Batman: Shadow of the Bat ##1
DC Comics • Batman: Shadow of the Bat (1992-2000)
Writer
Alan Grant
Interior Artist
Norm Breyfogle
Cover Artist
Brian Stelfreeze
Publication Date
June 1992
Cover Variant
Regular/Newsstand Edition (Barcode visible)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part one of 'The Last Arkham' storyline. Batman goes undercover as an inmate at Arkham Asylum to investigate a series of murders committed by Mr. Zsasz while he was supposedly locked up. Features the first appearance of Victor Zsasz and Jeremiah Arkham.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks on the left edge. Moderate corner blunting particularly on the bottom right. Light edge wear and surface scuffing visible along the red border. Minor warping to the book's flat profile.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5.00 - $12.00; Graded (9.8): $70.00 - $100.00
Recent Sales
Recent raw newsstand copies in mid-to-high grade sell for approximately $10.00. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies typically realize around $85.00.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current condition. The visible spine ticks and corner wear likely cap the grade at 6.0-7.0, making the cost of grading higher than the realized value of the slabbed book.
Notable Features
First appearance of Victor Zsasz. First appearance of Jeremiah Arkham. Newsstand edition barcode. This issue originally featured a cardstock cover for the direct market, but this is the standard newsstand edition.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1990s DC newsstand production. Correct DC Bullet logo (pre-1994 style), era-appropriate barcode, and standard newsstand paper stock visible.