The Untold Legend of the Batman #1 (1980)

UTLB

First issue of the 3-issue mini-series from DC. By Len Wein, John Byrne, and Jim Aparo.

Condition of this comic is VF (8.0) or better by the Heritage Auctions/Overstreet standard. (https://comics.ha.com/tutorial/comics-grading.s?show=comicdefinitions; https://overstreetaccess.com/grading-definitions/)

Overstreet guide (2023-2024 edition) lists the value of this issue at $14 in VF (8.0) condition.

ON GRADING: I’m not a professional grader, but I am a collector of long standing and have been evaluating the condition of comics since well before professional grading existed. When pro grading became a thing in the 2000s, standards started changing—first becoming far more strict, then loosening up later on, and today it seems like the pro graders are just all over the place, with collectors thinking they received unduly low or shockingly high marks without rhyme or reason. My listings are detailed and strictly graded, with explanatory notes, and never higher than NM+ (9.6)—even if a copy is surely 9.8 I err on the conservative side. If you buy and feel that condition has been misrepresented, send it back and I’ll refund your money.

That said, by all means, judge for yourselves based on the description and images below (click images for larger pictures—if not clickable, it’s because eBay stripped out the anchor tags, so right-click and choose “open image in new tab”).

Please see my other listings as well—I’ll gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases! DO NOT PAY IMMEDIATELY if you are making multiple purchases, just send a note that you are buying more. I will invoice you for the total with the shipping discount.

Condition details follow:

ScansIssueEst. GradeGrading notes
#1VF (8.0)
  • Two minor spine dents, plus a few lesser ticks; tiny color break on two of them
  • Minor color rub along spine
  • Bindery defect: Folded a bit off from 90°, giving a slight “feathering” of pages
  • Tiny bend at extreme outer edge of front cover due to the above
  • Slight bend at lower outside corner of back cover

Click scans for larger visuals. If not clickable, right-click and select “open image in new tab” from the menu.

*OWL refers to “Overstreet Whiteness Level,” a reference for interior pages of comics printed on newsprint or like paper stocks. Sample image link at right. If not clickable, right-click and select “open image in new tab.”

Shipping for all listings: Orders will be mailed in a specialized cardboard mailer, padded and boarded large envelope, or well-packed box with cushioning, depending on the size of the order, to keep postal monkeys from bending your comics. Economy mail, USPS Advantage, or Priority, your choice.

Combined shipping: Will gladly combine shipping on multiple orders. USPS just raised their rates (1/21/24), but I’m trying to keep things as low as I can. While I can’t promise a universal rate (depends on what you buy), in general the economy shipping charges are: For 1-2 standard comics (in a padded and boarded envelope), $5.75; for 3-7 comics (in a Gemini mailer), $7.00; 8-12 comics (Gemini mailer), $8.00; after that, a good rule of thumb is to add 25¢ for each additional comic. USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail options also offered; they range from about $6 to $14 more depending on the quantity (assuming a cross-country ship). Shipping charge goes toward postage, mailers, and eBay’s roughly 15% cut of the shipping fee. My cost is usually 50¢–$1.00 beyond the charge to the buyer.

Any comic can be mailed inside a toploader by request for an extra $2.50. Message me before paying to arrange it.