The Devon Detective Work: A Silver Age DC Treasure Trove

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear waterproof jackets, clutch a SatNav, and pray the traffic around Exeter doesn’t resemble a scene from Mad Max. Yes, it was that time again—Fantasy Road was on the move, this time venturing deep into the rolling hills of Devon for what turned out to be a comic book collection worth its weight in Bat-gadgets.

We’d been tipped off about a Silver Age DC lot that might make even the Dark Knight crack a smile. And let me tell you, when we finally got eyes on the haul, it was like opening a utility belt full of first appearances and key issues.

So, what exactly did we uncover? Oh, just:

• Detective Comics #359 – the legendary first appearance of Batgirl.

• Batman #181 – the seductive and sinister debut of Poison Ivy.

• A tidy run of Batman comics from issue #200 onward, bridging one of the most exciting eras of the Caped Crusader’s publishing history.

If you’ve got something similar tucked away in your loft, garage, or (if you’re lucky) Batcave, don’t let it gather dust. We’re always on the lookout for collections like this—sell comics to us here.

Batgirl’s Big Debut – Detective Comics #359

Ah yes, Detective Comics #359 (1967). The issue that introduced the world to Barbara Gordon, librarian by day, Batgirl by night. In the pantheon of first appearances, this one is right up there with Spider-Man swinging onto the scene in Amazing Fantasy #15.

The cover, with Batgirl striking a heroic pose alongside Batman and Robin, remains one of the most iconic Silver Age visuals. Finding this book in the Devon collection felt like unearthing a gem of pure DC history.

For collectors, it’s not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must-have key issue, often considered the crown jewel of any Batman run. And here’s the kicker: copies in decent condition can fetch thousands. Which means if you’ve got one, you may as well be sitting on a Batmobile made of cash.

👉 Got one of these (or any other key Batman issue) hiding in a box? Don’t wait for the Joker to swipe it—sell your comics to us today.

Poison Ivy – Batman #181

Next up in our Devon treasure chest was the leafy lady herself: Poison Ivy. First appearing in Batman #181 (1966), Pamela Isley was destined to become one of Gotham’s most enduring villains.

This comic is adored not just because it introduced Ivy, but also because the cover is so striking—bright red with Ivy standing front and centre, luring you into her world of eco-crime and botanical mischief. It’s the type of book that makes collectors weak at the knees (and not from Ivy’s pheromones).

And let’s be honest—between modern films, cartoons, and video games, Ivy is more relevant than ever. Which is exactly why collectors are scrambling to add this issue to their shelves.

👉 If you’ve got one of these beauties lying around, or anything similar, you should definitely sell your comic book collection here. We’ll make sure it finds a good home—and you get a nice stack of cash in return.

Batman From #200 Onward – A Run of Legends

Beyond the headline-grabbing first appearances, this Devon lot delivered a strong run of Batman issues starting from #200 onward. And let me tell you, this isn’t filler material—this is prime Batman.

• Issue #200 itself was a landmark anniversary issue, with a special cover that still turns heads today.

• Following that, the series began to shed some of its campier roots (goodbye shark-repellent spray) and edge toward darker, more serious storytelling.

• You can really see the seeds of the Bronze Age Batman taking root here—the detective, the brooding vigilante, the hero we recognise in modern films and TV.

For collectors, these runs are a joy. They’re relatively affordable compared to mega-keys, but they chart Batman’s evolution into the modern icon we know today.

And here’s the thing: even if you don’t have Batgirl or Poison Ivy’s first appearances, runs like this still have solid value. That’s why we’re always keen to buy them. Got Batman comics stacked in longboxes? Sell your Batman comics to us here.

Why Silver Age DC Still Reigns Supreme

People often ask: “Why are Silver Age comics so valuable?”

The answer’s simple: the Silver Age (roughly 1956–1970) was when superheroes exploded into the cultural mainstream. This was the age of iconic reinventions and unforgettable first appearances—Flash, Green Lantern, Batgirl, Poison Ivy, and countless more.

The art was bold, the storytelling was groundbreaking (for its time), and the characters introduced during this era are still central to DC’s storytelling today. Every modern Batgirl TV show, every Poison Ivy appearance in a video game, every Batman film—they all trace their roots back to these very comics.

That’s why Silver Age DC books, even those without huge key appearances, remain highly collectible. And if you happen to own some, you might be pleasantly surprised at their value.

👉 Curious about what your collection might be worth? Sell your comics to us for a free valuation.

The Human Side of Collections

One of the best things about pickups like this isn’t just the comics—it’s the stories behind them. The Devon collection belonged to a family who had carefully looked after the books for decades. You could see the love in the way the comics were stored, the care that had gone into preserving them.

That’s part of why we do what we do. Every collection tells a story, and when you sell your comic books to us, we don’t just treat them as inventory—we treat them as history.

Thinking of Selling? Here’s Why Fantasy Road is Your Best Bet

We get it. Selling a comic collection can feel daunting. You might be thinking:

• “Are these actually worth anything?”

• “Should I try eBay?”

• “Will I get ripped off?”

Here’s the truth: trying to sell comics piecemeal online can be a nightmare. Fees, timewasters, dodgy buyers—it’s like facing the entire Rogue’s Gallery at once.

With us, it’s simple:

• We travel nationwide (yes, even down winding Devon lanes).

• We pay fair, competitive prices.

• We make the process quick and painless.

Whether you’ve got one key issue or a garage full of longboxes, we want to hear from you.

👉 Ready to find out what your collection is worth? Sell your comics here.

Final Thoughts on the Devon Haul

This Silver Age DC pickup reminded us of why we love doing what we do. Where else do you get to see Batgirl’s debut, Poison Ivy’s first cover, and a run of Batman issues that feel like a living history lesson in comic book form—all in one place?

Every collection has its own story, and the joy is in uncovering it. Whether you’re in Devon, Durham, or Dundee, if you’ve got comics lying around, we’ll make the trip.

So, if your attic is secretly Gotham City, it’s time to shine your own Bat-Signal.

👉 Sell your comic collection to Fantasy Road today. We promise Alfred-level service, without the sarcastic butler commentary (well, maybe just a little).