Hungry for more superheroes after the success of "Superman" in Action Comics #1 in 1938, editors at National Comics Publications (the future DC Comics) put a call out for more superheroes for their titles. Bob Kane and collaborator Bill Finger answered the call, delivering "Batman," who made his debut in "Detective Comics #27" in May of 1939. The dark and brooding story about a millionaire playboy who dons a cape and cowl and turns to a life of vigilantism in response to the traumatic death of his parents proved wildly popular with audiences, and Batman received his own solo title in 1940.

Offered here is a sealed and graded copy of "Batman #1," featuring one of the most iconic covers from the Golden Age of comics, drawn by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, released in March of 1940. Although Batman had previously appeared in Detective Comics, this issue is where the myth of the Caped Crusader took flight. To say this comic is jam-packed with action would be a dramatic understatement, as it features the first appearance of classic Batman villains the Joker and Catwoman, named "The Cat" in this issue. The Bill Finger story begins with a two-page origin synopsis of how Bruce Wayne became the Caped Crusader and is followed by Batman's first encounters with the Joker and Catwoman. The two villains would go on to beguile the "World's Greatest Detective" for over 80 years.

The issue is not only noted for being the introduction of two of Batman's most iconic villains, but it also caused an outcry after Batman faced off against Hugo Strange that forever changed the course of the Caped Crusader. Batman is depicted firing a machine gun from his Batwing to stop the "Monster Men" created by Strange that were running roughshod through Gotham City. "As much I hate to take a human life, I'm afraid this time it's necessary," Batman said in the comics as he proceeded to kill the monsters as a last resort. The violence caused an outcry so severe that DC Editor Whitney Ellsworth spoke to Bob Kane and Bill Finger and told them that from now on, Batman would be against killing. With the introduction of Robin and the tonal contrast he brought to the comic, Ellsworth believed that it would have been bad form to paint Batman as a role model to Robin if he resorted to killing. So as much as this is the first official Batman title, it also set the tone for how Batman was portrayed in comics and cinema for decades to come.

This offered copy comes encapsulated and graded by CGC, who gave the comic the grade of 8.0 with "White Pages." As comics were printed on cheaper paper during the Golden Age, this copy has held up remarkably well. This particular copy comes from the collection of Lamont Larson, the noted collector of pre-Golden Age and Golden Age comics, and is signed by the collector with a pencil on the left side of the cover. Larson signed copies are highly sought-after by collectors, only increasing this copy's value. The copy contains some staining on the right side and slight wear on the edges and corners. According to CGC's census report, only 18 copies achieved a higher grade, making this issue even rarer. One of the most iconic comic books from the Golden Age of Comics is graded 8.0 with white pages.

Auction Notepad