Set Description:
In 2013 this set of Detective Comics 401 to 500 was selected by Comics Guaranty Corporation (CGC) as one of the Best Presented sets in the Registry and it received the Best In Set award from 2008 to 2017 and, again, in 2019. The other three sets selected as Best Presented for 2013 were Buzzettas Spider-man Set (Owner: Buzzetta); Conan the Barbarian by Barry Windsor-Smith (Owner: Rune); and Malebolgias Gemstones (Owner: Newshane).
To say that I was pleasantly surprised to have received this recognition and the accompanying award from the CGC Judges would be an understatement. This is especially so in light of the other three sets that were recognized because each one is simply magnificent and take set presentation, as have all the sets to be recognized such by CGC, to a level that inspire me to work even harder on refining the presentation of this set.
In 2020, this set was recognized by CGC as on of the "Best Bronze Age Sets" (top three). To once again state that I was pleasantly surprised would, again, be an understatement especially since the CGC judges wrote:
"The most beloved era of the Dark Knight! What makes this set so special isn't just the content of amazing stories and art, which is some of the finest in comic book history! It is in the owners descriptions of each issue! The memories and observations made by Tec-Tac-Toe are at the very core of what collecting should be about. The amazing feat though? 62 9.8's, 34 9.6's & 4 9.4's that make up this 100 issue run! Wow!"
Taking the CGC Judges' comment from the 2013 award "[f]or many of the entries, he mentions the possibility of upgrades if the right book comes along. It will be fun to see how this set evolves over time"; as well as for their comment for the 2020 award to heart, commencing in July of 2013 and continuing to the present day, I am fortunate to be able to have, thus far, added fifty-seven issues to this set that either upgraded the copy that was present at the time of the 2013 CGC Registry Awards, filled-in an issue slot that had been empty since the creation of this set, or added a second CGC graded 9.8 copy of an issue already contained in this set to my CGC graded comic book collection.
The fifty-seven issues of Detective Comics that have thus far been added to this set commencing with the 2013 CGC Registry Awards in order of addition are:
Detective Comics 472, White Pages [A 9.6 that was replaced with a 9.8];
Detective Comics 436, Off-white to White Pages, Old CGC Universal Blue Label;
Detective Comics 418, Off-white to White Pages, Old CGC Universal Blue Label (A previously empty slot);
Detective Comics 475, Off-white to White Pages (A previously empty slot);
Detective Comics 497, White Pages (A previously empty slot);
Detective Comics 405, White Pages;
Detective Comics 456, White Pages (A previously empty slot) [A 9.6 was replaced with a 9.8 White Pages copy] (The 9.8 copy was added after the close of the 2019 CGC Registry Awards);
Detective Comics 476, White Pages;
Detective Comics 421, Off-white to White Pages (A previously empty slot);
Detective Comics 455, Off-white to White Pages;
Detective Comics 469, Off-white to White Pages, Old CGC Universal Blue Label;
Detective Comics 479, White Pages;
Detective Comics 482, White Pages;
Detective Comics 498, White Pages (This copy of Detective Comics 498 was added after the close of the 2014 CGC Registry Awards);
Detective Comics 416, White Pages;
Detective Comics 461, White Pages;
Detective Comics 471, White Pages (A previously empty slot);
Detective Comics 437, Off-White to White Pages [A 9.4 was replaced with a 9.6 that was, in turn, replaced with a 9.8 copy] (A previously empty slot until the 9.4 copy was added after the close of the 2015 CGC Registry Awards)*;
Detective Comics 483, White Pages;
Detective Comics 464, Off-White to White Pages;
Detective Comics 500, White Pages (This is the second CGC graded 9.8 copy that I own of Detective Comics 500);
Detective Comics 414, Cream to Off-White Pages;
Detective Comics 462, Off-White to White Pages (Peter Kuper Copy) [The Peter Kuper 9.6 copy was replaced with a 9.8 White Pages copy] ( added after the close of the 2019 CGC Registry Awards);
Detective Comics 451, White Pages (Rocky Mountain Copy; this copy of Detective Comics 451 was added after the close of the 2016 CGC Registry Awards);
Detective Comics 485, White Pages;
Detective Comics 494, White Pages;
Detective Comics 463, White Pages (A previously empty slot; added after the close of the 2017 CGC Registry Awards): Color this set COMPLETE except for obtaining a higher CGC graded copy for every issue that I am able;
