Batman #No. 181
DC Comics (National Periodical Publications) • Batman Vol. 1
Writer
Robert Kanigher
Interior Artist
Sheldon Moldoff / Joe Giella
Cover Artist
Carmine Infantino / Murphy Anderson
Publication Date
June 1966
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Poison Ivy (Pamela Isley). Poison Ivy lures Batman and Robin into a rivalry as she attempts to prove she is the world's number one female villain. Key story and character debut.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Heavy spine stress with color-breaking creases; moderate corner blunting especially on top left; multiple non-color breaking surface creases; slight foxing and tanning visible on the white border; minor color loss along the spine edge; interior pin-up presence unknown from image (critical for value).
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $350 - $550; Graded (3.0): $600 - $800 (Value assumes pin-up is present; significantly less if missing).
Recent Sales
CGC 3.0 copies have recently sold in the range of $650 to $850. Raw copies in similar mid-low grade range vary widely based on the centerfold pin-up status.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, worth grading. This is a major Silver Age key issue. Professional cleaning and pressing could potentially bump this to a 3.5 or 4.0. Note: If the centerfold pin-up is missing, CGC will give it a 'Qualified' green label or a significant grade deduction.
Notable Features
First appearance of Poison Ivy. Features a 'Double-Page Pin-up of Batman & Robin' centerfold which is frequently missing from copies. 12-cent cover price with DC 'checkerboard' top border.
Authentication Notes
Appearance is consistent with 1966 printing; the aging of the paper and the specific 'checkerboard' DC logo branding match known authentic copies. No immediate signs of reproduction.