*DC: The earliest issue of Batman we’ve unearthed so far from the Bute Collection, and what a significant issue it is. A striking cover by Jerry Robinson, a reverse scene of the classic cover on #9, a Joker lead story The Joker Reforms by Bob Kane, two more mysteries drawn by Jack Burnley, before the final story by Kane again, debuting Alfred, Bruce Wayne’s butler, an integral part of the Batman family ever since and star of big and small screens. This of course is the fat Alfred before he got skinny as a result of a stay at a health resort not too long after. This is a sound copy of this landmark issue, with a rich, deep colour reflective cover almost entirely without markings or creases. There is a small mark above Robin’s head in the spotlight, which looks like a wax crayon mark as used by a US newsstand vendor. Very tiny bits of wear at top edge. Extremely tiny chip out 1 cm down from top of spine as part of an upper spine split of  about 3 cm. Neat spine tear around upper staple, but cover is still attached there. Other than that, staples are firm. Page quality is an excellent white to just off-white. Slight tanning to inside cover edges. One of the nicest copies of an early Batman I’ve ever seen. High resolution images are available on request.
PICTURED: BATMAN #16 VG- £3.000