Detective Comics 481, White Pages [A 9.4; Don Rosa Collection copy; that was replaced with a 9.6];
Detective Comics 406, Off-white to White Pages;
Detective Comics 432, White Pages (This copy of Detective Comics 432 was added after the close of the 2018 CGC Registry Awards) [The 9.6 was replaced with a 9.8];
Detective Comics 492, White Pages (This copy replaced the one that was previously part of this set);
Detective Comics 412, Off-White to White Pages;
Detective Comics 437, Off-White to White Pages*;
Detective Comics 443, Off-White to White Pages;
Detective Comics 450, White Pages;
Detective Comics 454, White Pages;
Detective Comics 491, White Pages;
Detective Comics 490, White Pages, Signature Series;
Detective Comics 424, White Pages;
Detective Comics 456, White Pages (This copy of Detective Comics 456 was added after the close of the 2019 CGC Registry Awards);
Detective Comics 458, White Pages;
Detective Comics 462, White Pages;
Detective Comics 465, White Pages;
Detective Comics 466, Off-White to White Pages;
Detective Comics 488, White Pages;
Detective Comics 433, White Pages (Murphy Anderson File Copy);
Detective Comics 413, White Pages;
Detective Comics 446, White Pages;
Detective Comics 428, White Pages;
Detective Comics 452, Off-White to White Pages;
Detective Comics 432, White Pages;
Detective Comics 448, White Pages;
Detective Comics 417, White Pages, Rocky Mountain Pedigree;
Detective Comics 468, White Pages;
Detective Comics 441, White Pages [A 9.6 that was replaced with a 9.8]; and
Detective Comics 481, White Pages [A 9.6 was replaced with a 9.8].
The CGC assigned grades of the books in this set are:
Grade / Number of Issues in that Grade / Percent of Issues in that Grade
9.8 / 64 / 64%
9.6 / 32 / 32%
9.4 / 4 / 4%
Although I am thankful to have added the fifty-seven issues presented above to this set, my goal prior to the deadline for the 2022 CGC Registry Awards; as it has been since the 2008 CGC Registry Awards; is to upgrade the copies of the issues in this set to 9.8 or higher CGC graded copies.
With the presentation of the 2021 (previously the 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; and 2014) CGC Registry Awards on Friday, July 23, 2021 (July 24, 2020, for the 2020 Awards; June 14, 2019, for the 2019 Awards; June 5, 2018, for the 2018 Awards; July 14, 2017 for the 2017 Awards; July 8, 2016 for the 2016 Awards; July, 10, 2015 for the 2015 Awards; July 25, 2014 for the 2014 Awards), my effort to upgrade every issue; yes, including CGC 9.8 graded copies; in this set continued unabated.
As with the Best Presented and Best Bronze Age Set awards, to say that I enjoy collecting the Detective Comics issues is an understatement because, for example, every one of the books in this set brings back memories of purchasing multiple copies of each one at the "almost-corner grocery store" (please see below) and then anxiously, but carefully, reading the next exciting installment of Batman's adventures in Gotham City.
Although those days are long past, and these are much better days, every one of these issues will always bring back fond memories.
Well, as I wrote, it seems so long ago now, in the "second installment" of the Set Description to this set [w]hen I started reading comic books, way back when, my favorite character/superhero was the Amazing Spider-Man; in fact, I recall that I went numerous times as Spider-Man for Halloween. At some point during the late 1960s or early 1970s the Amazing Spider-Man took a back seat to the Batman. I imagine that this occurred because, at least to me, the Batman, Detective Comics, Brave and the Bold, etc., comic books were so much grittier than the Amazing Spider-Man comic books. However, I did, and still do, immensely enjoy reading and collecting Amazing Spider-Man comic books, including, at least as of January 1, 2014, the Superior Spider-Man title.
With this change of heart, my favorite comic book titles became Batman and Detective Comics. However, the Amazing Spider-Man and literally every comic book published by DC and Marvel were not far behind. Having such a broad interest; what some may term an obsession, others a passion; lead me to purchase almost every single title published by DC and Marvel from the last few years of the Silver Age through 1984. After 1984 I did not purchase what I would term the obscure DC and Marvel titles (fill-in the blank), except for the first issue-rarely beyond that-of such titles if only for lack of storage space.
