World's Finest Comics ##153
DC Comics • World's Finest Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Edmond Hamilton
Interior Artist
Curt Swan
Cover Artist
Curt Swan
Publication Date
November 1965
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
An 'Imaginary Novel' titled 'The Saga of Superman vs. Batman!'. Batman believes Superman is responsible for the death of Thomas Wayne and becomes a villain to hunt him down. This story features the infamous panel of Batman slapping Robin, which has since become one of the most famous internet memes.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and splitting along the lower left corner, multiple color-breaking creases across the cover, rounded and blunted corners, and significant edge wear with a small tear on the left margin near the Batplane wing. General surface soiling and yellowing consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $300 - $500; Graded (CGC 4.0): $600 - $800
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies vary between $350 and $550. Graded 4.0 copies have recently realized prices in the $700 range due to the iconic nature of the 'Batman Slapping Robin' meme origin cover.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, worth grading due to the high demand for this specific 'meme' cover. While the current grade is low (approx 4.0), professional cleaning and pressing could potentially bump it to a 4.5 or 5.0, significantly increasing marketability.
Notable Features
Includes the origin of the 'Batman Slapping Robin' meme panel. Key 'Imaginary Story' Silver Age issue. Features Batman as an antagonist using a Kryptonite Batarang.
Authentication Notes
Appearance is consistent with 1965 DC production; non-glossy paper stock, 12-cent price point, and National Periodical Publications logo (DC) are authentic. No signs of restoration are immediately visible in this image.