Detective Comics ##471
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Steve Englehart
Interior Artist
Marshall Rogers
Cover Artist
Marshall Rogers
Publication Date
August 1977
Cover Variant
Regular / Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Key Bronze Age issue featuring the first appearance and origin of Hugo Strange in the Bronze Age (retconned). Part of the legendary Englehart/Rogers run. Batman battles Hugo Strange and his monster men. Part of the 'Strange Apparitions' story arc.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (CGC 9.4)
Condition Details
Very minor spine stress along the left edge. Slight blunting on the bottom right corner. Minimal color chipping on the top edge. Colors remain vibrant and centering is excellent.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $100-$150; Graded 9.4: $300-$400; Graded 9.8: $1,200-$1,500.
Recent Sales
CGC 9.4 copies recently sold for approx $350. CGC 9.6 copies range from $500-$650 depending on the label type. Raw mid-grade copies sell for $40-$60.
Grading Recommendation
Recommended for grading. The Rogers/Austin run is highly sought after. A professional clean and press could potentially push this into the 9.6 or even 9.8 range, significantly increasing value.
Notable Features
First appearance of Bronze Age Hugo Strange. Iconic cover art by Marshall Rogers. Features the UPC barcode (Newsstand Edition). Part of the 'Strange Apparitions' arc which redefined Batman for the modern era.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1977 DC newsstand edition. Presence of 35-cent price point consistent with printing year. Paper stock shows correct off-white to white aging for the era. Staple placement is correct and centered.