I purchased every comic book issue of which this set consists at my favorite newsstand (or, as I refer to it, the almost-corner grocery store). In fact, I purchased multiple copies of each issue as Detective Comics was, along with Batman, my favorite comic book title. I still purchased The Amazing Spider-Man as it was a fantastic read.
As you will note in the comments I provide for the books in this set, every book contained herein was purchased slabbed as I have not had any of my original owner/off the newsstand purchased Detective Comics graded by CGC. I plan to one day following my retirement, perhaps much sooner time permitting, as moving my books into an acid-free/neutralizing environment took what appeared to be, being melodramatic, a lifetime so I can only imagine how long it will take selecting which copy/copies to have graded.
As my original set description read, Dark the Batman may be, but DC 401 to 500 is pure fun!; Yes indeed.
I repeat, yes indeed!
Previous Set Winners:
Comic_Best_Category Set larstrue 2006
Comic_Best_Category Set mr.highgrade 2007
Alfred Pennyworth 2018
Set Issue Highlight:
Detective Comics 411, CGC Graded 9.4, Off-white to White Pages
Detective Comics 411 somewhat slowly became widely recognized as a (major) key issue because of perhaps two reasons. One, it is the first appearance of Talia, as in al Ghul fame, and, arguably, two, Adams' magnificent cover.
I hope that you enjoy viewing the front cover scan of this set's copy presented below. You may view the back cover, and my comments on this issue and set copy, in the Detective Comics 411 slot of this set.
Thank you, and happy comic book reading and collecting!
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| The gallery tab shows only items with images. Click the thumbnails to enlarge. |
| Slot: |
Detective Comics 401 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 401 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1051099009
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Owner Comments
The "Owner's Description" to my 9.4 WP copy of Detective Comics 401 read: "This book is perhaps the third CGC graded Detective Comics I purchased (from one of the well known comic book sale and auction sites-most of the books in this set have been purchased or won from such sites).
In retrospect, I OVERPAID by a mile, or ten. However, since I have loved both the cover and content of this book since purchasing my first original owner (OO) copy off the newsstand in 1970, I do not mind having "overpaid" for this wonderful book in the slightest. As concerns the cover, what more could someone ask for than having the Batman in mortal danger? In my view, nothing more. This is a keeper although I would enjoy finding a white paged CGC graded 9.8 with a perfectly centered cover!"
As you can see, my 9.4 copy has been replaced by this CGC graded 9.6 copy. Although it is not a CGC graded 9.8 copy and has off-white to white pages, it has perfect centering-extremely difficult to find on this book-and presents as well as the two existing; as of October 17, 2011; CGC graded 9.8 copies. Because I like this copy of Detective Comics 401 so much, the CGC graded 9.8 (perhaps 9.9 or 10.0) copy for this set will, as I currently view it, have to come from my Original Owner 5, 6, or 7 (perhaps more) copies of this book.
Oh, and lest I forget, this book is from the Saginaw High Grade "DC" Collection (perhaps someday, Saginaw Pedigree).
Saginaw Copy (Pedigree?)
Detective Comics 401 has a gorgeous Neal Adams and Dick Giordano cover.
(The mini front cover pics for the Detective Comics issues in this set will be added for the 2018 CGC Registry Awards; I can't wait!!!)
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Frank Robbins and Denny O'Neil stories
Bob Brown, Gil Kane, and Joe Giella art
Neal Adams and Dick Giordano cover
Issue Note (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Batgirl and Robin backup story.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 402 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 402 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0024021004
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Owner Comments
The cover of this book is classic Batman, at least during Neal Adams' tenure on this title. The cover invokes a Gothic tale of horror; the lantern the Batman is carrying perfectly and immediately establishes him in a time outside our own time-circa August 1970-where winged creatures (aka Man-Bat) haunt the night and come upon you unexpected. The chills still run up my spine! As with all the books in this set, I purchased my first OO copy of Tec 402 off my favorite newsstand in late 1970 not realizing at first that I was witness to perhaps the most classic artistic run, and arguably story telling, in the history of comic books. Yes, the Gold (GA) and Silver (SA) Ages have such classic runs but the GA belonged to my father and I caught the tale end of the SA at "my" newsstand-purchasing multiple copies of many SA books, including keys! The Bronze Age, however, was mine and allowed me to put together a raw run of this title that is unsurpassed by ..., well me! This book is also a keeper.
