Detective Comics ##298
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Finger
Interior Artist
Sheldon Moldoff
Cover Artist
Sheldon Moldoff (pencils) and Charles Paris (inks)
Publication Date
December 1961
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the second appearance of the Matt Hagen version of Clayface. The story 'The Menace of Clay-Face' follows Batman and Robin as they attempt to stop the shape-shifting villain after he bathes in a mysterious protoplasm again to regain his powers.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress, moderate corner blunting on the bottom right, slight color breaking creases near the spine, and minor edge wear. The cover retains decent gloss but shows some surface soiling and minor tanning along the edges.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $250; Graded (CGC 6.0): $350 - $450
Recent Sales
Recent 5.5 to 6.5 graded copies have sold in the range of $325 to $500. Raw mid-grade copies frequently trade between $175 and $225.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if the goal is preservation or maximizing resale value, as Clay-Face keys have high demand. A professional press and clean could potentially bump this to a 6.5 or 7.0.
Notable Features
Second appearance of Matt Hagen (Clayface II). Classic Silver Age cover. 12-cent cover price variant.
Authentication Notes
The comic exhibits authentic Silver Age newsprint texture and aging. Staple placement and 'National Comics' logo are consistent with DC's 1961 manufacturing standards. No signs of reproduction or restoration are visible in the image.