BATMAN ##251
DC Comics • Batman Vol. 1
Writer
Denny O'Neil
Interior Artist
Neal Adams
Cover Artist
Neal Adams
Publication Date
September 1973
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!' This issue is credited with revitalizing the Joker, returning him from a campy prankster to his roots as a homicidal, psychopathic threat. It is one of the most famous Batman stories of the 1970s.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; bottom right corner blunting and minor creasing; top right edge shows slight wear; gloss appears slightly dulled; some minor surface soiling; note that image is through a poly bag which may mask minor defects or add glare.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $300 - $450; Graded (CGC 5.0): $650 - $800
Recent Sales
Recent sales for CGC 5.0 copies range from $675 to $850. Raw copies in mid-grade condition regularly sell between $350 and $500 due to the high demand for Neal Adams covers.
Grading Recommendation
Highly Recommended. This is a blue-chip Bronze Age key. Even in mid-grade, professional grading (CGC/CBCS) significantly enhances liquidity and value protection. A professional press and clean could potentially nudge this into a 5.5 or 6.0 range.
Notable Features
Iconic Neal Adams Joker cover. Major Bronze Age key issue. Return of the 'homicidal' Joker. Classic Denny O'Neil/Neal Adams collaboration.
Authentication Notes
The 20c price point and date code (30430) are consistent with an original 1973 printing. Ink saturation in the reds and purples appears authentic to the period's offset printing. No signs of reproduction or modern facsimiles are apparent in the photo.