Batman ##227
DC Comics • Batman Vol. 1
Writer
Denny O'Neil
Interior Artist
Irv Novick and Dick Giordano
Cover Artist
Neal Adams
Publication Date
December 1970
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A defining Bronze Age story titled 'The Demon of Gothos Mansion!'. Batman searches for Alfred's niece, Daphne Penny-Worth, who has been kidnapped by a group of devil-worshippers intent on using her in a ritual sacrifice. Significant for its gothic atmosphere and darker tone.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (3.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress, significant corner blunting at top left and bottom left, noticeable creasing on the right-hand edge, possible small tears along the top edge, and moderate surface wear/scuffing on the black ink portions of the cover. Substantial edge wear consistently throughout the perimeter.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $600 (Raw); $700 - $850 (CGC/CBCS Graded)
Recent Sales
CGC 3.0 copies have recently sold between $650 and $800. Raw mid-to-low grade copies typically range between $350 and $550 depending on the presence of interior flaws.
Grading Recommendation
Worth professional grading due to its status as a major Bronze Age key. A professional 'Press and Clean' would likely improve the eye appeal and potentially bump the grade to a 3.5 or 4.0 if the creasing is non-color-breaking.
Notable Features
Classic 'Tribute' cover by Neal Adams, homaging Detective Comics #31. This is considered one of the most iconic and desirable covers of the Bronze Age. Features an early appearance of Daphne Penny-worth. Direct Edition (though no UPC was standard for this era).
Authentication Notes
The vintage 15c price point, Neal Adams signature style, and paper aging consistent with early 70s newsprint suggest authenticity. No immediate signs of facsimile or reprinting common with this specific issue are visible in this image.