Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger as a dark, brooding combination of Superman and The Shadow, with a touch of The Bat Whispers tossed in, Batman quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Kane wiped the grime off Gotham and added a bright, youthful cohort to the Batman mythos, resulting in this triumphant first issue an instant classic that sold out nearly overnight. One of the most famous comics of the Golden Age, featuring one of the most iconic covers, Batman 1 is the perfect cornerstone for any new Golden Age collector; an accessible, desirable comic that only increases in value and popularity year after year. Featuring not only the first appearance of the infamous and remarkably influential Catwoman, but also the immortal Joker, whose popularity may possibly eclipse that of his caped adversary. This issue marks the dawn of the sociopathic character, whose disturbing and haunting image influences and informs comic baddies to this day. Volumes have been written about the impact and importance of this historic issue, which sparked the Batman franchise to fire on all cylinders. However the importance to collectors and investors is plain: outside of Action Comics 1, you simply cannot find a more beloved, iconic, and universally sought-after Golden Age key than this one.

This book features not one, but three characters that have essentially branded themselves so thoroughly into the American consciousness that it's hard to think of a pop culture without them. And if you're looking at this auction thinking, boy, I'd like to get into Golden Age keys, but I just can't manage it, this may be the perfect book for you. Batman 1 is the most popular book for collectors just starting in on the serious key issues, and this copy is practically guaranteed to find a home in a new collection, or a collection needing the perfect anchor book.

Overstreet Guide 2012 GD (2.0) value = $17,000