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Neal Adams cover and art
[Expanded Issue Credits:
Frank Robins and Mike Friedrich stories
Neal Adams, Gil Kane, Dick Giordano, and Vince Colletta art
Neal Adams cover and art]
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
[Expanded Issue Notes:
Man-Bat appearance.
Robin backup story.]
Set Copy Note:
Old CGC Universal Label
Incredibly tough comic book to find in grade. The July 21, 2015 (March 11, 2014), CGC Census notes one CGC graded 9.8 copy and four CGC graded 9.6 copies (this being one of them) of this issue out of a total of 84 (76) CGC graded copies of this book. I paid the seller of this comic book a tidy sum in order to purchase it. Based on the recent sale prices of CGC graded 9.4 copies of this book, for now, the purchase price was relatively cheap.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 403 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 403 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0080594013
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Owner Comments
Gothic horror came to full Victorian bloom; at least for the youngster I was when this issue was published; with the cover of Tec 403. The background scene and cover color belong in a Gothic fiction novel with the Batman and recently deceased counterbalancing this with a "seventies feel", thus pulling us back to the present. Tec issues 401, 402, and 403 (and for that matter, 390 to 400 but that is another set) are the issues that ensnared me in the Batman's lore and made me a fan for life. Of course, issues 390 to 400 were leading me to the trap, but 401 to 403 sealed my fate, thankfully!
This book is another keeper (just "Keeper" from here on because it is faster to write) and is also the first CGC graded 9.8 copy of this issue.
Issue Credit (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Frank Robbins and Mike Friedrich stories
(Bob) Brown, (Frank) Giacola, (Gil) Kane, and (Vince) Colletta art
Neal Adams cover
Issue Note (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Robin backup story.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 404 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 404 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0112245030
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Owner Comments
From Gothic horror we LEAP, not very far, to the World War I with another classic Neal Adams "action cover," with the eye catching phrase "Ghost of the Killer Skies" grabbing you by the collar and screaming "How can this story not be magnificent?"
I distinctly remember, perhaps better than any other comic book, purchasing the absolute best four copies-it was all I could afford as I had to purchase multiple copies of all my other titles-of this issue I could find at my favorite newsstand. I also distinctly recall reading this issue and quite simply enjoying the "hell" out of it. What was there to dislike?
Keeper, unless I can find a white paged 9.6 or, better, 9.8 copy with perfect cover alignment!
Issue Credit (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Neal Adams cover and art
[Expanded Issue Credits:
Denny O'Neil and Frank Robbins stories
Dick Giordano, Frank Giacola, and Gil Kane art
Neal Adams cover and art]
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Tribute to Enemy Ace.
[Expanded Issues Notes:
Batgirl backup story]
Set Copy Note:
Old CGC Universal Label
{The CGC Graded 9.6 copy of Detective Comics issue number 404 that got away!
Wed, Mar 19, 2014 7:43 pm:
Is it possible to purchase the
Detective Comics #404 White pages, tiny 4/8 written on front cover in pen, highest graded copy, scan will be posted when book comes in from CGC.
CGC 9.6 NM+ $700 New Make An Offer!
...?
Thank you, ...}
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 405 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 405 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1198101013
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Owner Comments
My newsstand, actually the "almost corner" small grocery store-the grocery store version of a hole in the wall ... (fill in the dots)-did not offer much in the way of a selection when it came to food but it did offer every comic book published from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, the period during which I visited the store, as well as a few tons of "used" ("back issue" was not a term known by the owner [or me] until the early 1980s) GA books.
The store owner, a man in his 60s and 70s during my tenure, was solely interested in comic books because they sold well; as he frequently told me. Still, he discounted books across the board. For example, if you purchased a book with a cover price of 15¢ he would charge you 10¢ for it. Although I do not remember how many books you had to purchase to receive a bigger discount, with the number of books I purchased he would price 15¢ books at 8¢.
Such a discount, of course, offered me the opportunity to purchase many comic books, including, I believe, 6 or more copies of Tec 405. I recall making the "extra effort" to purchase more than my usual number of Tec copies with this issue simply because of the cover. As you can see on the copy before you, the cover is simply fantastic. The menace and tension it invokes takes your breath away. Oh, and as you may realize, the copy before you has absolutely perfect cover alignment, which is, unfortunately, all too often lacking on this issue.
Keeper, perhaps even if I am able to find a white paged 9.6 or, even better, 9.8 copy with less then perfect cover alignment.
