Detective Comics ##298
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Finger
Interior Artist
Sheldon Moldoff
Cover Artist
Sheldon Moldoff
Publication Date
December 1961
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Menace of Clay-Face!'. This is the second appearance of Matt Hagen as Clayface. The story follows Batman and Robin as they attempt to stop Clayface's crime spree, eventually discovering that he gains his powers from a protoplasmic pool in a cave.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress with color-breaking ticks, moderate corner blunting, small crease at bottom right corner, minor chipping along the bottom edge, visible grease pencil or ink archive markings in the top right purple circle, and general surface wear/dimpling consistent with mid-grade Silver Age books.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $225; Graded (CGC 4.0): $250 - $350
Recent Sales
Recent 4.0 to 5.0 CGC copies have sold between $260 and $380. Raw copies in similar mid-grade condition typically fetch $175 on auction sites.
Grading Recommendation
Optional. While this is the second appearance of the Matt Hagen Clayface, the current condition (mid-grade) may not yield a significant financial premium after grading fees. However, if pressing can resolve some of the non-color breaking dimples, it could reach a 4.5 or 5.0.
Notable Features
Second appearance of Matt Hagen (the Silver Age Clayface). Iconic Sheldon Moldoff cover. Features the 'DC National Comics' logo and the 12-cent silver age price point.
Authentication Notes
The paper aging, staple oxidation signs, and specific color saturation of the 1961 DC print process appear authentic. No signs of restoration are visible from the exterior cover images.