The 1980s were an important time at DC Comics. Almost every character went through changes as a result of Crisis On Infinite Earths. By the end of the decade, though, no character saw a burst of popularity like Batman.
In 1989, the Batman film starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson catapulted the character into the public zeitgeist. In the preceding decade, several comics paved the way for this elevation. All values are for CGC graded copies of 9.6, so they can be evaluated evenly.
10 Brave And The Bold #200 - $67
This is the first appearance of Katana as well as the rest of Batman's Outsiders. Katana has had a surge of popularity since her inclusion in the first Suicide Squad film. She's also been included in both versions of the DC Super Hero Girls.
This comic has a promotional story to introduce Batman and the Outsiders. In it, all of the members get equal time to shine, but Katana comes across as the real complement to Batman with her threat to kill an opponent. While her first costume wouldn't be as catching as her later ones, she does command a decent price for her first appearance, as can be seen on eBay.
9 Batman #400 - $70
With an introduction by Stephen King and a striking cover by Bill Sienkiewicz, the 400th issue of Batman should be sought out by fans. It also has an all-star cast of artists. It also features at least a cameo from every Batman villain. It has something for completist collectors from a variety of directions.
There's a decent number of CGC copies out there, but there are so many more unslabbed copies available. For a serious collector, the opportunity exists to get a gradable copy for an affordable price and get it graded later. Go here to see how recent copies have fared.
8 Batman #404 - $76
Frank Miller's work on Batman helped reshape the character for the darker tone he's been known for. Year One part one is part of that work. He gave Batman, Catwoman, and Gotham City the opposite direction from the cultural zeitgeist that existed for two decades.
Year One is the second best-known Batman work of his career. It can be obtained for a relatively reasonable price but a lot of copies have been graded by CGC. To see what copies are going for, just check eBay.
7 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #2 - #105
The second issue of Frank Miller's defining work on Batman is collectible in its own right. Every fan should own a copy of the collected story and Batman collectors can't even dream of having a collection without copies of the original limited series. Unfortunately for collectors still needing copies, it can get pricey.
Recently, sellers have had trouble getting their asking price for this issue. It could mean that collectors without a copy of this comic might be able to get it for a better price than expected. There are even a few signed copies out there on markets like eBay.
6 Batman: The Killing Joke - $122
If Frank Miller provided the 1980s definitive Batman story, Alan Moore delivered the definitive Joker story. It was adapted into an animated film, albeit with alterations to the story. In the story, Joker crippled former Batgirl Barbara Gordon, setting her on the path to becoming the popular Oracle of the DC Universe.
There are multiple printings of the Killing Joke. The first printing has a definitive green logo. The fourteenth also has it, but there is a difference in the newer version of the DC logo. The first printing is the traditional DC "bullet" so in looking for a copy, collectors can easily tell which is which.
5 Batman #386 - $154
This is the first appearance of Black Mask. The crime boss has not only plagued Batman but Catwoman as well. His goals often run afoul of his madness, getting him into situations that have him wind up either in Arkham Asylum or nearly dead. Ewan McGregor played Black Mask in 2020's Birds of Prey and his inclusion in such a high-profile film probably helped this comic's value for collectors. To see what it's gone for recently, go here.
4 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 - $210
If there's one turning point in the history of Batman, it's Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns. For a long time, the character had been turning away from his campier reputation, but it wasn't until Frank Miller made the trip from Marvel where he redefined Daredevil did fans begin to assume that Batman was a grimmer character than the rest of DC's heroes.
It really allowed Tim Burton to make the darker Batman film that he wanted to and set the stage for Bruce Timm and Paul Dini's animated Batman Adventures. Recent sales on this issue have been strong, and most likely will remain so as long as the image of Batman in the public's collective mind is of a truly dark knight of Gotham. To see what copies have sold for, go here.
3 Batman #428 - $225
Jason Todd's death has become the stuff of legend. The second Robin had his fate sealed through a phone survey. This even made the mainstream news, so even casual fans know that a Robin died because readers wanted him dead.
There is also an ACE Entertainment Exclusive Foil Virgin Variant Limited to 3000 copies that goes for around $100. Collectors really go for the first printing, though. To see what you can expect to pay for a copy, just go over to eBay.
2 Batman #357- $277
The first appearance of Jason Todd might not top his death if DC Comics hadn't resurrected him as the Red Hood. As the Red Hood, he's become a more effective hero than he ever was as Robin. As of the dawn of the New 52, he even got his own team in Red Hood and the Outlaws.
A second print was sold in 3-pack with World's Finest #289 and DC Comics Presents #55. Sales are very rare for this variant of the comic, so it can't be accurately figured into this list, although it may be rarer. For recent sales of the first printing, check here.
1 Batman #423 - $283
Todd McFarlane has a history with Batman. He illustrated part of Year Two, bringing his developing style to bear on the Dark Knight. This issue is apparently a little harder to find, adding to its value. It also has an iconic cover by Todd McFarlane, which doesn't hurt. Todd McFarlane even did a version of this cover for an issue of his own title, Spawn.
This issue had three printings that uncharacteristically have elevated values as well. CGC graded copies of the second printing go for around $90. Graded copies of the third printing go for around $70.