Batman #1 (DC, 1940) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages....

Description

Batman #1 (DC, 1940) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages. This is the first-ever book from the Fantast Collection to be sold that features the unique custom CGC label, and what a book it is! To say it's rare in this condition is a gross understatement. First of all, less than half of the copies that CGC has certified to date even earn the blue label Universal Grade. And just 1 in 20 of those has earned a higher grade than the 8.0 offered here. Not only is it the premiere issue of Batman's eponymous title, it also features the first appearances of both the Joker and the Cat (aka Catwoman). Co-creator Bob Kane's and Jerry Robinson's classic cover and art are featured. The book is currently tied for #4 on Overstreet's list of Top 100 Golden Age Comics. Overstreet 2022 VF 8.0 value = $457,000. CGC census 2/23: 6 in 8.0, 7 higher.
From the Fantast Collection.

CGC Grader Notes:
fingerprints right bottom of front cover
light staple tears
light wear spine breaks color
very light crease right top of front cover breaks color
very small split top of spine

View the certification for CGC Certification ID 3764916014, 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: The Fantast Collection "Back Story" - Being given the opportunity to create a custom label by Comic Guaranty Company (CGC) for your own comic book collection would be a dream come true for any collector. But what if that collection had been a deep secret and was resented by your family for over forty years, later to become your responsibility as part of a sudden inheritance? What if it ended up being one of the most substantial collections to ever surface? This label tells that family story, a story of the Fantast Collection, and how we intend to share it with the world.
I wanted to summarize the emotion, humility, and relationships impacted by 300,000 comics over the years. So, I decided to start identifying individual images that jumped out as important parts of the story. With some explanation, and the brilliant art of our illustrator James "Erik" Hodson, we unleashed the first ever custom CGC label for a collection.
It all started with The Cosmic Cube
As a child my father read Western and War comics. Then, while at University of Michigan law school, my father’s classmates exposed him to superheroes and the power of the Cosmic Cube in the Marvel Universe. A device that could manifest thoughts into reality. This quandary was the topic of several all-night discussions between them. And thus, his obsession with the tales of superhero comics began.
After law school in the suburbs of Detroit my father practiced law independently. His collection grew through the years, and he never sold anything. His commitment to his career in law is depicted by the scale. A scale that has family on one side, and collectibles on the other. The scale is unbalanced and is weighted towards the collectibles.
Our family home became a bottomless pit of overflowing collectibles hidden in rooms we were not allowed to enter or speak of to anyone. The family’s resentment of his obsession grew through the years. My father’s obsessions led to my mother divorcing him. With some personal challenges of his own, my younger brother felt trapped in our childhood home with my father, even as an adult. Living with my father was a toxic situation for my brother. Many years before my father passed away my mother gifted me a framed copy of Superman 166 – a holiday themed comic depicting two sons of Superman with a vast disparity in abilities. The image of me hoisting my brother out of the pit while my mother reaches for him demonstrates a promise to my mother and brother; I will always use all my resources to make sure my brother is cared for and never alone.
My father never discussed his mortality. When I would ask what his future wishes were for his collectibles, he would quickly answer that it was not a problem. The only answer he gave was that he was going to beam into space with all his stuff, and float around for eternity. He was extremely fascinated with UFO’s, aliens, and the occult. He collected hundreds of books, documents related to UFO’s, alien encounters, and other occult related phenomena.
The glasses symbolize Superman’s secret identity, just as the collection was kept secret for over 40 years. But the glasses are also used to show my father perception of our family through his lens. He thought we were a normal happy family that was "just fine," and unaffected by his obsession. My father also wore glasses due to his extreme glaucoma. He was constantly worrying about his eyesight deteriorating, and he was legally blind without his glasses.
The Fantast collection was assembled and maintained in Michigan. The missing puzzle piece within the Michigan image represents the area of Michigan the collection was assembled. The single puzzle piece on its own symbolizes Autism awareness. Sadly, my father denied his autistic behaviors his entire life at the expense of many relationships, our family, and his marriage.
My father’s favorite superhero was Superman. We were raised to understand what makes Superman "Super" and he continues to be my favorite hero to this day. When Superman opens his shirt to reveal the "S" it evokes a feeling that most people can relate to: a feeling of strength, mixed with comfort and excitement that everything is about to be ok. We now are shedding our secret identity and are free to share how special the Fantast collection is. The CC patch honors the nickname of the owner of the comic shop where my father assembled most of this collection. The shop is now closed but was in Livonia Michigan and named Classic Movie and Comic Center.
As the story of the label ends, our journey is only beginning. In the final image I proudly stand with my brother amongst those that have been the most involved with helping the Fantast collection come to life. We are proud to be a part of the collectibles community and have forged some strong friendships along the way. At last, my mother can be at peace with the collection that haunted her for over half her life. She sits on her favorite Aldo Leopold bench with my wife behind her. We will continue to stay humble and work to connect with those that appreciate the dedication my father had to assembling and preserving the Fantast collection.
Darren Watts
Steward of the Fantast Collection


More information about Batman, and Batman #1 Comic Title.