CGC-certified Detective Comics #27 Realizes $675,000
Posted on 6/25/2024
A Golden Age grail with the first appearance of Batman led a group of 11 comics graded by Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) that each realized six figures. Heritage Auctions’ Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction was held June 20-23, 2024.
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The highlight of the auction was a Detective Comics #27 graded CGC 4.5 (lot 91006), which realized $675,000. Published in May 1939, this comic marked the first appearance of Batman, one of the most iconic superheroes in popular culture. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman was introduced as a vigilante detective operating in Gotham City. Unlike other superheroes of the time, Batman lacked superpowers, relying instead on his detective skills, martial arts expertise and an array of gadgets. Over the decades, Batman's popularity has only grown, adapting to changing tastes and media formats. From the television series of the 1960s to the darker, more complex interpretations in Tim Burton's and Christopher Nolan's films, Batman has evolved while retaining core elements that resonate with audiences.
There are 72 examples of this iconic book in the CGC Census, but this book is among only 36 that have the highly desirable Universal grade. A mere 20 examples are graded higher in Universal.
A rare 1954 first manga appearance of Godzilla, certified by CGC, was also sold for a record price at Heritage. You can read more about that sale here.
Other CGC-certified comics realizing six figures in this sale included:
- a Batman #1 graded CGC 4.0 (lot 91002), which realized $288,000
- a Marvel Comics #1 graded CGC 4.5 (lot 91012), which realized $288,000
- a Whiz Comics #2 (#1) graded CGC 7.0 (lot 91019), which realized $288,000
- a Marvel Comics #1 graded CGC 7.0 Restored (lot 91013), which realized $228,000
- a Captain America Comics #1 graded CGC 5.0 (lot 91003), which realized $180,000
- a Superman #1 graded CGC 1.5 (lot 91124), which realized $180,000
- a Fantastic Four #1 graded CGC 8.5 (lot 91010), which realized $144,000
- an Amazing Fantasy #15 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 91152), which realized $114,000
- a Tales of Suspense #39 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 91017), which realized $106,266
- a Detective Comics #29 graded CGC 5.0 (lot 91007), which realized $102,000
Prices realized include a buyer’s premium. The $ symbol indicates US Dollars.
About CGC
Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. The newest division of CGC, CGC Home Video, provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of home media.
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