BATMAN'S DETECTIVE COMICS ##478
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Len Wein
Interior Artist
Marshall Rogers
Cover Artist
Marshall Rogers
Publication Date
August 1978
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part one of 'The Clayer': Batman faces the third Clayface (Preston Payne), a scientist who injected himself with a sample of Matt Hagen's blood, causing his body to melt. He must wear an exoskeleton and kill others to maintain his form.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress with small color breaks, minor corner blunting on the bottom right, and light surface wear visible on the dark areas of the cover. Centering appears slightly shifted to the left. Well-preserved for a Bronze Age book.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $25 - $45; Graded (CGC 8.0): $60 - $80
Recent Sales
CGC 8.5 copies have recently sold for approximately $90; raw mid-to-high grade copies typically sell for $30-$40 on auction sites.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if pressing and cleaning can bump it to a 9.0 or higher. As it stands (est. 8.0), the cost of grading may equal the market value. High sentimental value or a desire for preservation are other reasons to grade.
Notable Features
First appearance of Preston Payne (Clayface III). Notable Marshall Rogers cover art and interior pencils. Features DC's 35-cent price point. The issue contains a classic horror-themed Batman story.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age DC publication. Features period-correct 35-cent price, DC 'bullet' logo, and standard UPC barcode. Paper stock and ink saturation appear consistent with 1978 production.