BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS ##1
DC Comics • Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Writer
Frank Miller
Interior Artist
Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Cover Artist
Frank Miller
Publication Date
March 1986
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A seminal 4-issue limited series depicting an aging Bruce Wayne coming out of retirement to reclaim Gotham City. This issue features the first appearance of Carrie Kelley as the new Robin and a brutal battle with the Mutants gang.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine+ (CGC 6.5)
Condition Details
Visible corner blunting on the bottom right; spine shows various white stress marks (color-breaking ticks). There is visible surface wear and minor scuffing on the dark areas of the cardstock cover. Edgewear is present along the spine and top edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $75 - $125 | Graded (9.0+): $250 - $400+
Recent Sales
Recent 1st printings in 6.0-7.0 range sell for approximately $80-$110. Higher grades (9.8) command well over $1,500.
Grading Recommendation
Potentially worth grading if a professional press and clean can remove surface grime, though the visible spine ticks may limit it to a 7.0-8.0. Only highly recommended for 9.0+ candidates due to the high cost of grading heavy prestige-format books.
Notable Features
First appearance of Carrie Kelley (Robin). Iconic lightning bolt cover art. This is the 'Prestige Format' square-bound edition. Note that the first printing does not have 'First Printing' inside the indicia, while later printings do.
Authentication Notes
The thickness of the cardstock and the specific matte texture of the original 1986 release are consistent with the image. The presence of the Alan Moore introduction credit at the bottom left is correct for the first issue.