Arkham Asylum #First Printing (Hardcover)
DC Comics • Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth
Writer
Grant Morrison
Interior Artist
Dave McKean
Cover Artist
Dave McKean
Publication Date
October 1989
Cover Variant
Regular Hardcover Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Batman is called to Arkham Asylum to quell a riot led by the Joker. The story delves into the psychological depths of Batman and his rogues gallery, while providing a parallel origin story for the asylum's founder, Amadeus Arkham.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (CGC 9.4)
Condition Details
Item appears to be in its original factory shrink wrap. Minor stretching and scuffing to the plastic film. Visible corners appear sharp (Near Mint), but the top right corner of the dust jacket shows a very slight rounding likely due to storage pressure. No visible color-breaking creases or spine damage through the wrap.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $60; Graded (CGC 9.8): $150 - $250
Recent Sales
First printing hardcovers typically sell for $40-$55 in high-grade raw condition. Shrink-wrapped copies command a slight premium to collectors of 'New Old Stock.'
Grading Recommendation
Generally not recommended for grading unless the submitter is certain of a 9.8 grade. The cost of shipping and grading often exceeds the value increase for this specific late-80s graphic novel, though a '9.8' slabbed copy has niche appeal.
Notable Features
First printing identified by the $24.95 cover price (printed on the interior flap) and the lack of later-edition anniversary logos. Features iconic abstract painted art by Dave McKean. This is considered one of the best-selling graphic novels in DC history.
Authentication Notes
The shrink wrap appears consistent with late-80s/early-90s retail packaging (seams and ventilation holes). The DC 'bullet' logo on the top left is correct for the 1989 release. No signs of re-sealing or modern reproduction are evident.