Detective Comics ##478
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Len Wein
Interior Artist
Marshall Rogers
Cover Artist
Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin
Publication Date
August 1978
Cover Variant
Regular/Newsstand Edition (UPC in barcode box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the first appearance of the third Clayface, Preston Payne. Part 1 of 'The Coming of Clayface III'. Batman investigates a series of murders where the victims are melted, leading to a confrontation with a tragic new version of the shapeshifting villain.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Minor blunting on the bottom right corner. Edge wear visible on the top and right margins. Scuffing and light creasing near the top right price box area. Interior paper appears off-white to cream based on age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50 | Graded (CGC 7.0 - 8.0): $80 - $120
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-to-high grade raw copies (VF) range from $35 to $60. High-grade CGC 9.6/9.8 copies have reached $300 - $500 in recent auctions.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth professional grading if the comic would benefit from a 'Press and Clean' to reach a 9.0+ range. In its current 7.0 state, the cost of grading may exceed the immediate value increase.
Notable Features
First appearance of Preston Payne (Clayface III). Iconic cover art by the legendary team of Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin from their definitive 1970s Batman run. Newsstand edition with barcode.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age DC publication. Correct 35-cent price point for 1978. Printing registration and color saturation are consistent with period production methods.