Those aspiring to the highest levels of comic book collecting have a fantastic opportunity to own the legendary Detective Comics #27, as it is offered without reserve in Heritage Auctions' February 21-22 Vintage Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction.

Detective Comics #27 trails only Action Comics #1 for the title of the most valuable comic on the market

The 1939 comic, which sees the first appearance of Batman, is expected to bring more than $500,000, following the $522,500 sale of another CGC-graded 6.5 issue from the Billy Wright collection at Heritage in early 2012.

Heritage previously sold an 8.5 graded copy of the famous comic for $1m in February 2010.  

Heritage Auctions' senior vice president, Ed Jaster, commented: "If you've followed the sales in recent years of this prime pop culture collectible, then you know that the issue is currently the second most valuable comic in the hobby, behind only Superman's debut in Action Comics #1.

"This comic has held down the number one spot before and it's certainly possible that it could return there. Batman is a stronger character than Superman in the minds of many a fan right now, and has certainly been a bigger box-office hit in recent years."

The example at auction is particularly sought after for its "near-complete absence" of smudges or staining on its front cover, which was created by Bob Kane and is one of the most iconic covers in the history of comics.

Also featuring in the sale will be the original cover art for Alan Moore's The Watchmen, which will undoubtedly attract international attention.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has a fantastic selection of original comic art for sale, including signed pieces from The Simpsons, Charles Schulz's Peanuts and Bugs Bunny creator Friz Freleng.