animation rather than the original comics, and no quote makes a comic more valuable. What collectors pay for is a key issue, such as Detective Comics #27, in a high certified grade.
Updated Oct 11, 2026
Characters
Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27, cover-dated May 1939, in a six-page story titled “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate”, created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and published by Detective Comics, Inc. (DC). Finger, who wrote the story and shaped the costume, was officially credited by DC as co-creator from 2015. A CGC 8.0 copy sold for 1.5 million dollars at Heritage Auctions in January 2022.
Updated Oct 11, 2026
AuctionsConfirmed
According to The Beat's report from New York Comic Con, ICv2's Milton Greipp estimated at Thursday's ICv2 White Paper that comics sales in comic shops are up 19% so far in 2026, with graphic novels up 28%. The Beat notes this comes against even bigger growth last year.
Oct 9, 2026
Values
A comic book values price guide gives a reference figure for a title, issue and grade, but it is not what a particular copy will sell for. The real value comes from the exact condition of your copy and what comparable copies have recently sold for.
Updated Oct 11, 2026
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