LOT #91048 |
Sold on Feb 21, 2013 for: $567,625.00
Detective Comics #27 (DC, 1939) CGC FN+ 6.5 Off-white to white pages....
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Sold on Feb 21, 2013 for:
$567,625.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
Detective Comics #27 (DC, 1939) CGC FN+ 6.5 Off-white to white pages. Beautiful appeal and strong page quality characterize this copy of the first appearance of Batman. If you've been following recent years' sales of this prime pop culture collectible, you know that the issue is currently the second most valuable comic in the hobby behind only Superman's debut in Action #1. This book has held down the number one spot before, and it's certainly possible that it could return there, as Batman is a stronger character even than Superman in the minds of many, and has been a bigger box-office hit in recent years.Heritage famously sold a CGC 8.0 copy for $1,075,500 a couple of years ago, and most recently sold the Billy Wright pedigree copy (also graded 6.5) for $522,000.
This one is notable for the near-complete absence of smudging or staining on the front cover. Of course, the cover image by Bob Kane is one of the most famous in the history of comics.
Our present offering previously changed hands in the June, 1995 Sotheby's auction, at which time the cataloger noted the "very bright colors to the front cover." The sale price of $68,500 seems ultra-modest now but at the time Comic Book Marketplace proclaimed it "surely a record for a mid-grade comic."
When this issue was released with a May, 1939 cover date, Superman was the only other superhero on the stands, save for the now-obscure likes of the Arrow and the Crimson Avenger. Kane and writer Bill Finger (generally credited these days as a co-creator of the character) produced a hero to rival Superman without imitating the earlier character. As Jim Steranko noted, "Superman had given DC its strength, but Batman gave it tone. Of course, Superman was more impressive... but Batman was more fascinating."
"The Bat-Man" appeared in a six-page story that also introduced the character of Commissioner Gordon. The second-to-last panel revealed that this mysterious figure was in fact Bruce Wayne, introduced earlier in the story.
This comic is being sold without reserve, and we expect spirited bidding when this lot comes up at our "Gotham" auction.
Overstreet 2012 FN 6.0 value = $252,000; VF 8.0 value = $630,000. CGC census 2/13: 6 in 6.5, 6 higher.
CGC Grader Notes:
Back Cover Interior Stain
Bottom Front Cover Interior Stain
Bottom Spine Bindary Chip Out
Center Front Cover Lite Crease
Left Center Back Cover Stain
Right Top Back Cover Stain
Spine Readers Crease
Staple Large Multiple Tear
Staple Multiple Recessed
Top Spine Wear
View the certification for CGC Certification ID 1126121001, including grader's notes if available and a link to the latest full census report for the issue.*
*All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. No item may be returned or refused based on this information, which is provided as a service to our clients. Feel free to contact each data source directly to determine the accuracy of this information.
More information about Detective Comics, and Detective Comics #27 Comic Title.
Auction Info
2013 February 21-23 Vintage Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction - New York #7073 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2013
21st-23rd
Thursday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 20
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 19,875
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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