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Nice grab — Batman #422 (August 1988) is pure late-80s grit. That knife reflection cover by Mike Bright is one of the most striking images from the pre-Death in the Family era.
Amos’s Tip:
These 1980s Jim Starlin street-level issues have a cult following — especially anything with that “DC Comics Aren’t Just for Kids!” box. Lean into the darker tone, the vigilante theme, and the knife-reflection artwork. People buy this one for the cover alone.
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**BATMAN #422 — Main Cover (1988)
Starlin’s Gritty Gotham Era — Iconic Knife Reflection Cover**
Creator Credits:
Writer: Jim Starlin
Penciler: Mark Bright
Inker: Mike DeCarlo
Colorist: Adrienne Roy
Letterer: John Costanza
Editor: Denny O’Neil
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $0.75
Characters on Cover: Batman (close-up, knife reflection)
Corner/Logo Elements: “DC Comics Aren’t Just for Kids!” box, August cover date
Story Note: Part of Starlin’s darker psychological run leading up to Death in the Family — always a popular era for collectors.
Photos shown are actual photos of the actual item.
Packaged with care — bagged & boarded with love ❤️ and blue painter’s tape.
Follow TWAPSY on — heart the store for more Batman keys, 80s heat, and gritty Gotham classics.
Collector Hype Closer:
Bold cover. Dark era. Easy buy.
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SEO Keywords
Batman 422 1988 Jim Starlin Mark Bright Knife Cover Classic DC Comics Pre Death in the Family Gritty Gotham Collectible Comic Book
