The Golden Age of comics was the beginning of the superhero genre. Three characters would dominate this age and beyond: Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. Though Superman and Wonder Woman were the progenitors for every superhero to come; Batman gave rise to a darker breed, the vengeful driven superhero, a vigilante. This early forbearer of the anti-hero embodies the spirit of "thou shalt not get away with it." Batman is an arbiter of vengeance and justice we love to watch in action. All three have interesting origin stories; however, Batman stands apart as a perennial favorite throughout the ages. No surprise then that each generation adapts Batman to the Zeitgeist of that era. It will probably turn out that this comic character outlives us all! Let's light the Bat-signal and highlight a few of Batman's origin stories looking for some speculation mojo.

The Origin of Batman: Batman #47

The origin of Batman and his vagaries is a big key not to be missed. Currently, Batman #47 is a major first origin key that is within reach. It was printed in 1948 by a huge team of DC writers and artists. The book is a four for one special of Batman's history: his detailed origin revealed, tracking his parent's killer, revealing their identity, and the Bat-signal appears for the very first time. This first Golden Age origin story has Bat-grappled its way up the ranking 1200 spots to the 19th most popular Golden Age comic (GoCollect) in June.

With a detailed origin story and the first Bat-signal, what is not to like? Batman #47 with a grade (3.0) has a price of $950. The mint copy graded at (9.8) for Batman #47 is valued at $72,000. Holy Bat-guacamole! The returns on this comic are exceedingly positive. This origin story has rarity and as part of the Golden Age has some impressive profits: a grade (3.5) has returned +63.2%, grade (6.0) up +59.7% and the higher grades participated with an (8.0) up +102%. Most of us cannot reach these price ranges, but the lower grades are reasonable given age and rarity. For instance, a grade of (2.5) sold for $910 in March 2018 (GoCollect). Expensive yes, but not out of reach for such a primary key and one of the biggest superheroes in DC Comics; if you can find a copy. Get the origin story of Batman in detail; our favorite modern knight is still popular after 70 years.

Batman #200

Neal Adams was huge for Batman fans, supposedly redesigning his funk and making him cool again. His first Batman cover was the comic book Batman #200.  It retells the origin story of Batman and Robin. This book had a very large team of creators: Neal Adams, Chic Stone, Bob Kane, Jack Burnley (pencils) and Mike Friedrich, Bill Finger, Whitney Ellsworth (writers). This a late Silver Age comic origin story; but also, a big key first Batman cover by Neal Adams. Some consider Adams, the guy who redesigned Batman for the modern era. Fans line up for hours to pay for Neal Adam's autograph.

Does this Silver Age origin with the magic Neal Adams cover hold up? Yes, it does, and these prices prove this origin story has value. The fair market value of grade (9.8) is $1600, and a readable copy with condition (3.0) has a $30 price. Do these prices translate into decent origin rates of return? The near mint at (9.2) grade has returned upwards of +31%; while the (3.0) has been flat to date with no positive gain (GoCollect). Conclusion, this book is profitable. Batman #200 has two big keys, and staying power, but choose your grade wisely. You should stay in the higher grade range from (6.5) to (8.5). That range is priced around $140 on eBay. Shine the Bat-signal on a copy of Batman's origin and obtain a little piece of Bat-history before the price goes up.