BATMAN ##423
DC Comics • Batman Vol. 1
Writer
Jim Starlin
Interior Artist
Dave Cockrum
Cover Artist
Todd McFarlane
Publication Date
September 1988
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition with UPC)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Story titled You Shoulda Seen 'em by Jim Starlin. Three police officers exchange stories about their encounters with Batman, each portraying him as a different kind of urban legend (mythical beast, ninja, etc.). Key issue due to the legendary Todd McFarlane cover art.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks along the left edge, corner blunting on the top left and bottom right, and minor edge wear along the right side. Several small creases are visible on the cover surface.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $100-$150; CGC 6.0: $150-$180; CGC 9.8 (comparison): $1,200+
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (9.8) have recently sold for an average of $1,300. Lower mid-grade raw copies like this one typically sell between $100 and $160 due to high demand for the iconic cover art.
Grading Recommendation
While this is a highly significant key issue, the visible spine damage and corner wear suggest a mid-grade result (6.0-7.0 area). Grading may not offer a significant ROI unless professionally pressed and cleaned to improve the grade toward Very Fine (8.0).
Notable Features
Iconic Todd McFarlane cover art featuring Batman's 'living cape'. This is one of the most sought-after Batman covers of the Modern Age. Features UPC barcode (Direct Edition).
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing. Correct paper stock for the era, 75 cent cover price, and standard DC trade dress of 1988 including the 'DC Bullet' logo.