Are you a Batman fan looking for the rarest comic books in the world? If yes, then you came to the right place.
As one of popular culture’s most beloved and enduring icons, Batman has inspired generations of comic book enthusiasts worldwide. And, as with any cultural phenomenon, there exist rare and highly-priced pieces of memorabilia for collectors to get their hands on.
In this blog post, you will discover the nine rarest Batman comics in the world, examining what makes them unique and valuable. From classic vintage copies to limited edition printings, these rare comics are highly sought after by collectors and Batman aficionados alike. So, let’s delve into the world of Gotham City and uncover the story behind these rare and priceless comics.
9. Detective Comics #38
Current number: about 60 copies
Publication date: April 10, 1940
Price: Up to $46,000
Script writer: Bill Finger, Jerry Siegel, Jack Lehti, Gardner F. Fox, Chad Grothkopf, and Richard Martin
Page count: 58 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Detective Comics #38 was published in April 1940 by DC Comics and featured the highly anticipated full comic book debut of Batman’s iconic sidekick, Robin, the Boy Wonder.
The story, written by Bill Finger and illustrated by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, sees Batman investigating a case involving a criminal gang led by a mysterious figure known as the “Gloves.” Eventually, Batman discovers that the Gloves is a young boy, Dick Grayson, who witnessed his parents’ murder at the hands of the gang.
Batman takes Dick under his wing and trains him to become Robin, his crime-fighting partner. Together, they take on the Gloves and his gang in a thrilling adventure that showcases the dynamic duo’s fighting skills and teamwork.
Did you know?
Detective Comic #38 is the first issue of the Batman comic where the story includes corruption in the Police Department. This theme would then be repeated in later stories.
8. Batman #31
Current number: about 50 to 55 copies
Publication date: November 10, 1945
Price: Up to $24,000
Script writer: Don Cameron, Joe Samachson, Henry Boltinoff, Eddie Bell, and Joseph Greene
Page count: 52 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Batman #31 is another edition of the Batman series with 52 pages, more than its standard 36 pages. The issue comes with four stories: Punch and Judy, Alfred, Armchair Detective, Vanishing Village, and Trade Marks of Crime.
Batman #31 shows Batman for the first time gliding using his new cape attachments webbed in his arms and legs. Batman would later repeatedly use this particular move in future comic issues.
7. Batman #121
Current number: about 50 copies
Publication date: February 10, 1959
Price: Up to $80,000
Script writer: Bill Finger, Henry Boltinoff, and Dave Wood
Page count: 36 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Batman #121 is a classic issue of the Batman comic book series, originally published in February 1959 by DC Comics. Written by Bill Finger and illustrated by Sheldon Moldoff, the issue features the first appearance of one of Batman’s most infamous villains — Mr. Freeze.
The story sees Batman and Robin facing off against a new villain, Mr. Zero, who uses his cryogenic technology to commit daring robberies. Mr. Zero’s true identity is later revealed to be Victor Fries, a scientist exposed to his own cryogenic formula during an accident, turning him into the villainous Mr. Freeze.
Did you know?
Batman #121’s comic cover has become one of the most popular and enduring images of Batman, Robin, and Mr. Freeze. On the cover, you will see the crime-fighting duo trapped in a block of ice while Mr. Freeze holding his freeze gun.
6. Batman #181
Current number: about 40 copies
Publication date: May 31, 1966
Price: Up to $3,600
Script writer: Robert Kanigher and Gardner Fox
Page count: 36 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Batman #181, published by DC Comics in 1966, is a pivotal issue of the Batman comic book series.
The story revolves around the devious Poison Ivy, who manages to hypnotize Batman and Robin using her perfume-based mind-control abilities. The characters are then manipulated to help her commit crimes until they ultimately break free and apprehend the villain.
The artwork in Batman #181 is also noteworthy, with Sheldon Moldoff providing detailed and vivid illustrations that captivate the reader and bring the action to life.
Did you know?
The Batman #181 edition introduced several villains. These include Dragonfly, Silken Spider, Tiger Moth, and Poison Ivy.
