BATMAN ##244
DC Comics • Batman Vol. 1
Writer
Dennis O'Neil
Interior Artist
Neal Adams
Cover Artist
Neal Adams
Publication Date
September 1972
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Final part of the original Ra's al Ghul saga. Batman survives a desert duel with Ra's and discovers the secret of the Lazarus Pit. Features the iconic bare-chested duel between Batman and Ra's al Ghul. This is considered a bronze age key issue.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress, significant corner blunting at bottom left and top left, a long vertical crease on the left side of the cover, and overall surface wear including several smaller creases and edge wear throughout.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (VG 4.0): $75 - $110. Graded (CGC 4.0): $150 - $180.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies (VG to Fine) have ranged from $80 to $150. High-grade CGC 9.0+ copies can exceed $1,000 due to Neal Adams' popularity.
Grading Recommendation
In its current 4.0 condition, grading may not provide a high return on investment once fees and shipping are factored in. However, it is an iconic Neal Adams cover. A professional press and clean could potentially raise it to a 5.0, making it more viable for encapsulation.
Notable Features
Classic cover art by Neal Adams. Significant story arc ending. Features the Lazarus Pit and Ra's al Ghul. 20 cent cover price variant.
Authentication Notes
The coloring, paper aging (tanning on edges), and specific 20c price circle alignment are consistent with an original 1972 DC Bronze Age print.