Batman: Shadow of the Bat ##1
DC Comics • Batman: Shadow of the Bat (Vol. 1)
Writer
Alan Grant
Interior Artist
Norm Breyfogle
Cover Artist
Brian Stelfreeze
Publication Date
June 1992
Cover Variant
Regular/Newsstand Edition (Barcode visible)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of 'The Last Arkham' storyline. This issue introduces the villain Victor Zsasz (First Appearance) and Jeremiah Arkham. Batman goes undercover as an inmate at Arkham Asylum to investigate a series of murders.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks along the left edge; significant corner blunting on the top and bottom left; visible edge wear along the left border; subtle surface scuffing and small creases on the cover art near the bottom right; possible tanning consistent with 1990s newsstand paper stock.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10 | Graded (9.8): $60 - $80
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-grade condition typically sell for $3-$7 on secondary markets. High-grade (NM) copies sell for $15-$25. Graded 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $70 range.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The visible spine stress and corner wear will limit the grade significantly (likely below an 8.0). Given the high print run and current market value, the cost of grading would exceed the value of the comic.
Notable Features
First appearance of Victor Zsasz; First appearance of Jeremiah Arkham; Newsstand Edition (UPC barcode); Collector's Edition variant exists with a wrap-around cover, but this is the standard edition.
Authentication Notes
The item appears authentic based on the 1992 DC trade dress, barcode placement, and color-saturated red borders typical of this specific print run. No signs of restoration or counterfeiting are visible.