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Batman (1940) 1 CGC Page 15 Only

Paper: Off white

Page 15 Only.

Label #4651539005

Cover by Bob Kane. Reprints the origin of Batman from Detective Comics #33 with splash page from #34 by Bob Kane. "The Legend of the Batman - Who He Is and How He Came to Be!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff (backgrounds); Bruce Wayne's parents are murdered by a cheap crook, and young Bruce vows to avenge their deaths by warring on all criminals. First appearance of the Joker in "The Joker," script by Bill Finger, art by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson; Batman faces a new criminal who succeeds in killing famous men and stealing their prized possessions, leaving them all with "a smile" on their face! "The Giants of Hugo Strange," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane (signed) and Jerry Robinson (backgrounds); The Batman faces an arch criminal who has invented a serum to create a race of giant monsters, and nearly becomes one of them himself! "Strictly Publicity" text story by Guy Monroe. Biography of Batman creator Bob Kane, with photo. First appearance of the Cat (destined to become Catwoman), the first villainess in comic books, in "The Cat," script by Bill Finger, art by Bob Kane; Batman and Robin take a trip aboard an exclusive yacht in order to prevent the theft of the Travers necklace at the hands of the Cat! "Two Aces" text story by George Shute, art by Raymond Perry. Ginger Snap two-page story by Bob Kane (as Ted Raye). "The Joker Returns," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson (backgrounds); The Joker escapes from prison to continue his rampage of death and to steal the famed Cleopatra necklace and Fire Ruby. Detective Comics ad. First Batman and Robin pin-up on the back cover. All stories in this issue consist of reprint material drawn from previous issues of Detective Comics. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 74 CGC 2.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4530215003

Cover by Win Mortimer. "The Crazy Crime Clown!", script by Alvin Schwartz, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; The Joker steals a bunch of worthless items; Apsychiatrist diagnoses him with hebophrenic schizophrenia, and hes committed to an insane asylum; Batman and Robin investigate the mysterious case and decade that Joker must have pretended to be insane in order to reach a wealthy man inside the asylum. UNICEF Spells Help for the Children of the World! starring Superman, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer. Two-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Movie That Killed Batman!", pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Ray Burnley; During the making of a movie, Batman and Robin recreate the case against a notorious criminal called Skid Turkel; Their butler, Alfred, has been cast as the main antagonist. -page Little Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. 1-page Varsity Vic story by Henry Boltinoff. "Smoking Out Smugglers" text story by Jim Moss. "The Water Crimes of Mr. Hydro!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Stan Kaye; Timothy Flagg is a water boy at Gotham State Penitentiary; He decides to break out of prison using water and becomes Mister Hydro; Batman and Robin get involved. One-page Jerry the Jitterbug story by Henry Boltinoff. 44 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 120 FR 1.0

Near-complete spine split. Cover detached. Water saturation.

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. "The Curse of the Bat-Ring," pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman uses a clever plan involving a jinx on a Bat-Ring, which crooks get the Caped Crusader to wear, hoping it will bring him bad luck. Sharing -- The United Nations Way public service announcement, art by George Roussos. "The Failure of Bruce Wayne," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Called to his dying Uncle's bedside, Silas, Bruce is told by him that he is disappointed that Bruce has not continued the family tradition of adventure; Bruce sets out to prove Silas wrong. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. End of a Hold-Up article. "The Airborne Batman," pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; While stopping a stampeding elephant, Batman injures his legs, giving the green light to crooks all over Gotham City to institute a reign of terror. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 122 FR 1.0

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. "Prisoners of the Sargasso Sea," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; While chasing a modern-day pirate, Blackjack, Batman and Robin are marooned in the Sargasso Sea; There they discover others who have been trapped for centuries by the seaweed and its strange, age-defying gas. Detective Comics #265 ad. One-page Strange Old Laws story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Cross Country Crimes!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin foil Hijack and his gang, who have been robbing trucks of Carter trucking, including one containing platinum. "Double-Dealer in Diamonds" text story. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. The Family Favorite! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Marriage of Batman and Batwoman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Ray Burnley; Dick Grayson goes to sleep while Bruce is out on a date with Kathy, and dreams of the loss of their secret identities caused by Bruce's and Kathy's marriage. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 147 CBCS 6.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #24-1645B9D-002

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Plants of Plunder," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A gang of crooks enters Gotham and begins using strange seeds to grow alien plants in order to commit crimes. One-page Jail Jests story by Henry Boltinoff. Time-Out for Talk! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Secret of Mystery Island!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A dying gang boss leaves a series of clues for his men to follow to an island in order for them to locate a hidden treasure. "Batman Becomes Bat-Baby" starring Batman and Bat-Woman (as proof of this "unusual adventure," there resides in the Bat-Cave's famed trophy room a glass case in which the Bat-Baby costume is enshrined), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A criminal scientist turns Batman physically into a four-year-old with a ray of his own devising, but Batman modifies his costume and continues to fight crime as Bat-Baby. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 154 VG+ 4.5

