Batman ##244
DC Comics • Batman (Volume 1)
Writer
Dennis O'Neil
Interior Artist
Neal Adams
Cover Artist
Neal Adams
Publication Date
September 1972
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The Demon Lives Again! This issue features a climactic sword fight between Batman and Ra's al Ghul in the desert. After Batman is seemingly killed by a scorpion sting, he is resurrected and defeats Ra's. It concludes the early saga of the League of Assassins.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress with color breaks, significant corner blunting (upper right), multiple surface abrasions and small white scuff marks in the dark sky areas, edge wear across the top, and likely yellowing of pages consistent with age. Large color-breaking crease near the bottom right corner.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $100 - $140; Graded 4.0: $150 - $180
Recent Sales
CGC 4.0 copies have recently sold for approximately $160 - $185. Low-grade raw copies vary between $80 and $125 depending on back cover condition.
Grading Recommendation
Grading is recommended if intending to maximize liquidity, as it is a Bronze Age key. A professional press and clean could potentially raise the grade to a 5.0-5.5. However, at a 4.0 estimate, the grading fee may represent a large percentage of the total value.
Notable Features
Classic Neal Adams cover art; iconic sword-fight scene; early appearance of Ra's al Ghul and Talia al Ghul; conclude the 3-part Ra's al Ghul introduction arc.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1972 Bronze Age DC comic. Paper stock is newsprint, showing typical oxidation for the period. 20-cent price point and logo style are correct for the September 1972 publication window.