Batman's Detective Comics ##479
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Steve Englehart / Len Wein
Interior Artist
Marshall Rogers
Cover Artist
Marshall Rogers
Publication Date
October 1978
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The The Touch of Death' which is the finale of the battle with Clayface III (Preston Payne). It also features a Hawkman backup story titled 'The Case of the Comic Book Killer'.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress ticks, minor blunting on the bottom right corner, slight color break on the top edge near the barcode side, and overall slight age-toning to the white areas of the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $25; Graded (CGC 8.0): $50 - $70
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar condition have recently sold between $12 and $22. High-grade (9.6+) copies command significantly more, but mid-to-high grades remain affordable.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection preservation. The cost of grading/shipping currently matches or exceeds the market value for this specific grade. A press would improve it to 8.5/9.0 potentially, but it is not a major key issue.
Notable Features
Conclusion of the Clayface III arc. Art by the legendary Marshall Rogers. Contains Hawkman back-up series. This copy features a UPC barcode signifying it was likely a newsstand or standard retail copy for the period.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1978 original. The 50-cent price point, paper quality visible at the edges, and the specific ink saturation levels of late 70s DC bronze-age books are all consistent with an original printing.