Now that James Gunn has made his big announcement of the upcoming DCU productions we’re able to dive deep into characters we now know will be coming soon and speculate on others who could be making appearances in these projects or ones yet to be announced. Let’s take a look at Damian Wayne.

First Appearance… But Not the Ones Everyone’s Buying

While the entire universe of comic collectors argues over Damian Wayne’s first appearance and whether it was in Batman #655 or Batman #656 – or even Batman #657 – those who’ve done their research will realize there’s another publication that could vie for the title of Damian’s debut.

That publication is the graphic novel Batman: Son of the Demon. Originally published in late 1987, Damian makes his first appearance here. While it was initially conceived as an Elseworlds story (although prior to the existence of the Elseworlds brand), it has since been retconned by Grant Morrison to take place in the primary DC Universe.

There are only 21 graded copies of the December 1987 hardcover first printing in the CGC census, none below the grade of 8.0. That first printing included a poster of the cover art and the entire package was shrinkwrapped. Definitely check that the book is still shrink-wrapped before buying any of these graded copies.

As the census count is so low, you’re more likely to come across raw copies that can then be sent in for grading. As with the graded copies, be sure to buy a shrink-wrapped copy if you want to receive a higher grade.

As with just about any hardcover, DC would reprint Son of the Demon as a paperback in October 1988. As with the hardcover, the census count is very low: only 25 graded copies. The only sale of a 9.8 graded copy occurred in December 2022. That copy sold for $185. You may be able to find a 9.8 for less but you’ll likely have better luck locating a raw copy.

The Damian Wayne Trilogy

Now we come to the meat of the Damian Wayne first appearance argument. Similar to the first appearances of Wolverine and Venom, collectors are currently determining which comic will win this argument – Batman #655 or Batman #656. Undoubtedly, the winner will be crowned by collectors via their wallets. While Damian only appears in shadow in Batman #655, it’s still a book that has skyrocketed in price.

The average price paid for a 9.8 graded copy (and for the remainder of this blog I’ll be referring to 9.8 prices) in December was $142.50. In February, that’s shot up to $393.39, with peaks as high as $500. Realistically, we’ve moved beyond anyone speculating on Batman #655 and are deep into FOMO territory. If you want to speculate on this comic, you’re best off waiting a few months until the hype has calmed.

Damian makes his next appearance – although I can certainly see the validity in the argument that this is actually his first appearance – in Batman #656. However, he doesn’t show up until the last panel. Granted, we can at least see his face in this issue. In this race, Batman #656 is coming in a slight notch behind Batman #655.

February average sales price is $334.50, nearly $60 less than Batman #655. The December average for Batman #656 was higher, at $160.86. So, it hasn’t climbed as much as Damian’s shadowy first appearance. At present, it looks as if Batman #655 is winning this FOMO battle.

If you’re going to speculate on any of Damian’s first comic book appearances, I would argue that Batman #657 is worth considering as an investment. It’s Damian’s first cover appearance and the first time that he appears as Robin.

While there’s still some FOMO going on with this book – average sales price has risen from $125 in December to $184.85 in February – it hasn’t gone as crazy as the previous two issues. Still, if you truly want to speculate on any issue in the Damian trilogy, you’ll sit back for a few months, let other go nuts, and then swoop in when the inevitable price drop occurs.

First Damian as Batman

In an issue that takes place in the future, Batman #666 features Damian as the next Caped Crusader. As with other Damian firsts, this too has experienced a rapid rise. The December average sales price was $213.41. In February, it’s averaging $350. What’s interesting, however, is that prior to Gunn’s announcement of Brave and the Bold, this was the issue actually selling for the highest dollar amount out of all the Damian Wayne keys.

Will we see prices adjust to norms prior to the reveal that Damian will be the next Robin in the DCU? Only the wallets know.

Are you excited to see Damian in the DCU? Do you think the prices on his early appearances are too high? Let us know below.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.