One of—if not THE—most iconic characters in the world, Batman (Bruce Wayne) has had a huge impact on pop culture. He has also given us some of the most iconic side characters and villains ever. Here are the Top 10 Most Valuable Key Issues Of Batman Comics Of All Time.
10. Batman (1940) No. 4 – $18,000
First Appearance: Gotham City
Next to New York City, probably the most famous comic book town of all time, Gotham City debuts in Batman (1940) No. 4. The value is probably more connected to this being a very early issue of Batman, but Gotham City does have its fans.
9. Detective Comics (1937) No. 40 – $21,000
First Appearance: Clayface (Basil Karlo)
There have been several Clayfaces over the years, but the original got his start way back in June 1940.
8. Batman (1940) No. 3 – $24,000
First Appearance: Catwoman (Selina Kyle)
Catwoman’s first appearance is here, but her alter ego, Selina Kyle, made her debut two issues prior in Batman (1940) No. 1. Adding either to your collection will set you back a pretty penny.
7. Detective Comics (1937) No. 168 – $34,000
First Appearance: Red Hood (Joker)
Another Batman character that’s shown up with multiple aliases over the decades, the original was none other than—SPOILER ALERT!—The Joker.
6. Detective Comics (1937) No. 140 – $43,000
First Appearance: The Riddler (Edward Nigma)
One of the holy trinity of Batman villains (the other two being The Joker and Penguin), The Riddler has been a fan favorite and thorn in Batman’s side since he first showed up in 1948.
5. Detective Comics (1937) No. 38 – $140,000
First Appearance: Robin (Dick Grayson)
Comic’s most famous sidekick, Robin made his first appearance in the spring of 1940. Many would take on the Robin mantle in Batman’s long crime-fighting career, but Dick Grayson remains a fan favorite.
4. Detective Comics (1937) No. 29 – $245,000
First Appearance: Doctor Death
You’d probably guess Batman’s oldest foe is someone like The Joker, Penguin, or Riddler. Nope. It’s this mad scientist guy, Doctor Death, who made his debut in in the Batman’s third appearance.
3. Detective Comics (1937) No. 31 – $375,000
First Appearance: The Monk, Julie Madison, Batarang, Batgyro (Batplane)
A couple of popular bat-gadgets made their debut here, as well as the Dark Knight’s first costumed villain and an early girlfriend, but this issue’s real desirability comes from the kick-ass cover by Bob Kane.
2. Batman (1940) No. 1 – $1,300,000
First Appearance: The Joker, Selina Kyle
The Joker’s first appearance and Catwoman’s alter ego, Selina Kyle? Talk about a grail.
1. Detective Comics (1937) No. 27 – $2,200,000
First Appearance: Batman (Bruce Wayne), Commissioner Gordon
It all started here. Considered one of THE biggest grails in all of comic book collecting, sales for this issue usually make mainstream news.