A copy of Detective Comics #27 CGC 2.5, the historic first appearance of Batman published in 1939, has sold for a record price of $410,000 at ComicLink. It is the first time the historic issue in this condition has eclipsed the $400,000 mark, edging closer to the price of $569,000 realized for a higher grade 5.0 in the spring of 2018.
“The issue housing the first appearance of Batman has long stood as one of the most coveted comics in the world. Scarce on the market, chances to acquire complete unrestored examples are slim and buyers really have to jump on any example offered in order to acquire it,” ComicLink CEO Josh Nathanson said. “The sold example looks great for the condition assigned, as it has visual appeal usually associated with a much higher grade, more consistent with the appearance of a 5.5 than a 2.5. The back cover has lesser eye appeal and there is tape on the interior spine, therefore the condition of 2.5 was assigned. Preservation is outstanding for the near 80-year-old issue, with near newsstand-fresh Off-White to White Pages.”
Almost every comic book collector dreams of owning this book. Batman is one of the most popular characters in the DC Universe. Batman is a household name worldwide, featured in comics, graphic novels, movies, TV, and games.
The book was published towards the beginning of the Golden Age of comic books before the character’s popularity or collectability could be foreseen. As a result, there are very few unrestored examples, only 32, that have ever been certified by CGC. Of those, the only other 2.5 has a large coupon cut out of the back cover.
Sellers interested in consigning with ComicLink can contact them at buysell@comiclink.com or (617) 517-0062 (option 1) to speak with Josh Nathanson, Douglas Gillock, Jason Crosby, Jon Signorelli, or Ross Kearney. Upfront cash advances are available upon request.
ComicLink’s previews of the January Focused Auction and Winter Featured Auction, the Comic Book Exchange, the Comic Art Exchange, and their schedule can be seen on their website.