Batman: Shadow of the Bat ##12
DC Comics • Batman: Shadow of the Bat Vol. 1
Writer
Alan Grant
Interior Artist
Vince Giarrano
Cover Artist
Brian Stelfreeze
Publication Date
May 1993
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of the 'The Human Flea' storyline. The story introduces a new eccentric villain, the Human Flea, who begins a series of strange thefts in Gotham City, leading Batman into a bizarre confrontation.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Minor blunting on the bottom right corner. Some surface wear and slight color rubbing on the dark purple border. Vertical edge wear on the left spine edge.
Estimated Market Value
$3 - $8 (Raw); $35 - $50 (CGC 9.8)
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $2-$5 in dollar bins or lots. High-grade slabbed copies (9.8) have sold in the $40 range recently.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading exceeds the market value of the book in this condition. It is a common '90s copper age book that is not a major key issue.
Notable Features
First appearance of The Human Flea (Martin 'Flea' Hoberman). Features iconic cover art by Brian Stelfreeze, known for his long run on this series.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1993 DC publication. Consistent paper stock, trademark logos, and era-appropriate matte/gloss hybrid cover finish. Batman logo in barcode box indicates Direct Edition.