Dick Grayson first appeared in Detective Comics #38, published by DC in 1940. That places it in the Gold Age.
Why this issue matters
Robin's debut as Batman's junior partner is credited with helping cement the idea of the sidekick in superhero comics, a formula countless other publishers would copy.
Key facts
Detective Comics #38
- Character: Dick Grayson (Robin)
- Publisher: DC
- Cover year: 1940
- Era: Gold Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Go deeper
Other first appearances from 1940
- Hawkman (Carter Hall) Flash Comics #1, 1940
- Lex Luthor Action Comics #23, 1940
- Clayface (Karlo) Detective Comics #40, 1940
- Green Lantern (Alan Scott) All-American Comics #16, 1940
- Flash (Jay Garrick) Flash Comics #1, 1940
- Catwoman Batman #1, 1940
More DC firsts from the Gold Age
- Black Canary Flash Comics #86, 1947
- Scarecrow World's Finest Comics #3, 1941
- Solomon Grundy All-American Comics #61, 1944
- Superman Action Comics #1, 1938
- Batman Detective Comics #27, 1939
- Wonder Woman All Star Comics #8, 1941
- Aquaman More Fun Comics #73, 1941
- Green Arrow More Fun Comics #73, 1941
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.