{Grade: NM+ 9.6
Page Quality: White
CGC Number: 1198101013
Description:
Second highest graded behind only 5 in 9.8. GREAT book from the early 1970's (11/70) with a poignant Neal Adams League of Assassins cover. Snow white pages, exceptional color strike, unread eye appeal.}
The 9.6 white paged copy with less than perfect cover alignment has arrived and, despite the misaligned cover, it is still a beautiful copy. Welcome to the collection!
Image #2 is a scan of my CGC graded 9.4 copy of Detective Comics 405 which, as you can see, has a perfectly centered cover.
One heck of a Neal Adams cover!
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Denny O'Neil and Frank Robbins stories
Bob Brown, Frank Giacola, and Gil Kane art
Neal Adams cover
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
1st appearance of the League of Assassins.
Batgirl backup story.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 406 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 406 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1497155016
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Owner Comments
Since, to date (June 3, 2016!), I have not slabbed a single original owner book this set includes this one and only CGC 9.2 copy, but what a copy it is! Despite having off-white pages the cover is perfectly aligned; not easy to find on this issue.
The cover of this issue also grabbed my attention, but which one in this set has not thus far, when I made one of my twice weekly trips to my, yes, favorite newsstand. Was the Batman actually going to have his head lobbed off? Of course not; heck, the Batman and Robin had survived every dastardly death trap on the Batman TV series, how could the Batman die in his comic book. Still, I could not wait to read this issue and find out!
Thankfully, the Batman did survive (Surprise!)-read this issue and find out how much the cover has to do with the story-and, thus, did my ability to continue purchasing Tec issues for ..., well, until the present.
A CGC graded 9.6 copy of this issue was added to this set on June 8, 2018. Now, as always, where is that 9.8 CGC graded copy? (Keeper, unless I am able to find a off-white to white paged CGC graded 9.6 or 9.8 copy with; I'll have to settle; less than perfect cover alignment.)
The short version: This copy of Detective Comics 406 is one of seven in grade, none higher, as of the CGC census update of November 7, 2017.
I overpaid slightly for this comic book compared to what may be the previous sale for another CGC graded 9.6 copy of this book. Still, as they say, this comic book "is worth" what I was willing to pay for it. Of course, when the times comes to sell it, I shall learn what it is worth to someone else.
Regardless, I am glad to finally add a 9.6 copy of this book to this set. Now where are those CGC graded 9.8 copies of this book?
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Denny O'Neil and Frank Robbins stories
Bob Brown, Frank Giacola, Gil Kane, and Vince Colletta art
Neal Adams cover
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Bondage cover.
Batgirl backup story.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 407 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 407 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0906919015
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Owner Comments
"Here comes the bride," oops, the bride and groom are headed the wrong way and the bride seems to be less than enchanted at the prospect of building a life with Man-Bat. Leave it to Neal Adams to turn a wedding scene into a "take that Bridezilla" nightmare of a cover. Disclaimer: I do not accuse the bride on the cover of being a Bridezilla.
Although I very much love this issue's story, the "nightmare" cover is not one of my favorites in Adams' Tec run. Both the content and composition leave me far less than enthralled, and always have. Still, as per my usual practice, I recall purchasing at least four copies of this issue off the newsstand for my; now called to contrast it with my slabbed books; raw collection.
Because of this copy's horrendous cover alignment/miswrap and off-white to white pages I am always on the lookout for better presenting 9.6 or the eventual 9.8 copy. Thus, this is a "Keeper" for the short-term (I hope!).
Image #2 is of the CGC graded 9.4 copy that I own of Detective Comics 407.
Another stunning Neal Adams cover:
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Frank Robins story
Neal Adams, Dick Giordano, Gil Kane, and Vince Colletta art
Neal Adams cover
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Man-Bat appearance.
Batgirl backup story.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 408 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 408 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0113400004
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Owner Comments
"I'm melting, melting...." The death of Robin was long expected; no, I'm kidding but Adams certainly presented it as such with this dramatic cover that showed Robin expiring in an undeniably excruciatingly painful way. The Batman, of course, is shown feeling the anguish that only Adams could render with such oomph.
It took me years of searching until finally locating a slabbed copy of this issue that I felt was worth purchasing. This white paged copy looks so fantastic in hand that I can't imagine finding another slabbed copy that I would replace it with; but, perhaps I will.
Keeper!
Image #2 is of the same comic book, a place holder that will be replaced with a scan or photograph of the back cover of this book.
