Detective Comics #359 (1967): First Appearance of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl
Among the Silver Age DC keys that define a serious Batman collection, Detective Comics #359 stands apart. Published in January 1967, it introduced Barbara Gordon as Batgirl in a story that remains pleasingly straightforward: a librarian and Congressional representative's daughter creates a Batgirl costume for a costume party, stumbles into a real crime involving Killer Moth, and proves herself formidable enough to earn Batman's respect.
The character's long-term significance extends far beyond that origin. Barbara Gordon became one of DC's most enduring female characters, surviving decades of storylines, including her role as Oracle (a premier information broker in the DC Universe), and remaining a major character in 2025.
The Story and Its Creation
"The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl!" was written by Gardner Fox with art by Carmine Infantino and Sid Greene. Infantino's design for the character was crisp and appealing: the purple and yellow costume with bat emblem and distinctive cowl created an immediately distinctive visual.
The story was partly created to tie into the 1966-68 Batman television series starring Adam West, where producers were looking to add a female character. Batgirl (played by Yvonne Craig) debuted in the show's third season. The comic book version preceded the TV version into print, making the comic the definitive first appearance.
Key Issue Details
Published: January 1967
Cover price: 12 cents
Writer: Gardner Fox
Penciler: Carmine Infantino
Publisher: DC Comics
Condition Grades and Value
| Grade | CGC Label | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9.8 | Near Mint/Mint | $15,000-35,000 |
| 9.6 | Near Mint+ | $5,000-10,000 |
| 9.4 | Near Mint | $2,500-5,000 |
| 9.2 | Near Mint- | $1,500-3,000 |
| 8.5 | Very Fine+ | $800-1,500 |
| 8.0 | Very Fine | $500-900 |
| 7.0 | Fine/Very Fine | $300-550 |
| 6.0 | Fine | $200-350 |
| 4.0-5.0 | Very Good range | $100-200 |
A 9.8 is extraordinarily rare for a 1967 comic. Most collectors realistically target the 7.0-9.0 range, representing genuinely nice copies while remaining somewhat accessible.
What Makes a High-Grade Copy
For a 1967 DC comic, achieving high grade requires:
Spine: Tight with no rolling or stress marks. DC comics of this era used slightly different paper stock than Marvel, and spine condition is critical.
Staples: Original, rust-free, centered staples. Replacement staples are disqualifying for top grades.
Centering: DC comics of 1967 frequently showed shifted guillotine cuts. Well-centered copies are significantly rarer.
Gloss: Original cover gloss should be present. Worn, dull covers indicate handling or storage issues.
Page quality: DC's paper from this era tends to yellow more readily than some Marvel contemporaries. White or off-white pages are a positive attribute.
The Cover: A Key Attraction
The cover of Detective Comics #359 is one of the better Silver Age DC covers of the period. Batman and Robin look on as Batgirl swings in dramatically, conveying both the character's athleticism and her insertion into the established duo. Infantino's design is clean and immediately communicates the character's appeal.
The Barbara Gordon Factor
Barbara Gordon's continuing prominence supports long-term demand for this key. She has maintained consistent presence across comics, animation (Batman: The Animated Series), live-action TV (Gotham Knights), and video games. Any significant DC film or streaming production featuring Barbara Gordon could meaningfully impact prices.
Investment Summary
Detective Comics #359 is a first-tier Silver Age DC key combining a beloved, enduring character, historical connection to the iconic Batman TV series, beautiful art by Infantino, continued media relevance, and genuinely scarce high-grade supply.
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