Batman ##404
DC Comics • Batman Vol. 1
Writer
Frank Miller
Interior Artist
David Mazzucchelli
Cover Artist
David Mazzucchelli
Publication Date
February 1987
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of the legendary 'Year One' storyline. It reimagines the origin of Bruce Wayne as Batman and James Gordon's first days in Gotham City. This issue depicts the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne and Bruce's return to Gotham after years of training abroad.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress marks (color breaking), minor corner blunting on the top and bottom right, slight surface wear on the dark portions of the cover, and a small indentation near the top edge. The cover gloss appears mostly intact but shows signs of handling.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (CGC 8.0): $60 - $80; (Targeting CGC 9.8): $350 - $450
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar condition typically sell for $35-$45. CGC 9.8 copies have recently reached $400 or more, while lower mid-grade slabs range between $70 and $100.
Grading Recommendation
Generally only worth grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or 9.8. This copy appears to have enough spine stress to keep it in the 8.0-8.5 range, making the cost of grading higher than the potential value increase. A professional press could improve the grade slightly by removing non-color-breaking indentations.
Notable Features
Key issue featuring the start of the 'Year One' arc. First appearance of Sarah Essen. Features a modern retelling of the Thomas and Martha Wayne death scene. Direct edition (indicated by the DC logo box text).
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing from 1987. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting. Correct paper stock and cover gloss for the era. The price box and UPC box (containing 'History of the DC Universe' ad) are consistent with DC's 1987 direct market distribution.