Detective Comics #140 was one of the best-selling comics in February, gaining lots of attention from people who like to sell comic books. But what exactly made this issue popular? Let’s find out!
Detective Comics Comic Series
Detective Comics is one of the most important and probably the most famous comic series in history. First published in March 1937, it introduced some of the most iconic superheroes and villains. The series was created by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson under DC’s original company name, National Allied Publications. It focused on mystery and crime stories before shifting to superheroes in 1939 with the introduction of Batman in issue #27 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. It was a legendary moment that changed comics forever.
Detective Comics #1 was published in March 1937 by National Allied Publications (later DC Comics). It was an anthology series focused on crime, mystery, and detective stories, heavily inspired by pulp magazines of the time. The issue shows characters like Slam Bradley, a tough private detective created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the same duo behind Superman. While it didn’t introduce any superheroes initially, Detective Comics was the basis for the genre, eventually evolving into a series that would change comic history with Batman’s debut in issue #27.
As one of the longest-running series in DC history, Detective Comics introduced numerous legendary characters like Robin, Two-Face, and The Riddler. The book has also featured some of Batman’s most famous arcs, including “The Batwoman Affair”, the first Silver Age appearance of Batwoman, and “Blind Justice”, which showed us more of Bruce Wayne’s past.
Over the decades, legendary creators like Neal Adams, Dennis O’Neil, Frank Miller, and Scott Snyder have contributed to its legacy.
Detective Comics Issue #140
Detective Comics 140, published in October 1948, introduced the Riddler. Created by writer Bill Finger and artist Dick Sprang, this issue shows us the origin of Edward Nigma, a man with an insatiable obsession for puzzles and riddles. In the story, Nigma adopts the persona of the Riddler, challenging Batman and Robin with elaborate clues that lead to his crimes, aiming to outsmart the Dark Knight, the best detective of Earth.
How much is the Detective Comics #140
Detective Comics 140 value in 2025 varies hugely based on condition. A CGC 9.6 copy from The Promise Collection Pedigree sold for $456,000 in March 2023, setting a record. Even lower-grade copies hold noticeable value.
A Good (2.0) copy is worth around $5,000, while a Very Good (4.0) copy sells for $12,600. Higher grades like Fine (6.0) and Very Fine (8.0) are valued at $18,000 and $40,000, respectively. A Near Mint (9.4) copy is estimated at $65,000. High Detective Comics #140 value shows the significance of this issue.
