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
The iconic story of 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 the beginning of the dark, gritty reimagining of the Batman mythos.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress/ticks visible through the polybag, slight softening of the bottom right corner, minor shelf wear on the edges, and minor glare from the bag obscuring surface detail. Overall flat with high gloss preservation.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $225; Graded (CGC 9.0-9.4): $250 - $450
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have sold for $1,200-$1,500 recently; raw mid-to-high grade copies typically fetch between $180 and $250 on eBay and specialized auctions.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if it reaches a 9.4 or higher after a professional clean and press. As a 9.0, the value increase may just cover the costs of grading and shipping; however, it is a blue-chip key comic that benefits from encapsulation.
Notable Features
First appearance of Carrie Kelley (Robin IV). Iconic lightning bolt cover art. This is the first printing with the $2.95 cover price and no barcode on the front. Origin of the Modern Age of comics.
Authentication Notes
Consistent with 1986 prestige format print quality. Correct logo placement for DC and the matte-finish cardstock cover. Staple placement is internal to the square-bound spine typical of this release.