Swamp Thing ##7
DC Comics • Swamp Thing Vol. 1
Writer
Len Wein
Interior Artist
Bernie Wrightson
Cover Artist
Bernie Wrightson
Publication Date
December 1973
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A major Bronze Age key featuring the first ever meeting between Swamp Thing and Batman. Swamp Thing travels to Gotham City to investigate the secret syndicate responsible for the death of his wife, Linda Holland. The story, 'Night of the Bat,' is a classic piece of gothic horror-superhero crossover.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible heavy spine wear with numerous color-breaking stress lines; blunting and minor rounding at all corners; a noticeable crease/fold on the bottom right corner; some surface scratching and 'foxing' or dirt buildup on the red header area; small chips out of the top edge; overall dullness and significant shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $55; Graded (CGC 4.0): $65 - $85
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales for mid-low grade copies of issue #7 range from $25 to $60. High-grade (9.0+) copies fetch significantly more ($250+), but lower grades have stabilized due to high volume.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this condition. The cost of CGC/CBCS submission and shipping would likely exceed the value added. Only worth grading for personal preservation or if it were an 8.5+ candidate.
Notable Features
First meeting of Swamp Thing and Batman; iconic Bernie Wrightson cover art; 20-cent cover price; bronze age key issue.
Authentication Notes
Original 1973 DC production. The wear pattern and paper oxidation (yellowing visible on edges) are consistent with Bronze Age newsprint stock. The 20-cent price point and '30686' numbering are authentic for this print run.