Batman: The Killing Joke ##1 (One-Shot)
DC Comics • Batman: The Killing Joke
Writer
Alan Moore
Interior Artist
Brian Bolland
Cover Artist
Brian Bolland
Publication Date
March 1988
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A definitive Joker origin story. The Joker escapes Arkham Asylum and attacks Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Barbara (Batgirl) to prove that 'one bad day' can make anyone insane. Barbara Gordon is paralyzed in this issue, a status quo that lasted for decades.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint- (CGC 9.2)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress ticks that do not appear to break color. Light edge wear on the right side. Corners appear sharp. Overall high gloss and excellent color registration. Some minor surface scuffing possible on black areas of the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $70-$120 | Graded (9.8): $250-$400 | Graded (9.2): $130-$160
Recent Sales
High-grade first printings consistently sell between $100 and $150 raw depending on specific condition. 9.8 graded copies have seen recent peaks around $400.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or 9.8. Professional pressing and cleaning is recommended prior to submission to eliminate minor surface ripples and non-color-breaking spine ticks which could bump the grade.
Notable Features
First Printing (identifiable by green title text on the inside cover and no bar code on later prints). Paralyzation of Barbara Gordon. Iconic Brian Bolland cover. Prestige Format.
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing. Note the high-quality glossy paper stock and deep black ink saturation characteristic of the 1988 prestige formats. The logo design and color of the 'Smile' bubble match known first print configurations.