Detective Comics #472 Value Guide

Detective Comics #472 is a cornerstone of the 1977 'Strange Apparitions' story arc, famously proclaiming the death of the Dark Knight. This issue is highly collectible due to the sophisticated collaboration between writer Steve Englehart and the legendary art team of Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin.

What Is Detective Comics #472 Worth?

The typical price range for Detective Comics #472 is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the paper and ink, specifically looking for spine stress or color breaking creases.
• Presence of 'white' versus 'off-white' or 'tanned' pages, which significantly impacts the $40-$60 value range.
• The integrity of the cover's gloss and the sharpness of the corners.
• Professional grading by services like CGC or CBCS, which can push the value toward the higher end of the spectrum.

How to Identify Detective Comics #472?

• Verify the cover date of September 1977 and the original 35-cent price point.
• Look for the iconic Marshall Rogers cover art depicting Batman's mask and the headline 'The Batman Is Dead!'
• Check the interior credits for Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers, and Terry Austin to ensure it is the authentic Bronze Age printing.
• Confirm the story title 'The Batman Is Dead! Long Live The New Batman!' appears on the splash page.

History of Detective Comics #472

Detective Comics #472, published in September 1977, is a significant issue known for its dramatic storyline 'The Batman Is Dead! Long Live The New Batman!' It is part of the iconic 'Strange Apparitions' story arc, which introduced some memorable villains and is highly regarded by fans and collectors for its sophisticated writing by Steve Englehart and dynamic artwork by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin. This era is often cited as a golden age for Batman comics.