Detective Comics ##457
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Denny O'Neil
Interior Artist
Dick Giordano
Cover Artist
Dick Giordano
Publication Date
March 1976
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A classic Bronze Age story titled 'There is No Hope in Crime Alley!'. Batman visits the site of his parents' murder on the anniversary of their deaths. He meets Leslie Thompkins for the first time, who is revealed to be the person who comforted him the night the Waynes died. Key characters include Batman, Leslie Thompkins, and the Elongated Man (backup story).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks throughout the spine area; blunting/wear on the bottom right corner; minor surface scuffing on the black cover areas; slight edge wear along the top and bottom; overall light creasing consistent with handled mid-grade copies.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $35 - $60; Graded (5.0): $80 - $110; Graded (9.0+): $300+
Recent Sales
Recent 5.0 - 6.0 range sales have fluctuated between $45 and $75. High-grade copies (9.6) have reached over $400 due to the iconic cover and key nature of the story.
Grading Recommendation
Optional. While a key issue, the condition appears to be in the 5.0-6.0 range. Grading might not significantly increase liquid value over the cost of the service unless it presents better after a professional clean and press. It is a great candidate for a press to improve color-breaking stress lines.
Notable Features
First appearance of Leslie Thompkins; iconic cover by Dick Giordano; 30-cent price variant; Bronze Age key; includes 'The Elongated Man' backup feature.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1976 DC Bronze Age comic. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting are visible; paper aging and wear patterns are consistent with the era and stock used for 30-cent DC issues.