Batman's Detective Comics ##471
DC Comics • Detective Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Steve Englehart
Interior Artist
Marshall Rogers
Cover Artist
Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin
Publication Date
August 1977
Cover Variant
35c Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part of the legendary Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers run. This issue features the first modern appearance and origin of Hugo Strange (Silver Age revival). Strange discovers Batman's secret identity and attempts to auction it off to Gotham's underworld.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Minor blunting on the top left corner. Slight surface scuffing visible on the dark background areas near Batman's shoulder. Lower left corner shows minor wear. General shelf wear consistent with a mid-to-high grade raw copy.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (7.0): $40-$60; Graded (9.0+): $150-$250+
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies range from $35 to $55. 9.6 graded copies have recently fetched over $300 due to the popularity of the Englehart/Rogers era.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if it can achieve a 9.2 or higher after a professional clean and press. This specific copy appears to be in the 7.0-7.5 range; unless deeply sentimental, it is likely better kept as a high-quality raw reader or collector copy.
Notable Features
Key issue featuring the return and origin of Hugo Strange. Notable for the iconic 'The Dead Yet Live!' cover art. Includes a 'You could be in the Superman Movie' advertisement banner at the top. Newsstand edition with UPC barcode.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1977 production. Paper stock shows appropriate age-related off-white to cream toning. Staple placement is correct for DC Bronze Age manufacturing. Print registration is sharp.