World's Finest Comics ##153
DC Comics • World's Finest Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Edmond Hamilton
Interior Artist
Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks)
Cover Artist
Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks)
Publication Date
November 1965
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Direct)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
An 'Imaginary Novel' titled 'The Saga of Superman vs. Batman!' in which Batman believes Superboy was responsible for his father's death. This issue features the infamous panel of Batman slapping Robin, which has become a viral internet meme. It is a key Silver Age issue due to its cultural impact.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and wear on all four corners; heavy tanning/yellowing of the cover; color-breaking vertical crease on the left edge near the spine; minor surface staining/soiling in the white border areas; probable off-white to tan interior pages.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $250; Graded (CGC 4.0): $300 - $450
Recent Sales
High-grade CGC 9.0+ copies sell for over $5,000; mid-grade raw copies (VG/FN) consistently range between $200 and $400 due to the high demand for the 'Batman Slapping Robin' meme origin.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if the goal is preservation or maximizing resale value for the meme-collector market. A professional cleaning and press could potentially raise the grade to a 4.5 or 5.0 by flattening creases and removing surface dirt, though paper tanning is permanent.
Notable Features
First appearance of the 'Batman Slapping Robin' panel; iconic 'Imaginary Story' cover; Silver Age key; features a Kryptonite Batarang.
Authentication Notes
The 12-cent price point and logo style are consistent with 1965 DC production. No signs of restoration visible; wear pattern is consistent with age and typical storage conditions of the era.