View items consigned by Time Machine Comics: all items, auctions only

Cover pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris. "Danger Strikes Four," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; As Dick begins reading Alfred's latest imaginary tale of Batman II and Robin II, he is called upon by the Caped Crusader to battle Big Al and his men, with all involved in circumstances strangely resembling Alfred's story. "The Amazing Odyssey of Batman and Robin," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; When the remains of the Bat-Boat are found, its log is sent to Commissioner Gordon, who announces that Batman is dead, leaving a stage magician free to commit his crimes! Safety First -- All Year! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Johnny discovers the hazards of leaving things lying around the home. "The Strange Experiment of Doctor Dorn," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A large green creature is menacing Gotham City, so the Dynamic Duo are called in to assist, and they discover a way to get the creature to pass away, leaving Dr. Dorn free without any effect. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 156 CGC 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4753254005

Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris. Not Wanted: High School Dropouts! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Secret of the Ant-Man" starring Batman, Robin, Bat-Hound, and Ant-Man, script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; After Batman announces that he is going away on a secret Government mission, a pint-sized crime fighter by the name of Ant-Man pops up to help him out, but the Boy Wonder wrongly guesses that it is Batman in disguise. True Crime Laffs humor/non-fiction page by Henry Boltinoff. "Robin Dies at Dawn," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman undergoes a test simulation for a situation that astronauts may one day face alone in outer space, and during that simulation he sees Robin dies; After the test is over, Batman faces the terrible side-effects of his simulation, believing that Robin will actually die, and it so complicates his fight against crime, he decides to retire! 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 163 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #2077438003

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Bat-Girl--Batwoman II!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Chic Stone, inks by Charles Paris; Betty returns to Gotham City and adopts the guise of Batwoman II; With Batman and Robin II both out of town, the original Batman must go into action and gets captured in the process; When Batwoman II saves him, she learns his secret identity in the process. "The Joker Jury!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Joker begins a crime wave using the city's various departments as his theme; When the Caped Crusaders head out to battle the Crime Clown, they are captured and put on trial by the Joker. Names Do Hurt! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 174 GD 2.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Human Punching Bag!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Hunter breaks the Getaway Genius out of jail in order to provide a getaway gimmick, all the while planning a trap for the Batman. The Time of Death article. "Nature's Bill of Rights," script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Two boys who are polluting a stream are given an anti-pollution lesson by a fisherman. "The Off-Again On-Again Lightbulbs!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; When Batman arrives at the Wednesday meeting of the Mystery Analysts, a cleaning man enters and announces that it is actually Friday, and he can prove it with a copy of that day's paper; Before anyone can question why, the cleaning man hypnotizes the group, not realizing the Batman is unaffected. Half-page Little Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 176 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4698991009

Reprints, 80-page giant. Cover pencils by Dick Sprang, Sheldon Moldoff, and Curt Swan, inks by Charles Paris and George Klein. "The Parasols of Plunder" (from Batman # 70) starring Batman and Penguin, script by Bill Woolfolk, pencils by Bob Kane and Lew Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; The Penguin is released from prison on parole, providing he gives up anything having to do with birds; So he takes up an umbrella business. Builders of the Future! public service announcement about the importance of UNESCO funding in building schools in Africa, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Fox, The Shark, and the Vulture" (from Detective 253) starring Batman, script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A weird trio hijacks artifacts from a world tour of historical artifacts exhibit; A sharp witted Batman figures out the trio's lair and overcomes them . "The Ice Crimes of Mr. Zero" (from Batman 121) starring Batman and Mr. Zero (later Mr. Freeze), script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A scientist accidentally falls victim to the effects of an experiment, making him a virtual "human icicle," a foe who puts the chill on Batman and Robin. A complete Sunday newspaper syndicated story (8 pages) from April-June, 1946, Catwoman, Princess of Plunder!, script by Alvin Schwartz, pencils by Jack Burnley and Fred Ray, inks by Win Mortimer. Cap's Hobby Center activity page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Caveman at Large" (from Batman 102), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A freak accident causes a great character actor to assume the character's persona he is dressed up to portray: a caveman! "The Challenge of the Calendar Man (from Detective 259), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A new criminal, in trying to make a name for himself, challenges Batman to a duel of wits with all of his crimes being based on the "five" seasons. "The Joker's Utilty Belt" (from Batman 73), script by David Vern pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; When the Joker's seemingly easy capture of the Caped Crusaders goes terribly wrong when Batman springs a surprise on him using his utility belt, the Crime Clown decides to outdo the Batman with his own utility belt! 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 181 CBCS 3.5

Paper: Off white

Label #18-156F446-001

The 1st appearance of Poison Ivy. Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Beware of--Poison Ivy!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; While Bruce and Dick are attending an art show, a woman shows up, claiming to be the greatest criminal of those currently residing in Gotham. Centerspread is a great two-page color poster of Batman and Robin, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Perfect Crime--Slightly Imperfect!", script by Gardner Fox, inks by Sid Greene; At the latest meeting of the Anaylists, Kaye announces that she didn't write her latest book, and seems to be threatened by a voice from her brooch; Batman has a feeling that the Kaye at the meeting is an imposter, so he looks into the matter. Letter from future comics writer Mike Friedrich. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 186 GD 2.0