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Neal Adams cover and art
[Expanded Issue Credits:
(Len) Wein, (Marv) Wolfman, and (Frank) Robbins stories
Neal Adams, Dick Giordano, and Don Heck art
Neal Adams cover
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
[Expanded Issues Notes:
Doctor Tzin Tzin appearance.
Includes 1971 Batman calendar.]
Set Copy Note:
Old CGC Universal Label.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 409 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 409 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0900734005
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Owner Comments
The Cover: Adams' conceptual version of The Masque of the Red Death, my take being a Poe fan, with the added menace of a blade that looks like it could cut the Batman in half.
I vaguely recall thinking "wow" (not really, but I can imagine I did) when I saw this issue sitting on the shelf-no room for a spinner racks-at my favorite newsstand. This is another one of those issues that I made an "extra effort" for, purchasing at least six copies of it.
Although I purchased multiple copies of all the issues in this run it was not because I thought they would increase in value, etc., it was solely because I enjoyed/enjoy having multiple copies of things I truly liked/like; I truly liked/like comic books.
Returning to the cover, its content and composition are everything that the cover of Tec 407 is not. For example, the tension it exudes can be, literally, cut with a knife; and what a knife Adams drew. The expression on Batman's face is also perfect with an "oh ****" look that fits perfectly with the scene.
All of the above equals "Keeper" unless a perfect 9.8 slabbed copy comes about.
Image #2 is of my second GCG graded 96 copy of Detective Comics 409.
Neal Adams drew another great cover:
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Frank Robins story
Bob Brown, Frank Giacola, Don Heck, and Dick Giordano art
Neal Adams cover
(My) Issue Note:
Batgirl backup story.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 411 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 411 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0133361008
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Owner Comments
Oh baby, Talia Al Ghúl arrives and the Batman universe will arguably never be the same again.
The cover of this issue is one that thumps, thumps, thumps its way into your vision like an atomic bomb explosion. For one, if Adams was not at the top of his game with this cover, he was not far off. The predicament of the women, that we will come to know as Talia, on the cover demands a heroic rescue attempt. Of course, the Batman is more than up to the task, with some help from Talia to secure a "winning" outcome.
If you have not read this book, do so as I believe you will enjoy it.
Keeper, unless I can secure a slabbed 9.8 "with absolutely perfect cover alignment and white pages" (or that does not sell for over $8000.00. Wow!) or a 9.6 with, well, a 9.6.
A stunning Neal Adams cover befitting the 1st Appearance of Talia Al GHúl,
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Denny O'Neil and Frank Robbins stories
Bob Brown, Dick Giordano, and Don Heck art
Neal Adams cover
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Bondage cover.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 412 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 412 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1991587006
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Owner Comments
One of my lifelong interests and academic pursuits has been medieval history so I can only imagine how happy I was when I saw this issue at my newsstand.
This cover simply drips with Neal Adams "goodness." For starters, the Batman is about that far from bidding adieu to this mortal coil (talk about action); and from the looks of it, does not have a Bat Out of Hell's chance of surviving (Yeah, right!).
The figures are, as typical of Adams, in full movement with no sign of "being posed." The placement of the knight on horseback at the left edge of the cover conveys the "out of nowhere" feeling that appears to be felt by the Batman owing to the dense fog that only revealed the knight "far too late." All in all, this is is one of my top three favorite Adams covers in his run on this title (can you tell?).
No longer applicable but kept for posterity: "This book is a Keeper until I can locate a white paged CGC graded 9.8 copy with absolutely perfect cover alignment (the cover of this copy having a horrible miswrap)."
Well, the 9.8 copy of this issue has reached this set. Although not a white "pager," it is a gorgeous copy and has only a minor cover miswrap.
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Frank Robins story
Neal Adams cover
Bob Brown and Don Heck art
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Batgirl backup story.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 413 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 413 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
2075395024
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Owner Comments
Following publication of this issue I never looked at the Wizard of Oz quite the same way again: if the scarecrow on this Tec cover is not one of the scariest rendered scarecrows in the history of comic books I would be surprised.
I do not recall purchasing this issue at my newsstand but do distinctly remember placing my original OO copies of this issue into an "acid- free/neutralizing" environment, not so with the majority of my OO books. I believe I remember this book so distinctly because of the cover. Yet, I do not recall performing this "service" for Tec 412 or most of my other books.
