Detective Comics ##469
DC Comics • Detective Comics
Writer
Steve Englehart
Interior Artist
Walt Simonson
Cover Artist
Jim Aparo
Publication Date
May 1977
Cover Variant
Regular (Newsstand Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The 1st appearance of Dr. Alexander Sartorius, also known as Doctor Phosphorus. The story 'By Death’s Eerie Light!' begins the acclaimed run by Steve Englehart and Walt Simonson. Dr. Phosphorus seeks revenge on Gotham City for the accident that turned him into a radioactive skeleton.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress with minor color-breaking ticks on the left edge. Slight blunting at the top-left and bottom-left corners. Some light surface wear and minor edge wear along the top right. Minor color loss on the black border. Pages appear creamy to off-white.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $40 - $65; Graded (CGC 7.5): $110 - $140
Recent Sales
Recent sales for raw copies in similar condition fluctuate between $45 and $60. CGC 8.0 copies have recently sold for approximately $160, while lower grade copies (4.0-5.0) sell for $20-$25.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading only if seeking long-term preservation or if a professional press and clean could bump it to an 8.5+. At a current estimated 7.5, the margins after grading fees may be narrow, but it is a desirable key.
Notable Features
First appearance of Doctor Phosphorus; iconic Jim Aparo cover; Newsstand edition with UPC barcode; Bronze Age key issue; start of the influential Englehart/Simonson run.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age DC copy. Gloss reflects correctly for 1977 stock. Staple placement is central and consistent with period manufacturing. UPC barcode alignment and font are standard for DC newsstand editions of this era.