Batman's Detective Comics ##469
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Steve Englehart
Interior Artist
Walt Simonson
Cover Artist
Marshall Rogers
Publication Date
May 1977
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part one of 'By Death's Eerie Light!' This issue features the first appearance and origin of Doctor Phosphorus (Alex Sartorius), a radioactive villain who blames the city for his condition. It also marks the beginning of the acclaimed Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers run (though Simonson handles interiors here), which redefined Batman for the Bronze Age.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good- (CGC 3.5)
Condition Details
Moderate to heavy shelf wear. Significant color-breaking spine stress lines and ticks. Rounded/blunted corners. Notable creasing on the top right corner and bottom left. Minor tearing or fraying on the upper spine edge. Visible surface scuffing and loss of gloss.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20 | Graded (3.5): $40 - $55
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-to-high grade copies vary significantly, but low-grade copies like this typically sell between $12 and $18 on auction sites like eBay.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading, shipping, and handling would likely exceed the final market value of a 3.5-4.0 grade copy. Better preserved as a reader copy or in a protective bag and board.
Notable Features
First appearance of Doctor Phosphorus. Notable for being the start of one of the most celebrated creative eras in Batman history. Includes a UPC barcode on the cover.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1977 original. The newsprint aging, 30-cent price point, and specific ink saturation levels are consistent with DC Comics production from the late 1970s. No signs of restoration or modern reproduction are visible.