Batman: The Dark Knight Falls #Book Four
DC Comics • Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Writer
Frank Miller
Interior Artist
Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Cover Artist
Frank Miller and Lynn Varley
Publication Date
1986
Cover Variant
Regular/First Printing (Direct Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The concluding chapter of the seminal prestige format limited series. An aging Bruce Wayne faces off against Superman in a final confrontation in Gotham City, culminating in Batman's faked death and the beginning of his underground movement.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress visible under plastic, slight blunting on the top left and bottom right corners, minor surface wear apparent in the black ink areas, and slight edge wear along the spine side.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30.00 - $60.00; Graded 9.8: $150.00 - $225.00
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar condition recently sold between $35 and $50. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have consistently stayed above $180 due to the high volume of black ink making them difficult to find in pristine condition.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless a press identifies it as 9.6 or 9.8. This copy appears to be in the 8.0 to 8.5 range, where grading fees often exceed the value added.
Notable Features
Final issue of the series; iconic confrontation between Batman and Superman; first print identified by color and price code on cover; Prestige Format square-bound spine.
Authentication Notes
Consistent with 1986 first print production including cardstock cover finish and interior high-matte paper. No signs of restoration or modern facsimile printing detected.