World's Finest Comics ##253
DC Comics • World's Finest Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Gerry Conway, Bill Kunkel, E. Nelson Bridwell
Interior Artist
Arvell Jones, Dick Giordano, Don Newton, Kurt Schaffenberger
Cover Artist
Dick Giordano
Publication Date
November 1978
Cover Variant
Regular Edition (UK Price Variant)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A 'Dollar Comic' giant-sized issue featuring multiple stories. The lead story 'The Unmasking of Batman' features Superman attempting to reveal Batman's identity during an amnesia-driven episode. Also features backup stories starring Shazam! (Captain Marvel), Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Creeper.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and wear on the top-right corner; visible 25p rubber stamp (UK price variant indicator) on the top right; some general cover scuffing and edge wear; slight vertical crease near the right edge; minor tanning of the cover white areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 USD / Graded (9.0+): $40+ USD
Recent Sales
Recent sales for middle-grade raw copies vary between $8 and $12. High-grade NM copies reach $30-$50. UK variants occasionally carry a slight localized premium but typically trade near standard values.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of CGC/CBCS grading would likely exceed the final market value of the book in this condition (estimated mid-grade).
Notable Features
Giant-size 68-page 'Dollar Comic' format. Features a 25p UK price stamp (common for export copies). Notable for the dramatic unmasking cover by Dick Giordano. Includes a Creeper story by Steve Ditko (penciller/co-plotter).
Authentication Notes
Appearance is consistent with 1970s DC 'Dollar Comic' paper stock and print quality. The 25p stamp is typical for the era's distribution in the United Kingdom. No signs of restoration visible.