Top 30 Detective Comics Key Issues

Detective Comics Key Issues with Price Guide

Finding some of the comics below could be life-changing.

Batman's first appearance in Detective Comics 27 is a world-famous book, which has been reprinted several times.

But the first comics featuring Penguin, Riddler and many others are also extremely valuable.

What do YOU have in your collection?

It's overwhelming to figure that out. As well as the key issues versus the regular issues, there is the small matter of condition.

What is your stack of old comics worth today?

Comics and Collectibles Near ME are here to help you.

If you find any of the comic books on this list, then get in touch today and we will help you to figure out what they're worth!

Top 30 Detective Comics Key Issues by Value

Detective Comics #27
First appearance of Batman

Lowest price $100,000+

Average price $500,000

Record price $3.4M

One of the biggest comic books ever published. Batman is just about the most influential superheroes ever created, and more relevant and relatable to people than Superman.

An oversize reprint exists which measures 13.5 inches along the spine.

Detective Comics #29
Third Batman appearance, second cover, classic cover

Lowest price $15,000+

Average price $60,000

Record price $276,000

This early Batman appearance reflects the nature of comic book publishing of the era far more than when Robin turns up a year or so later. Evil scientist, Batman crashing through the window, violence and jeopardy...

Detective Comics #38
First Robin, the Boy Wonder

Lowest price $15,000+

Average price $60,000

Record price $107,000

Batman purists bemoan the creation of Robin. It was the moment that Batman turned his back on the dark early years. Once Robin was on the scene, the ultra-violent Batman capable of killing was consigned to history.

This is a rare comic, and for most Batman fans, Robin is just part of the appeal.

Detective Comics #62
1st Joker Cover story
(Joker appears on Detective Comics #40 cover, but not in story)

Lowest price $400

Average price $6,000

Record price $77,000

Joker covers are very strongly collected by Batman fans. This is the earliest cover story featuring Joker and is a classic image of him holding balloons of his own face.

Detective Comics #66
First Two-Face

Lowest price $4,000

Average price $15,000

Record price $72,000

Two-Face is a classic Batman villain, flipping a coin to make life or death decisions.

Detective Comics #73
1st Scarecrow Cover

Lowest price $1,500

Average price $7,000

Record price $57,000

The first Scarecrow cover is also a classic image, reflecting just how terrifying this Batman villain is.

Detective Comics #122
1st Catwoman Cover

Lowest price $1,000

Average price $5,000

Record price $28,000

A classic cat-scratching cover is also the first time Catwoman appears on the cover, establishing her sexy bad girl look which endures to this day.

Detective Comics #140
First Riddler

Lowest price $4,000

Average price $15,000

Record price $456,000

E. Nigma is the alter ego of the Riddler, a classic Batman villain who ties the dynamic duo in knots, both literally and figuratively.

Detective Comics #233
1st Batwoman

Lowest price $700

Average price $4,000

Record price $26,000

After rumors that Batman and Robin were gay, DC Comics created a love interest for Bruce Wayne and Batman in Batwoman.

Detective Comics #298
1st Silver Age Clayface

Lowest price $150

Average price $1,200

Record price $30,000

The first Silver Age Clayface marks a turning point for Detective Comics key issues. From here onwards, there were less new characters and more reboots of old Golden Age villains.

A pretty horrific character.

Detective Comics #400
First Man-Bat

Lowest price $80

Average price $450

Record price $31,000

Man-Bat is a classic Batman villain from the beginning of the Bronze Age of comics. A scientist who experiments upon himself and results in a man-bat hybrid.

Detective Comics #411
1st Talia al Ghul

Lowest price $60

Average price $500

Record price $40,000

This Detective Comics key issue is tough to find in high grade, due to the mostly black cover.

Detective Comics #476
Classic Joker cover story

Lowest price $10

Average price $60

Record price $1,100

The second part of the Joker story from Detective Comics key issues #475.

Detective Comics #608
1st Anarky

Lowest price $1

Average price $50

Record price $230

One of the modern era new villains appears for the first time in this Detective Comics key issue.

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