Batman's Detective Comics ##457
DC Comics • Detective Comics (Vol. 1)
Writer
Denny O'Neil
Interior Artist
Dick Giordano
Cover Artist
Dick Giordano
Publication Date
March 1976
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In 'There is No Hope in Crime Alley!', Batman returns to the site of his parents' murder on the anniversary of their deaths. He meets Leslie Thompkins for the first time in his adult life. The issue serves as a foundational retelling of Batman's origin.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Multiple small color-breaking spine stress lines (ticks), slight corner blunting on the bottom right, a faint vertical surface scuff near the right edge, and mild edge wear. The dark cover shows imperfections easily.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $40 - $70 | Graded (CGC 8.0): $120 - $160
Recent Sales
CGC 8.0 copies have sold between $130 and $155 recently. High-grade 9.6/9.8 copies command significantly more ($500+).
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if pressing can minimize surface scuffs and minor indentations. A professional press could potentially bump this to an 8.5/9.0, substantially increasing liquidity.
Notable Features
First appearance of Leslie Thompkins. Key Bronze Age Batman issue. Features a back-up Elongated Man story. Iconic Dick Giordano cover art depicting the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age DC production. Standard 30-cent price point. Correct paper aging for 1976. Interior white/creamy page quality consistent with high-grade specimens of this era.