Top 10 Essential 1966 Topps Batman Cards: Each Set Explained
- Patrice Journ
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
While Pokémon and sports cards have lifted sales records in 2025, every category of collectibles has been boosted this year, offering us a refreshing dive into trading cards tied to comics, TV series, and movies. Following the record-breaking auction of the PSA 9 1966 Topps Batman (Black Bat) "The Batman" #1—sold for $131,250 through Heritage Auctions—we’re spotlighting the most thrilling 1966 Topps Batman cards still available on the market.
Yet, many collectors remain unaware of the differences between the rookies, sets and nuances released for the 1966 Topps series.
The three iconic 1966 Topps Batman sets—featuring the Black Bat (Orange Backs), A Series (Red Bat logo), and B Series (Blue Bat logo)—immortalize Adam West’s campy TV series through Norm Saunders’ vivid artwork. Highly coveted by collectors, these vintage trading cards blend nostalgia, rarity, and pop-culture legacy. While raw versions are very affordable for collectors, grabbing any of these cards in high gem mint (8 or more) can see their values skyrocketing. Let’s bat into it!
The Black Bat Series (also known as Orange Backs) - The Debut Set
The debut 55-card set includes villain-themed subsets (Joker, Penguin, Catwoman, Riddler) and ultra-rare #1 Batman and #2 Robin. Noted for orange backs with descriptive text and Batman cartoons.
These cards do not have puzzles on the back; instead, they do have story descriptions. They are generally considered the most collected and valuable set due to being the first release and containing “rookie cards.”
1966 Topps Batman # 1 (Black Bat) The Batman
The 1966 Topps Batman "Black Bat" # 1 card is a pop-culture icon, capturing the campy charm and vibrant aesthetic of Adam West’s TV era. As the inaugural piece of Topps’ short-lived test series, its scarcity is unmatched—produced in limited trial runs, few survive. The "Black Bat" name nods to Batman’s bold black-emblem costume, a hallmark of the show’s retro design. Revered as the holy grail of Batman collectibles, it symbolizes the character’s leap into mainstream fame. For collectors, owning this card isn’t just about rarity; it’s a tangible link to the birth of a cultural phenomenon.
1966 Topps Batman # 2 (Black Bat) Robin - Boy Wonder
This card captures Robin’s campy Adam West-era charm through bold colors and dynamic poses. A cornerstone of the classic series, it celebrates the Boy Wonder’s legacy as Batman’s loyal ally, blending Silver Age flair with TV nostalgia. This is indeed the second most-sought-after card in the set, trailing only Batman #1.
1966 Topps Batman # 3 (Black Bat) The Bat Signal
A cornerstone of Topps’ debut Black Bat Series, this card immortalizes Gotham’s iconic distress beacon with Norm Saunders’ vivid, action-packed artwork. Aside from being the introduction of the Joker’s subset (#3 to #13), it is also the first appearance of the duo in the iconic Batmobile.
1966 Topps Batman (Black Bat) # 9 Face of the Joker
While the 1966 Topps "Black Bat" Batman set’s Card #3 (Bat Signal) kicks off the Joker-specific storyline subset (spanning #3–13), collectors often highlight Card #9 “Face of the Joker” as the key early appearance, introducing the villain with dramatic flair.
1966 Topps Batman # 33 The Enemies Clash (Catwoman)
A prized vintage card from Topps’ iconic Black Bat Series (Orange Backs), featuring a dynamic showdown between Batman and Catwoman. Part of the Catwoman subset (#25–35), this card highlights Norm Saunders’ vivid artwork, capturing the campy essence of Adam West’s 1966 TV series. With orange backs detailing the action and a retro Batmobile cartoon.
1966 Topps Batman # 36 (Black Bat) The Riddler
A vibrant relic of television’s first live-action Batman era, immortalizing Frank Gorshin’s electrifying portrayal of the Prince of Puzzles. Part of the iconic Adam West series set, this card bursts with the show’s signature campy charm, featuring the Riddler mid-scheme, draped in his green question-mark suit and wielding maniacal glee. Unlike standard villain cards, #36 encapsulates the Riddler’s role as Batman’s cerebral nemesis.
The Red Bat Series (A Series) - Only Puzzles Backs
These 44 cards feature puzzle-piece backs that form images of characters like Batman, Robin, the Joker, the Riddler, Catwoman, and the Penguin. The Red Bat series exclusively uses this puzzle-back design, with no “bat backs” included.
1966 Topps Batman (Red Bat) # 26A The Joker's Last Laugh
While this set is likely the least popular, collectors value cards featuring multi-hero battle scenes—like this one showing Batman and Robin confronted by the Joker.
1966 Topps Batman (Red Bat) # 1A The Ghostly Foe
As the first card in the set, The Ghostly Foe showcases Batman’s bulletproof uniform as he races to subdue a villain, cementing its status as a prized action-centric collectible.
The B Series (Blue Bat/Puzzle B)
In the 1966 Topps Batman B Series (Blue Bat), Cowl Backs (Blue Bat Backs) are rarer and more valuable than Puzzle Backs. Puzzle Backs—common in the set—often show wear due to kids handling them to complete puzzles. Cowl Backs feature a large blue logo and text-only descriptions, while Puzzle Backs include small text to form larger images. The 44-card series combines blue-bordered fronts with either rare Cowl Backs or Puzzle Backs depicting Dynamic Duo/Riddler scenes. Text-only Cowl Backs remain the scarcest.
1966 Topps Batman (Blue Bat) # 1B The Joker's Icy Jest
As the first card in the B Series, it’s highly desirable—akin to a “rookie card” for the set—and notoriously elusive in top condition. The Blue Bat Back variation, rarer than Puzzle Backs, is especially sought after by collectors.
1966 Topps Batman (Blue Bat) # 37B Riddler On The Roof
For your final pick, prioritize ANY B Series card that features multiple heroes/villains and is in the best condition available. Since their values are comparable, opt for high-grade (PSA/CGC 8+) examples with vibrant colors and intact borders—like dynamic showdowns or team-up scenes—to maximize visual and nostalgic appeal.
Ready to build your own Gotham gallery? Dive into our Buyer’s Guides for expert tips on spotting fakes, grading nuances, and snagging the best deals. Whether you’re chasing vintage gems or modern grails, we’ve got your back—because every collector deserves a trusted Alfred! Disclosure: When you click or make a purchase through our links, we may earn a small percentage, which helps us maintain and improve our site.
