There are a number of impressive highlights within the current, May 2010 ComicLink Featured Auction. With certainty, however, the single greatest highlight of the auction is Batman #1 in CGC 9.0, the highest grade ever issued by CGC for this historical issue. This incredible example of this premiere 1940 issue is joined by the highest graded Batman #2 and the highest graded Batman #3 (in CGC graded 9.2 and 9.4, respectively), making this a historic comic book event.
Throughout the evolution of mass media, taking form first within the comic books, then graduating into television, the movies, and now video games, Batman has catapulted in popularity throughout the world. Batman has been one of the most widely appreciated superhero characters throughout the world for the better part of a century now, and hardly a civilized person has not uttered the Dark Knight's name at some point in time. With good reason, the earliest Batman comic books are among most highly sought after in the world, and in the highest certified conditions they are nearly unheard of on the open market, making this a rare acquisition opportunity for collectors. This is the first time ever that the highest certified examples of the first three Batman issues have been offered together in one auction.
Here is some more information about the aforementioned first three Batman examples within the ComicLink auction, as well as a few others that have attained CGC's esteemed highest certified grade:
Batman #1 CGC 9.0:
High grade examples of this important DC Mega-key first issue are nearly unseen and the few that are known are almost never offered for sale. This particular example, which presents strongly for the assigned grade, has maintained it's highest graded rank for Batman #1 since it was graded by CGC back in 2003! It is one of only three examples in the world ever certified at CGC's Top Grade of 9.0 for this iconic issue. The offered example is clearly one of the very best in the world and with its tight structure and strong appearance for the grade, it could very well be the most desirable one in existence. It is clearly the finest ever offered at auction.
Batman #2 CGC 9.4:
There are 86 CGC submissions for this 2nd Batman issue from 1940, and only two in the world have ever reached this highest graded, CGC 9.2 tier. There is nothing closely comparable to these two examples -- in fact, there is not a single 9.0 graded by CGC. We are not likely to see anything comparable anytime soon -- the issue is known to be scarce in high-grade in general. In fact, only a mere three other examples have made it as high as 8.0 (two 8.0s and one 8.5). Adding to the desirability of this example, CGC has assigned its near perfect page quality designation of Off-White to White Pages.
Batman #3 CGC 9.4:
The chance to acquire the single highest CGC graded example of a book as significant as Batman #3 is a unique opportunity indeed! Certified at CGC's true Near Mint 9.4 tier, the offered example is the very first one to be assigned such a high grade in over a decade of CGC grading. Adding to its desirability, CGC has assigned its near perfect page quality designation of Off-White to White Pages. This 1940 issue features a truly iconic cover image of Batman and Robin rushing into the foreground (remember the intro to the television show?) against a jet black background that has long made this a notoriously tough book to locate with exceptional eye appeal. This issue also features the first time Catwoman ever appears in costume as well as the first appearance of the Puppet Master, an important Batman villain.
Batman #7 CGC 9.0:
A true rarity and the highest certified grade, this 7th Batman issue is one of only four at this top tier of CGC 9.0. Further enhancing it's desirability, it has also been assigned CGC's near perfect page quality designation of Off-White to White Pages. Nearly 70 years old, and at the top of the census, it is unlikely that it will be bested any time soon.
Batman #18 CGC 9.0:
Batman takes it to the Axis powers on the WWII cover of this early issue from his long-running series. This is one of the few World War II covers in the Batman run and the only one directly combating Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito. Offered here is one of only two examples of one of our favorite Batman covers in CGC's highest certified grade. Not only has the 9.0 technical grade been assigned for this Classic Cover, but it has also been awarded CGC's perfect page quality designation of White pages - a near impossible feat for a Batman issue from this time period.
Batman #38 CGC 9.4:
Extremely rare, this stunning CGC 9.4 NM is the highest graded example of this recognizable, early Batman vs. Penguin cover. It is one of merely one to reach CGC's esteemed top grade. Additionally, CGC has assigned its near perfect page quality designation of Off-White to White pages. Although Dick Sprang penciled this recognizable Batman vs Penguin cover, this issue's interiors feature Jim Mooney's first work on Batman.
You can view and bid on these most impressive Batman comic books, as well as many other comic and comic art highlights, by going to the main ComicLink Featured Auction Page. If these Batman issues are not for you, there are over 1,000 other hand picked vintage comic books and original comic art pieces within the auction.
Prospective comic book sellers may also take note that ComicLink is now taking seller consignments for other upcoming auctions (June thru August), as well as the Comic Exchange sections. If you are interested in selling your comic books or original comic art, simply e-mail your list to buysell@comiclink.com or contact Douglas Gillock, Josh Nathanson or other members of the ComicLink team at 718-246-0300.
