Frank Miller’s original art for the signature plate of a signed, numbered limited edition hardcover of the 1986 collected edition of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns was recently sold for $175,000 by Metropolis Gallery.

Miller’s Dark Knight – which featured an older, grittier Batman in a dark, violent world – is frequently cited as a major influence on modern comics.

Gallery curator Rob Pistella described the 15″ x 23″ illustration as a significant Dark Knight piece. “More important, it’s the definitive Frank Miller piece. It’s everything that Frank’s immeasurable contribution to the art form represents, captured in one iconic image,” Pistella said.

The piece represents two of the most recognizable characters in pop culture and was so pivotal, comic giant DC Direct commissioned sculptor William Paquette to recreate it as a statue in 1996 to celebrate Dark Knight’s 10th anniversary.

The buyer is a collector who has been collecting comic art for more than 20 years, according to Metropolis Gallery. A growing number of comic book collectors are adding comic art to their collections, one reason Metropolis Collectibles opened its 5,000 square foot showroom in Midtown Manhattan earlier this year.

“More people are coming to understand that comic art can be appreciated and collected like fine art,” said Metropolis COO Vincent Zurzolo. “For collectors, purchasing the original artwork behind a comic book of significance is a special thrill. You’re getting unique, one-of-a-kind artwork with historical value. It’s easy and exciting to display. And, like comic books, it’s a phenomenal investment.”

At the gallery, visitors can view the original art behind revered comic book covers, full page splashes, Sunday strips, fantasy and science book covers, and more.

Its new Masters of Fantasy exhibit features the works of renowned fantasy artists Frank Frazetta, Jeff Jones, Greg Hildebrandt, Ken Kelly, Phil Hale, and more. Metropolis Gallery is located at 36 West 37th Street, Sixth Floor, NY, NY 10018. It is open to the public on Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Collectors may also visit by appointment and are invited to call (800) 229-6387 to make an appointment.

“People always ask us how to start collecting, and we tell them to start with what they love,” said Metropolis CEO Stephen Fishler, “Why hang a dull still life on your wall, when you can hang vivid, emotionally powerful art?”