Batman ##428
DC Comics • Batman Vol. 1 (1940-2011)
Writer
Jim Starlin
Interior Artist
Jim Aparo
Cover Artist
Mike Mignola
Publication Date
January 1989
Cover Variant
Regular Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Death of Jason Todd (Robin). Part 4 of the 'A Death in the Family' storyline. In this issue, Batman discovers Jason's body after the Joker's brutal attack and the explosion. It ends with the cliffhanger regarding Jason's fate following a real-world reader telephone poll.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (7.5)
Condition Details
Visible rounding of the bottom right corner; some minor spine ticks/stress lines along the left edge. The top right corner shows moderate blunting. There is a slight visible 'bag-kink' or wave near the bottom left, though gloss remains high.
Estimated Market Value
Raw ($50 - $70) / Graded CGC 9.8 ($250 - $325)
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-to-high grade typically sell for $40-$80 on eBay. CGC 9.6 copies recently averaged $140, while 9.8 copies remain high due to the historical significance of the issue.
Grading Recommendation
Moderate Recommendation. While it is a major key, the visible corner wear may prevent a 9.0+ grade. At a 7.5-8.0, the cost of grading plus shipping may result in thin profit margins compared to selling it raw, unless you plan to hold it for your personal collection.
Notable Features
Death of the second Robin (Jason Todd). Key issue of the 1980s. Cover art by Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy). Includes the outcome of the famous '1-900 number' fan vote.
Authentication Notes
Original first printing with a $1.00 cover price. Printing registration looks sharp and consistent with DC paper stock from the late 1980s. No signs of counterfeit reproduction.