comicbooks.com Join Free
HomeDetective Comics › #488
Detective Comics #488 cover
Cover: Dick Giordano

Detective Comics #488

Feb 1980 · DC · 1.00 USD
☆ Be the first to review + Add to your collection — Join free

In "The Spook's Death Sentence for Batman," Batgirl steps into a volatile cityscape where a murdered gang leader ignites tensions between rival factions, and the Dark Knight's shadow looms as the only hope to prevent bloodshed. Written by Jack C. Harris and brought to life by José Delbo’s expressive art, with inks by Frank Chiaramonte and colors by Adrienne Roy, this 1980 issue captures a tense moment in Gotham’s underworld. The cover, a striking double portrait by Dick Giordano, sets the tone with a haunting, noir-inspired vision of the story’s central mystery.

Contains 5 stories
The Spook's Death Sentence for Batman
17 pp · Superhero
Batman [Bruce Wayne]SpookSelina Kyle [Catwoman] (cameo)Alfred PennyworthLucius FoxCommissioner James GordonSimon ThatcherMr. TorrJeff LairdDesmond FosterMr. Wilton

In "The Spook's Death Sentence for Batman," the enigmatic Spook orchestrates a high-stakes swap that leaves Batman trapped in a death row cell, his identity hidden from guards and executioners alike as the clock counts down. With no time to prove who he really is, Batman must survive the final hours while the real prisoner—unknown to all—walks free.

The Last Duty!
8 pp · Drama
Clem Schnectady
The Leader of the Dark Lords
10 pp · Superhero
Batgirl [Barbara Gordon]Commissioner James Gordonthe Dark Lords (street gang) [Alo Ramerez (deceased)SanchezSalgotoother unnamed Dark Lords]The Invaders (street gang) [Len Rockwellother unnamed Invaders]

When the leader of a street gang is found dead on the rival gang’s territory, Batgirl steps in to prevent a citywide escalation—just as Barbara Gordon faces the personal fallout of losing her congressional bid. With tensions flaring and suspicion spreading, she must navigate a web of loyalty and betrayal before violence consumes Gotham.

Minus One Miracle Car!
6 pp · Superhero
Elongated Man [Ralph Dibny]Sue Dibny

In "Minus One Miracle Car!", Elastoman finds himself tangled in a mystery when a brand-new prototype car vanishes right before his eyes. As he digs into the case, he uncovers a trail of industrial espionage that's more slippery than his own elastic powers.

The Great Campus Kidnap!
10 pp · Superhero
Robin [Dick Grayson]Bernie JohnsonJennifer AnneChief Frank McDonaldAlfred Pennyworth (cameo)Bruce Wayne [Batman] (cameo)

ComicBooks.com Value

Our Model is In Beta
Raw (Fine) $8
CGC 9.8 · 12 in census $140
CGC 9.6 · 16 in census $47
CGC 9.4 · 14 in census $24
CGC 9.2 · 5 in census $20*
CGC 9.0 · 2 in census $20*
CGC 8.5 none in existence
Show all 9 grades
CGC 8.0 · 2 in census $20*
CGC 7.5 none in existence
CGC 7.0 · 1 in census $20*
* estimate — limited direct-sales data at this grade
Our model’s value — refined as new sales data arrives · CGC census counts shown where available

More listings for this title

F/VF $5.55 VERY GOOD $5.99 VF+ $7.5 FN $7.95 FN $8.99 FN/VF · Newsstand $10.78 FN $11 VF $13
Related listings we couldn't confirm as this exact issue · 58 total · seen 27 days ago

Sell my copy

Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.

We Buy Collections ▸
Fast, fair offers · we handle grading & shipping

Full credits

colorist Adrienne Roy
letterer Ben Oda
cover pencils, inks Dick Giordano

Reprints

Reprinted in Batman Taschenbuch #8 (1980), Wundergirl #6/1980 (1980), Batman Poche #29 (1980), Batman Poche #32 (1980), Batman's Detective Comics #[nn] (1981), Batman Poche #36 (1981), Tales of the Batman: Don Newton #[nn] (2012), Batgirl: The Bronze Age Omnibus #2 (2019), Robin: The Bronze Age Omnibus #[nn] (2020)

Key issues in Detective Comics

Reviews

Reader reviews

No reader reviews yet.