Most Expensive Batman Collectibles
Ever since he was introduced in the late 1930s, Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman has become a pop culture icon. He has graced both the big and small screen and is one of the faces of comic book merchandising for over nine decades. And with Batman Day coming up, it’s time to highlight not just the Caped Crusader’s global impact but also the thousands of dollars collectors have spent just to grab some very rare Batman collectibles. Here are the eight most expensive Batman collectibles ever sold:
1. Ideal Super Queens Batgirl - $30,000
Not exactly Batman himself, but Batgirl has always been a regular fixture in Batman stories since the 1960s. And with a $30,000 price tag, the Ideal Super Queens Batgirl is the most expensive Batman collectible of all time. The doll, which measures 11 inches and comes with a complete set of accessories, was released by then-toy company Ideal in 1967. It was sold as part of Ideal’s Super Queens line which also featured other DC heroines Wonder Woman, Mera, and Supergirl.
As the years went by, the doll’s value only skyrocketed especially with Ideal closing shop in 1997. One collector did manage to secure the 1967 Batgirl doll but for the price of nearly $18,000. Ideal Toy Company was founded in the early 20th century by couple Morris and Rose Michtom. It became one of the biggest toy manufacturers and doll makers in the United States post-World War II before being acquired by Mattel. The Michtoms are also responsible for inventing the Teddy bear.
2. Marx Bagatelle Batman Game - $11,825
From the many 1960s Batman toys from Louis Marx and Company, the Bagatelle Batman game remains the most expensive. This classic litho bagatelle game which is very similar to pinball landed on the hands of a collector for $11,825.
The game lets users control Batman and Robin as they take down Blockbuster and other villains. The lithograph is said to be designed by DC artist Carmine Infantino but the rumor is yet to be confirmed. Louis Marx and Company filed for bankruptcy in 1980 after the U.S. economy went into a recession in the 1970s.
3. Ideal Batman Utility Belt - $11,000
The Ideal Batman Utility Belt, released in 1966, is among the most coveted Batman collectibles. This set includes items like the Bat-Rocket Grenade, Bat-Rope with grapple claw, Bat-A-Rang, and Bat-Gun Launcher. Its rarity and completeness significantly influence its value. Notably, a complete set sold for a record $16,940 at a Van Eaton Galleries auction, marking the highest price ever paid for a vintage Batman toy.
4. Ideal Official Batman & Justice League of America Playset - $10,755
The Ideal Official Batman & Justice League of America Playset, released in 1966, is among the most coveted Batman collectibles. This extensive set includes 24 pieces, featuring hand-painted figures of Batman, Robin, Superman, and other Justice League members, along with accessories like the Batmobile and Batplane. Its rarity and comprehensive nature have led to auction prices exceeding $10,755, solidifying its status as a premier item for collectors.
5. Ideal Official Batman Playset - $10,245
The Ideal Official Batman Playset, released in 1966, is among the most coveted Batman collectibles. This comprehensive set includes hand-painted figures of Batman, Robin, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash, and the Joker, along with various accessories like the Batmobile and Batplane.
6. Marx Batman Water Blaster - $4,210
The Marx Batman Water Blaster is a rare prototype squirt gun from the 1960s, featuring a hand-made body with factory-made components and hand-painted labels. In 2013, it sold at auction for $4,211.55, highlighting its value among Batman collectibles. Its unique design and limited availability make it a sought-after item for collectors.
7. Transogram Batmobile - $3,290
A bigger yet slightly cheaper version of the Yanoman Batmobile, the Transogram Batmobile will still set fans and collectors back more than $3,000. Created by Transogram, the toy is modeled after the vehicle in the original 1960s television show and is considered as one of the most valuable and even best batman collectibles out there.
This version of the Batmobile perfectly resembles the one from the T.V. show starring Adam West as the titular character, Burt Ward as Robin, and Cesar Romero as the archnemesis Joker. West’s Batman and Ward's Robin are also included in this toy which has become a wish list for many collectors around the world.
8. Ideal Captain Action Batman - $2,860
The Ideal Captain Action Batman figure, released in 1966, is a highly sought-after collectible among Batman enthusiasts. In 2022, a complete set in excellent condition fetched $2,860 at auction. Another set, described as rare and unused, was listed with a current bid of $525 in November 2024. These figures' value is influenced by factors such as condition, completeness, and market demand.
9. Aladdin Industries' Batman & Robin Lunchbox - $2,465
The 1966 Batman & Robin metal lunchbox, produced by Aladdin Industries, is a highly sought-after collectible among Batman enthusiasts. Released during the height of the Batman TV show's popularity, its vibrant design and association with the iconic series contribute to its desirability. In excellent condition, especially when accompanied by the original thermos.
10. Mego Batman's Wayne Foundation - $4,599
The Mego Batman's Wayne Foundation playset, released in 1977, is a highly sought-after collectible among Batman enthusiasts. This four-story structure features a working elevator, Batcomputer, and detailed rooms like the trophy room with iconic items such as the giant penny and dinosaur. Due to its rarity and intricate design, complete sets in good condition or more in the collectors' market.
In Closing
As more generations are introduced to Gotham's crime-fighting vigilante, the more his legacy becomes timeless. And part of that legacy is fans and collectors spending thousands of dollars just to obtain some of the rarest Batman memorabilia around.