Although this cover is not one of my top three in Adams' run on this title, perhaps number five, it does show Adams at the peak of his talents on this or any title.
Keeper, until I can secure a white paged CGC graded 9.8 copy with, can you guess, absolutely perfect cover alignment; although not a CGC graded 9.8 copy, a CGC graded 9.6 copy was added to this set in January 2020.
Neal Adams' rendition of a scarecrow scared other scarecrows:
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Frank Robbins story
Neal Adams cover
Bob Brown, Dick Giordano, and Don Heck Art
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Batgirl backup story.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 414 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 414 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1094002010
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Owner Comments
"Call me Ishmael," oops, its a lighthouse not a whaling ship. Oh well.
The cover of Tec 414 is unique; albeit in a minute way; relative to the covers of all the issues that have preceded it in this run because of what is not included on it. Compare the cover of this issue to Tec 401 to 413 and drop me a pm concerning the difference.
Of course, the cover of this issue is also bursting with controlled action; the Batman is on "fire" for the love of Pete. I say "controlled action" because I find the figures somewhat less, shall we say, "animated" than on Adams' previous covers on this run. I believe this is a result of the overwrought "Who Haunted the Lighthouse of Death?" whose size and placement have never appealed to me and, thus, detracted from the cover.
Nevertheless, it is a stunning; have I overused that word; cover relative to most others before, during and since.
Keeper, until I am able to upgrade to white paged CGC 9.8.
Image #2 is of one of the two CGC graded 9.6 copies that I own of Detective Comics 414; both copies are OWWP, perhaps denoting the difficulty of locating a white paged copy of this issue.
As yet another Neal Adams classic cover.
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Denny O'Neil and Frank Robbins stories
Irv Novick, Dick Giordano, and Don Heck Art
Neal Adams cover
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 415 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 415 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0905339013
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Owner Comments
"Hang 'Em High," can you tell I also enjoy films of high art!
What an amazing cover this book has. I wish I could recall what I thought of it when I first saw it on the shelf of my favorite newsstand because, man, I surely love it now.
This cover is great on various many levels, including how disorienting it is as almost everything on it is slightly "off-kilter." Of course, the Batman hanging and seemingly "dead" seems to bring such a finality to "everything Batman" (although what were the odds that he was going to kick the bucket in the story?).
I enjoy this cover so much that despite wishing to upgrade to a white paged CGC 9.8 copy, this copy is a forever Keeper, if you will, as I cannot have enough copies of Tec 415.
Neal Adams kept the great covers going with this one.
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Frank Robbins story
Neal Adams cover
Bob Brown, Dick Giordano, and Don Heck Art
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Batgirl backup story.
Hanging cover.
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| Slot: |
Detective Comics 416 |
| Item: |
Detective Comics 416 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1254799006
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Owner Comments
Man-Bat, will you never learn? I mean really! Okay, so you are mad (or is insane more apt?), but come on. (Thank goodness for Man-Bat, one of my favorite Batman characters!)
This is another one of those covers in this run that simply kicks it up, down, sideways and up another notch. Honestly, how incredible is it: amazingly incredible; stupendously incredible; astonishingly incredible? Clearly, I truly like this cover at least a tad. I appreciate this cover perhaps more so as I believe Adams was drawing covers left and right during this period and, despite what must have been a tremendous amount of work, he still produced work of the highest quality, such as this cover.
Despite my admiration of this issue's cover, and the book's content, it is one of those issues in this run that I do not recall purchasing at my favorite newsstand; I wish I could recall my purchase of every single issue of this run because those were very good times.
As with Tec 415, this book is a Keeper despite wishing to find my typical 9.8 copy (as I describe, again and again, above).
Having purchased one of only two (or three, including one copy that is a Signature Series) CGC graded 9.8 copies of this issue from fellow board member VintageComics, my goal of having a CGC graded 9.8 or higher grade copy of every book in this set is getting closer (yeah, right!). Oh, and the CGC graded 9.6 copy of this issue formerly in this set is still a keeper-at least for now.
Oh, and Slam! Bam! Pow! again, "You stinkin' villain!"
Image #2 is of one of the two CGC graded 9.6 copies of Detective Comics 416 that I own; both of the copies have white pages.
Issue Credits (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Frank Robins story and art
Don Heck art
Neal Adams cover
Issue Notes (as per the CGC Universal Label):
Batgirl backup story.
Man-Bat appearance.
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