Detective Comics #27 is an issue which needs no introduction for comic book fans. The cover of the 10 cent comic shows a now familiar figure lifting a man with one arm and swinging from a cord with his other hand, against a garish yellow background.

This was the first view the world had of Batman (or 'The Batman' as he is here). The name 'Detective Comics' would eventually give its parent company the more familiar name of DC.

Batman was not immediately a big hit in response to that May 1939 comic. Nevertheless, he is the only superhero to have been in constant publication aside from Superman, who was introduced in 1938 in Action Comics #1.

For the most part in recent years, Detective Comics #27 runs a close second behind Action Comics #1 in terms of desirability. A copy of the latter in excellent condition is estimated to be worth as much as a $1m and the former several hundred thousand dollars.

However, it could easily be argued that Batman has risen above the earlier superhero in popularity. The darker character is still regularly the subject of films from the Michael Keaton version in 1989 to 2008's The Dark Knight, whilst no one is clamouring for new Superman releases.

The comics market also appears to be strong, with Incredible Hulk #1 selling for $125,475 at Heritage Auctions - who are selling this classic as well.

Detective Comics #27, graded 8.0

In any case, this particular issue is as good as it gets in terms of quality - very fine 8.0 according to CGC. The flaws are very minor and do not affect the eye appeal, which is extremely rare for comics dating from 1939. In particular, most have horribly smudged covers which this doesn't at all.

The comic will be for sale in Heritage Auctions' February 2010 sale, which will conclude internet bidding with a live auction on February 25. It is easily the most covetable comic they have ever sold - the last copy of Detective Comics #27 they sold was graded 4.0.

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