5. Batman #232
Current number: about 30 to 35 copies
Publication date: June 10, 1971
Price: Up to $9,900
Script writer: Denny O’Neil
Page count: 36 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Batman #232 is a critically-acclaimed issue of the Batman comic book series published in June 1971 by DC Comics. It features the debut appearance of one of Batman’s most iconic villains, Ra’s al Ghul, in a story written by Dennis O’Neil and illustrated by Neal Adams.
The story sees Batman and Robin combating a plan by Ra’s al Ghul to destroy most of humanity with a germ weapon. Ra is shown to be a cunning and dangerous adversary with a philosophical outlook that often puts him at odds with the Dark Knight.
Did you know?
Batman #232 introduced Ra’s al Ghul, one of Batman’s most iconic villains. Because of this, Batman #232 is part of the reprinted issues in 1980, which celebrates the best issues of the Batman series.
4. Batman #59
Current number: about 30 copies
Publication date: Jul 10, 1950
Price: Up to $6,000
Script writer: David Vern, Henry Boltinoff, and Bill Finger
Page count: 52 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Batman #59 was released in 1950 by DC Comics. The issue concerns a new hero that emerged in Gotham City, who goes by the name Deadshot.
With a desire to surpass Batman as the city’s primary crimefighter, Deadshot trained extensively for this role. While the public initially has mixed feelings about him, they eventually warm up to his presence. The story revolves around how Batman and Robin uncovered Deadshot’s real plan.
Aside from the thrilling story in Batman #59, one of its main selling points is the number of pages. Normally, Batman comics would only include about 30-40 pages. However, in Batman #59, fans got 52 pages, which the public happily embraced. Its eye-catching cover depicts a space-themed scenario featuring Batman and Robin in a starship, with the iconic bat symbol displayed prominently on the moon.
3. Detective Comics #359
Current number: about 25 copies
Publication date: Dec 31, 1966
Price: $100 to $10,000
Script writer: Gardner Fox and Henry Boltinoff
Page count: 36 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Detective Comics #359, famously known as “The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl,” is a highly coveted issue among comic book collectors. The issue hit the market in 1967 and featured the first appearance of Batgirl.
In the issue, Barbara Gordon attends a costume party in a Batgirl costume and finds herself in the middle of a crime scene. She quickly jumps into action, using her martial arts skills and gadgets to stop the criminals and save the day. This impresses her father and Batman, who invite her to become Batgirl and fight crime in Gotham City alongside them.
Did you know?
Detective Comis #359 introduces Barbara Gordon, who would later become Batgirl. The idea came from one of the TV producers who wanted to add a female character to the TV series Batman.
2. Detective Comics #474
Current number: about 20-25 copies
Publication date: Dec 10, 1977
Price: $40 to $150
Script writer: Steve Englehart
Page count: 36 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Detective Comics #474 was published in 1977 by DC Comics and features the thrilling story “Deadshot’s Revenge!”. This issue, written by Steve Englehart and illustrated by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin, sees Batman on the hunt for the infamous assassin Deadshot, who is determined to make him pay for his capture and imprisonment.
Featuring intense action and highly detailed artwork with dynamic panel layouts, Detective Comics #474 marks a major milestone in Batman’s comic book history – the return of Deadshot to DC Comics after a long absence. Over the years, this character would become a popular villain in multiple comics, television shows, and movies.
Did you know?
Detective Comics #474 features the second appearance of Deadshot after almost three decades. He first appeared in the 1950 issue of Batman #59.
1. Batman #47
Current number: about 20 copies
Publication date: April 1948
Price: $1,200 to $10,300
Script writer: Bill Finger, Ted Rosen, and Henry Boltinoff
Page count: 52 pages
Image source: Go Collect
Batman #47 is the rarest Batman comic since only about 20 copies exist today. The comic is part of the Batman (Volume 1) series, published in July 1948.
Batman #47 is a classic comic book that features the first detailed origin story of Batman as he tracks down his parents’ killer. The comic book has since become a collector’s item, with high prices being paid for graded copies.
In a more recent Batman #47, released in 2016, the story ends with a bang that sets up the next chapter in the Batman/Catwoman romance. If you’re a fan of the Caped Crusader, this iconic comic book is one to add to your collection.
Did you know?
Batman #47’s cover comes with “The Origin of Batman” as its caption. The cover features an image of Batman silently standing behind a man reading the newspaper.
