A PGA 7.5-graded copy of Detective Comics #27 (featuring the first appearance of Batman) made $98,587 in a February 19-21 sale at Heritage Auctions in New York.
Released in 1939, the issue introduces the legendary character in The Case of the Chemical Syndicate.
![]() Detective Comics #27 features the first appearance of Batman |
The auction house commented prior to the sale: "This monumental issue touts 'The Amazing and Unique Adventures of The Batman!' but it seems that DC didn't quite realize the significance of Batman's first appearance -- the announcement is dwarfed by the giant logo of the classic title.
"Today, of course, this comic book is the second most valuable of all, after Superman's debut in Action Comics #1.
"A few restored copies of Action #1 have broken the $100,000 mark, in Heritage auctions, and this copy of Tec #27 could be the second restored copy of #27 to reach that level."
While it failed to surpass $100,000, it's still an impressive sum for a restored copy of the issue. Copies in original condition sell for substantially more, with an 8.0-graded specimen achieving $1m in 2010.
A rare 4.5-graded copy of Batman #1 (1940) was another highlight, selling for $77,675. The comic was the first solo outing for Batman and was released in response to his rapturous reception the year before.