Batman: A Death in the Family #TPB
DC Comics • Batman: A Death in the Family TPB (1988 First Edition)
Writer
Jim Starlin
Interior Artist
Jim Aparo and Mike DeCarlo
Cover Artist
Jim Aparo
Publication Date
November 1988
Cover Variant
Regular (Trade Paperback)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Collects the iconic storyline from Batman #426-429 where the Joker murders Jason Todd (the second Robin) after a telephone poll where readers voted for his death.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress ticks that do not appear to break color significantly. Slight corner blunting on the bottom right. The black cover is prone to showing fingerprints and scuffing, though none are prominently visible through the plastic.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $40.00 - $60.00; Graded (CGC 9.8): $250.00 - $350.00
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw first prints in high grade range from $35 to $65. High-grade slabbed copies (9.8) have sold in the $300 range due to the historical significance of the first edition.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading only if a 9.8 is guaranteed. For this specific copy, it appears to be a 9.0-9.2; grading may not yield a high enough return over the cost of the service unless kept for personal collection.
Notable Features
First collected edition of this historic storyline. Featuring the $3.95 US / $4.95 CAN price point and the 'All Four Collector's Item Issues in One Volume' text. Essential key collection.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1988 first edition trade paperback. Later printings do not feature the original $3.95 price on the front cover and often have updated DC logos or barcoding.