Batman's Detective Comics ##471
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Steve Englehart
Interior Artist
Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin
Cover Artist
Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin
Publication Date
August 1977
Cover Variant
Regular Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part of the legendary Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers run. This issue features the first modern appearance of Hugo Strange and his 'Monster Men.' Batman discovers that Hugo Strange has survived and is masquerading as the head of a private clinic to prey on Gotham's elite.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible rounding and blunting on all corners, especially the top right. Multiple spine stress lines with color breaking. Several large, non-color breaking creases on the mid-right edge. General cover scuffing and minor soiling/staining near the bottom white area. Top left corner shows a minor tear or fraying.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (CGC 5.0): $60 - $80. High-grade (9.8) copies sell for over $1,000.
Recent Sales
Recent raw mid-grade sales fluctuate between $35 and $60. High-grade specimens are highly sought after by collectors of the Rogers/Englehart run.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current condition. The cumulative wear (creasing, corner blunting, and spine stress) likely caps the grade at 5.0-5.5. The cost of grading plus shipping would exceed the market value gain.
Notable Features
First appearance of the modern, Bronze Age Hugo Strange. Iconic cover art by Marshall Rogers. This issue is part of the 'Strange Apparitions' story arc, widely considered one of the most influential Batman stories.
Authentication Notes
Appears authentic with period-accurate 35-cent price point and DC 'bullet' logo. The paper aging (tanning) on the spine edge and the specific barcode format are consistent with 1977 DC newsstand distributions.