Detective Comics ##1
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 2 (The New 52)
Writer
Tony S. Daniel
Interior Artist
Tony S. Daniel
Cover Artist
Tony S. Daniel
Publication Date
November 2011
Cover Variant
Regular (Cover A) Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Batman hunts the serial killer known as the Dollmaker. Key storyline featuring the Joker having his face surgically removed by the Dollmaker at the end of the issue, setting up the 'Death of the Family' arc.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint- (CGC 9.2)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress visible along the left edge. Slight blunting on the bottom right corner of the cover. Gloss remains high with no visible color-breaking creases in the main art field.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30.00 - $50.00 | Graded (CGC 9.8): $120.00 - $160.00
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold between $130 and $150. Raw copies in NM condition typically sell for $40 on various auction sites.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading only if it is a guaranteed 9.8, as the New 52 high-print run makes lower grades less valuable relative to grading costs. Professional pressing could improve it to a 9.4/9.6.
Notable Features
First issue of Detective Comics Vol. 2; First appearance of the Dollmaker (Barton Mathis); Joker's face skin removal cliffhanger; The New 52 relaunch banner.
Authentication Notes
Presence of the standard Direct Sales barcode and 'Nov 2011' date stamp consistent with first print production. High-gloss finish and cardstock-like cover thickness are typical for this era.