Man-Bat first appeared in Detective Comics #400, published by DC in 1970. That places it in the Bronze Age.
Why this issue matters
Scientist Kirk Langstrom's transformation into a bat-like creature gave Batman a tragic monster villain that echoed the horror roots of the character himself.
Key facts
Detective Comics #400
- Character: Man-Bat
- Publisher: DC
- Cover year: 1970
- Era: Bronze 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.
Other first appearances from 1970
- Darkseid Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134, 1970
More DC firsts from the Bronze Age
- Ra's Al Ghul Batman #232, 1971
- John Stewart (Green Lantern) Green Lantern #87, 1971
- Swamp Thing House of Secrets #92, 1971
- Killer Croc Batman #357, 1983
- Metron New Gods #1, 1971
- Deathstroke New Teen Titans #2, 1980
- Cyborg DC Comics Presents #26, 1980
- Starfire DC Comics Presents #26, 1980
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.