Batman's Detective Comics #No. 478
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol.1
Writer
Len Wein
Interior Artist
Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin
Cover Artist
Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin
Publication Date
August 1978
Cover Variant
Regular/Newsstand Edition (UPC present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of the 'The Coming of Clayface III' storyline. This issue marks the second appearance of Preston Payne as the third Clayface. He stalks Batman after accidentally killing a woman with his melting touch, which he acquired after injecting himself with Matt Hagen's blood.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color breaking ticks on the left edge. Minor blunting on the top right corner and bottom right corner. Edge wear along the bottom. The cover gloss appears intact but has light surface scuffing visible in the black ink areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $25 - $45; Graded (9.6+): $150 - $220
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition range from $30 to $55. CGC 9.6 copies recently sold for approximately $180.
Grading Recommendation
Likely not worth professional grading unless it is a sentimental piece, as the estimated grade (7.0 - 7.5 range) often does not yield a high enough return to cover grading fees and shipping. A clean and press could improve the grade slightly if surface scuffs are removable.
Notable Features
Second appearance of Clayface III (Preston Payne). Iconic Marshall Rogers art from his classic late-70s run. Contains a 'The Human Target' back-up story. 35-cent price variant. UPC barcode indicates it is a newsstand copy.
Authentication Notes
The comic exhibits correct 1970s DC paper stock (newsprint) aging. The printing of the UPC and price box is consistent with DC distribution for August 1978. No signs of restoration or trimming are visible from this scan.