Batman ##608
DC Comics • Batman Vol. 1 (Hush Storyline)
Writer
Jeph Loeb
Interior Artist
Jim Lee / Scott Williams
Cover Artist
Jim Lee
Publication Date
December 2002
Cover Variant
RRP (Retailer Roundtable Program) Sketch / Virgin Variant
Printing
First Printing (RRP Incentive)
Comic Description
Part one of the legendary 'Hush' storyline. Bruce Wayne begins investigating a series of crimes that lead him to believe a new mastermind is manipulating his greatest enemies.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint- (9.2)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress visible along the left edge. Slight blunting on the bottom right corner. Presence of a light glare on the plastic sleeve obscures full surface detail, but edges appear mostly sharp.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3,000 - $4,500; Graded (CGC 9.8): $10,000 - $15,000+
Recent Sales
High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have historically sold for over $12,000, while 9.4-9.6 copies regularly fetch between $4,000 and $6,500.
Grading Recommendation
Highly Recommended. This is an extremely rare 'Holy Grail' of modern comics. Professional grading with a press/clean could significantly maximize the financial return, as even a small grade bump translates to thousands of dollars in value.
Notable Features
Extremely rare RRP Sketch Variant. First appearance of Hush (cameo). Start of the Jeph Loeb/Jim Lee run. One of the most sought-after modern Batman collectibles due to limited distribution to retailers.
Authentication Notes
The logo in the bottom left and the absence of a bar code or title text are consistent with the authentic 2002 RRP Virgin Sketch edition. High-quality paper stock and specific Jim Lee pencil textures are visible.