Detective Comics ##605
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Alan Grant
Interior Artist
Norm Breyfogle (pencils) and Steve Mitchell (inks)
Cover Artist
Norm Breyfogle
Publication Date
September 1989
Cover Variant
Regular Edition (Direct Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 2 of 'The Mud Pack' storyline. Batman battles a team-up of various Clayfaces: Basil Karlo (Clayface I), Preston Payne (Clayface III), and Sondra Fuller (Lady Clay). This issue features the first full appearance of the Mud Pack as a cohesive group.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress/ticks visible against the dark black areas of the cover. Slight corner blunting on the bottom right. The book appears mostly flat with good gloss, but minor edge wear is present near the top. Some surface scuffing visible on the plastic polybag which may or may not be on the book itself.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15; Graded (9.8): $60 - $85
Recent Sales
Raw copies generally sell for $3-$8 in bulk lots or $10 individual High Grade. CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $75 range on eBay.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless a 9.8 is guaranteed. The cost of grading (approx $30-40) exceeds the value of a raw or mid-to-high grade copy ($10). A press and clean might bring it closer to 9.4/9.6, but market demand for this specific non-key issue is low.
Notable Features
Includes the 'Batman 50th Anniversary' logo. Features the 'Mud Pack' storyline. Identified as a Direct Edition by the magnifying glass logo in the bottom left corner rather than a UPC barcode.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980s DC copper age printing. Correct glossy cover stock typical of 1989 Direct Edition DC books. Staple placement and 'Detective Comics' masthead align with known production standards.