Batman: The Cult #1 (1988), graded CGC 9.8 (Near Mint/Mint) with White Pages, published by DC Comics.

This is Book One: Ordeal from the critically acclaimed four-issue prestige-format miniseries written by Jim Starlin with haunting, atmospheric artwork by legendary horror master Bernie Wrightson.

Key Highlights:

• 🦇 First issue of the Batman: The Cult miniseries

• ✍️ Story by Jim Starlin

• 🎨 Cover & art by Bernie Wrightson

• 💀 Dark, psychological Batman storyline

• 📕 Prestige format square-bound edition

• 🔥 Embossed cover (noted on CGC label)

• 💎 CGC 9.8 with White Pages

This series is widely regarded as one of the darker and more mature Batman stories of the late 1980s, featuring the villain Deacon Blackfire and exploring themes of manipulation, cult psychology, and the breaking of Batman’s will — predating similar tonal elements later seen in 1990s Bat-titles.

The Wrightson artwork gives the book a distinctive gothic horror tone that separates it from standard late-80s Batman titles.

Why This Book Matters

• Highly collectible late-80s prestige miniseries

• Bernie Wrightson + Batman = strong crossover appeal

• Condition-sensitive black cover in CGC 9.8

• Increasing appreciation for darker pre-‘90s Batman arcs

• White Pages designation enhances investment appeal

High-grade black-cover DC books from this era are notoriously tough in true 9.8 condition, supporting long-term desirability.

Ideal for:

• Batman key storyline collectors

• Wrightson art enthusiasts

• Late 80s DC prestige-format specialists

• CGC 9.8 registry builders