Victor Zsasz first appeared in Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1, published by DC in 1992. That places it in the Copper Age.
Why this issue matters
The serial killer who carves a tally mark into his own skin for every person he kills. Created by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle in The Last Arkham, and later a fixture of the Arkham games, the Gotham TV series and the Birds of Prey film. Shares this issue with Jeremiah Arkham, so it is two first appearances in one copper age book.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1 is also the first appearance of Jeremiah Arkham, which is part of why the book carries the weight it does.
Key facts
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1
- Character: Victor Zsasz
- Publisher: DC
- Cover year: 1992
- Era: Copper 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 1992
- Youngblood Youngblood #1, 1992
- ShadowHawk Youngblood #2, 1992
- WildC.A.T.s WildC.A.T.s: Covert Action Teams #1, 1992
- Cyberforce Cyberforce #1, 1992
- Carnage Amazing Spider-Man #361, 1992
- Bane Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1, 1992
More DC firsts from the Copper Age
- Booster Gold Booster Gold #1, 1986
- Jason Todd (Robin II) Batman #357, 1983
- Tim Drake (Robin III) Batman #436, 1989
- Harley Quinn Batman Adventures #12, 1993
- Lobo Omega Men #3, 1983
- Jason Todd Robin Death Batman #428, 1988
- Azrael as Batman Batman #500, 1993
- Rorschach Watchmen #1, 1986
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.