CGC-certified First Appearance of Batman Sells for Record $2.3 Million

Lightning struck more than once. A blockbuster auction that included hundreds of Golden and Silver Age comics certified by CGC produced multiple million-dollar results. Among them, Batman soared to new heights in Heritage Auctions’ Signature Comic Book Auction on February 26, 2026.

With a record-breaking price, the first appearance of Batman in a Detective Comics #27 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 91011) realized $2,318,000. This sale handily surpassed the previous high mark for this title, which was held by a CGC 6.5 copy that realized $1.82 million in 2024.

Published in 1939 by creators Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the character’s introduction was an attempt to mimic the success of Action Comics' Superman. Batman was indeed a success, which led to the Caped Crusader's own solo series in 1940. There are fewer than 100 examples of Detective Comics #27 in the CGC Population Report, and only six Universal copies are graded higher.

Another all-star result was for an All Star Comics #8 graded CGC 9.4 (lot 91005), which realized $1,342,000. The December 1941-January 1942 comic, which was published by a DC forerunner, is famous for introducing Wonder Woman. The groundbreaking Golden Age superhero quickly moved to anchor the Sensation Comics series, which began in January 1942. This is the third time this comic has realized more than $1 millionat auction since 2022.

Also finishing with seven figures was a Superman #1 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 91018), which realized $1,220,000. One of the most iconic fictional characters of all time, Superman launched the superhero genre when he first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938, ushering in a new type of protagonist that harkened back to ancient mythology. Little more than 200 copies are recorded today in the CGC Population Report, with a mere five graded higher than this one in Universal grade.

“Seeing three comics eclipse the million-dollar mark in a single sale is extraordinary on its own, but setting a new record for the first appearance of Batman in Detective Comics #27 speaks to the enduring power of these characters and the premium collectors place on the very best surviving examples,” said CGC President Matt Nelson. “These results underscore just how strong the market remains for truly iconic books.”

Other CGC-certified comics sold in the auction are:

• an Incredible Hulk #1 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 91016), which realized $732,000
• an Action Comics #1 graded CGC 2.0 Qualified (lot 91003), which realized $625,250
• a Captain America Comics #1 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 91009), which realized $305,000
• an Amazing Fantasy #15 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 91006), which realized $244,000
• a Detective Comics #29 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 91012), which realized $231,800
• a Suspense Comics #3 graded CGC 5.0 (lot 91020), which realized $195,200
• an Amazing Spider-Man #1 graded CGC 9.0 (lot 91007), which realized $158,600
• a Detective Comics #31 graded CGC 3.0 (lot 91013), which realized $134,200
• an Amazing Spider-Man #50 graded CGC 9.8 (lot 91008), which realized $91,500
• a Detective Comics #35 graded CGC 6.0 (lot 91014), which realized $88,450

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.

CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 110 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs and stamps.