The top-selling comic book in December was Detective Comics #38. Even decades after its release, this issue continues to attract collectors and those who like to sell comic books. But what’s so special about it?
The Detective Comics series
Detective Comics is one of the longest-running comic series ever, first published by DC Comics in 1937. It was created as an anthology of crime, mystery, and detective stories, a popular genre at the time. Everything changed in 1939 when Batman debuted in issue #27—a monumental event in superhero comics history.
The title became super popular in the 1940s and again in the 1970s and 1980s, when darker storytelling became more common. Over the years, Detective Comics has hosted major storylines like The Laughing Fish, A Lonely Place of Dying, and Batman: Black Mirror. Many legendary creators worked on the book, including Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Dennis O’Neil, Neal Adams, and, later, Scott Snyder.
Issue #1 was the beginning of it all. But at the time, it wasn’t really about superheroes. It was about crimes, solving mysteries, all that.
More About The Detective Comics 38
Detective Comics #38 is a massive thing in comic history, released in April 1940. This is the issue where Robin makes his very first appearance. His real name is Dick Grayson, a circus acrobat whose parents were killed by a mobster. Batman takes him in, trains him, and turns him into his partner.
Before Detective Comics 38, Batman stories were darker and more serious. Robin changed that slightly. He made it more energetic, added some humor, and made the character younger, so younger readers could relate to someone their own age. It became the very first “dynamic duo” in comics history, quickly copied and used in countless comics since then.
The cover is instantly recognizable, showing Batman and Robin swinging across the city on a rope (ehem, bet-rope!). It’s one of the most iconic images of the Golden Age. Inside, the story explains Robin’s origin.
How much is Detective Comics Issue 38
Since Detective Comics issue 38 is iconic and genuinely monumental in comic book history, even the lowest surviving copies have high prices. This is not a book where the condition just “adds a little value.” Every grade matters, and even heavily worn copies are well beyond the reach of casual collectors.
Here’s Detective Comics 38 value based on condition:
- Low grade (around GD 2.0). Rough condition, heavy wear, but still complete. These copies can sell for around $25,000. Yes, we’ve warned you!
- Mid grade (VG 4.0 to FN 6.0). Noticeable wear, but solid structure. Prices usually range from $40,000 to $65,000.
- High grade (VF 8.0). Clean, sharp, and very rare. Values can reach six figures, often near $100,000.
- Near mint (around 9.4). Extremely rare, almost unheard of. Sales at this level have exceeded $100,000. The current record sale is $300,000.
