The Dark Knight’s first titular comic has set a new record. ComicConnect sold a copy of Batman #1 CGC 8.0 for $1,207,500 in Event Auction #45 to a buyer new to comic book collecting. The comic depicts the first appearances of two of Batman’s most significant supporting characters: Joker and Catwoman. There are only six CGC-certified copies higher.

“The comic book market has proven to be an unshakable diversification option for investors,” ComicConnect co-founder Vincent Zurzolo said. “This past year has been an eye-opener for potential investors who may have been on the fence who have now taken the plunge feet first. Welcome to the party!”

The seller purchased the Batman #1 in November 2006 for $80,000, realizing a return of over 1,400% in 14 years.

“We were the first company to break the $1 million ceiling and in today’s market, it truly feels like the sky is the limit,” Zurzolo said.

Hailing from the Kentucky Collection, the Batman #1 was just one of the outstanding sales from the single owner offering. More highlights include Action Comics #7 CGC 7.0 R for $28,877, All American Comics #61 CGC 8.0 R for $20,940, All Star Comics #3 CGC 9.4 for $358,800, Archie Comics #1 CGC 8.0 for $138,000, Batman #2 CGC 8.0 for $32,775, #3 CGC 8.5 for $23,690, and #4 for $47,725, Daredevil #1 CGC 9.4 for $67,850, Flash Comics #92 CGC 9.0 for $30,476, and More Fun Comics #73 CGC 7.0 R for $39,100.

More Golden Age sales from Event Auction #45 were All Star Comics #1 CGC 9.2 for $44,850, All Star Comics #2 CGC 9.6 for $29,325, Batman #1 CGC NG (coverless) for $16,352, Detective Comics #31 CGC 2.5 for $56,000 and #38 CGC 1.5 for $18,075, Sensation Comics #1 CGC 2.5 for $28,277, and Wonder Woman #1 CGC 3.0 for $20,700.

Silver Age and more sales were Amazing Fantasy #15 CGC 3.0 for $35,000, Amazing Spider-Man #1 CGC 6.0 for $25,000, #14 CGC 9.4 for $28,533, and #129 CGC 9.8 for $25,875, Avengers #1 CGC 9.2 for $62,000, Daredevil #1 CGC 9.6 for $125,000 and CGC 8.5 for $24,600, Fantastic Four #2 CGC 9.0 for $19,200 and #12 CGC 9.0 for $15,800, Strange Tales #110 CGC 9.2 for $42,544, Tales to Astonish #27 CGC 8.5 for $31,100, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 CGC 9.6 for $88,000 and #3 CGC 9.8 variant for $25,000, and X-Men Giant-Size #1 CGC 9.8 for $60,000.

Video game highlights were Halo (XB) WATA 9.8 for $27,000, Pokémon Crystal (GBC) WATA 9.4 for $21,505, and Pokémon Emerald (GBA) WATA 9.6 for $16,005, and Bubble Bobble 2 (NES) WATA 9.0 for $25,505.

Original comic art sales were topped by X-Men #94 page 6 by Dave Cockrum for $70,000, a record price for an interior page from the book, while the double page splash from Joe Madureira’s Astonishing X-Men #1 ended at a staggering $27,388, a public record for any piece by Madureira. The Ross Andru cover to Amazing Spider-Man #183 hit $45,000, Jack Kirby’s cover to Black Panther #8 for $40,111, Frank Brunner’s Dr. Strange splash page from Marvel Premiere #9 sold for $24,701, and Herb Trimpe’s Snake Eyes cover to G.I. Joe #119 went for $19,100.

Vintage concert posters achieved strong results with a Pink Floyd poster from 1968 for $1,102, a Doors poster from 1967 for $1,050, and a 1991 Nirvana poster for $900. Movie and TV prop sales included a plate used in the filming of the Bruce Lee classic, Enter the Dragon sold for $4,025, a naval officer’s jacket from the television drama Jag sold for $948, and a Batarang and Robin ‘R’ Rang from DC’s Titans sold for $356 and $719, respectively.

“Thank you to every bidder and consignor, you have my gratitude,” Zurzolo added. “The auction was a success beyond our wildest imaginations, and our next one has the potential to be even better. Our May Mega Monthly Auction starts this coming Monday, April 26 at noon and we’re still taking consignments towards Event Auction #46 and no-fee cash advances are available. The deadline is right around the corner!”

ComicConnect is accepting consignments in every collectible category for their next big auction. They can be reached by calling toll free (888) 779-7377 or email robr@comicconnect.com for assistance with a collection.