BATMAN ##1
DC Comics • Batman Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Finger
Interior Artist
Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson
Cover Artist
Bob Kane
Publication Date
Spring 1940
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A massive Golden Age key containing the first appearance of The Joker and Catwoman (referred to as The Cat). It also retells the origin of Batman.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Not Applicable - High Counterfeit Likelihood
Condition Details
The image appears to show a reproduction, novelty print, or digital facsimile. The 'paper' texture is unusually granular and uniform, likely a result of digital printing or a low-resolution photograph of a reprint. There is a lack of natural aging (foxing, yellowing) consistent with an 84-year-old comic book.
Estimated Market Value
Authentic: $200,000 - $2,000,000+; Reprint/Novelty: $5 - $20
Recent Sales
A CGC 9.4 original sold for $2.22 million in 2021. Low-grade authentic copies frequently exceed $250,000.
Grading Recommendation
Do not submit for grading unless professional authentication in-person confirms 1940s newsprint composition. The image provided suggests a modern reproduction.
Notable Features
First appearances of Joker and Catwoman. First solo Batman title following his debut in Detective Comics #27.
Authentication Notes
MAJOR CAUTION: Batman #1 is one of the most counterfeited comics in history. This image shows suspicious 'moiré' patterns and uniform graininess indicative of a scan or modern digital print. Authentic copies exhibit specific 1940s newsprint fiber, distinct ink absorption, and '10c' price markings that are part of the original plate run rather than looking 'layered'.