Cover by Murphy Anderson. "The Joker's Original Robberies!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Joker returns to haunt the Caped Crusaders, this time with a new member added to his gang: Gaggy, who makes the Joker laugh, which then inspires the Clown Prince of Crime with new crime ideas. Lost--A Free Education! public service announcement with Binky, art by Bob Oksner. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Letter from future comics writer Mike Friedrich. "Commissioner Gordon's Death-Threat!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman receives a call from Commissioner Gordon, informing him that Fred Purley (whom Gordon helped jail) has been paroled, and has made threats against the Commissioner; The Caped Crusader heads out to protect Gordon, not realizing that Gordon has been kidnapped and Purley has set a trap awaiting Batman. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Friedrich. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 187 VG+ 4.5

Reprints, 80-page giant. Cover pencils by Win Mortimer and Curt Swan, inks by Win Mortimer and Stan Kaye. "Batman's First Case" (from Detective # 265), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The sudden appearance of a new criminal basing his crime on time jogs Batman's memory into remembering that this criminal was his very first case after his parents were killed, and if the Clock has his way, the current case against him will be the Caped Crusader's last! "Phantom Eye of Gotham City" (from Detective 192), pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris; As vicious criminal creates a means to televise crimes as they happen and making the Dynamic Duo look like they are inept. "The Last Days of Batman" (from Batman 125), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Carter Nichols sends the Dynamic Duo back to ancient Venice to gather evidence in a case, but only Batman returns, while Robin is shifted to Gotham City a few days into the future, where he discovers a new criminal will kill Batman. "Peril at Playland Isle" (from Detective 264), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; When the wealthy builder of a new amusement park is killed, Batman and Robin nearly lose their lives tracking down the real killer. "The Batman of Tomorrow" (from Detective 216), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; When Bruce Wayne injures his arm, to keep Vicki from discovering that Batman has the same problem, the Caped Crusader seeks out the Batman of the Future to step in for him...almost with disastrous results! "The Ballad of Batman!" (from Batman 95), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; A balladeer comes to Gotham City to sing the praises of Batman in verse, but it backfires when his songs tip off crooks wanting to commit crimes. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. A complete Batman newspaper syndicated story reprint featuring the Joker (7 pages) from Oct.-Dec. 1946. 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 190 FN- 5.5

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Penguin Takes a Flyer--Into the Future!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Penguin attempts to fool the Caped Crusaders into believing that his new tricks are based on futuristic technology. When this fails and his gang is captured the Fowl villain begins using robotic umbrellas against the Dynamic Duo. Letters from letter hack Guy H. Lillian III and Marvel colorist and assistant editor Irene Vartanoff. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Countdown on Excellence public service, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Jerry gets a lecture from his father on the importance of doing every job right. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 192 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Crystal Ball That Betrayed Batman!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Caped Crusaders accidently come across a crime committed by the Fearsome Foursome and succeed in capturing a member of that gang; Batman then disguises himself as that crook in order to infiltrate the gang and nab the leader...or so he thinks. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "Dick Grayson's Secret Guardian!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Dick Grayson meets the two new kids being bussed into his school, and invites them to be a part of Gotham High's basketball team; Toughy Loomis, one of those kids, wants to beat up Dick because he's a rich kid. Mystery of the Million-Dollar Briefcase! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 194 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Blockbuster Goes Bat-Mad!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Chic Stone (?) and Sheldon Moldoff (?) (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; By chance, a reformed Mark Desmond sees a Batman display at a local department store and reverts back to his Blockbuster persona, which goes out to destroy anything related to the Caped Crusader. Letters to the editor from comics historian Peter Sanderson Jr. and "Batmania" publisher Biljo White. "The Problem of the Proxy Paintings!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Martin Tellman calls the Analysts together to help him solve the dilemma he faces: his collection of worthless copies of valuable paintings have suddenly become the real thing! 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 200 GD 2.0

Water damage.

Cover art by Neal Adams (first work on this title) and various (background). "The Man Who Radiated Fear!" starring Batman and Robin (with Joker and Penguin cameos), script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Chic Stone (ghosting for Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella.; When the Scarecrow perfects a fear-radiated pill and uses it on the Caped Crusaders, the duo are unable to continue their war on crime until Alfred enters the picture; Then the Caped Crusaders head out and capture several of their foes, each one having a clue on their persons which lead them to the Scarecrow. "The Bat-Man," script by Bill Finger, art by Bob Kane; reprint of first page of first Batman story. The Batman says: public service announcement, script by Whitney Ellsworth, art by Jack Burnley. One-page dialogue between comic writer Mike Friedrich and fan Biljo White. Statement of ownership--average print run 1,198,000; average paid circulation 805,700. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 222 CGC 7.0

Paper: White

Label #4766479001

Cover art by Neal Adams. "Dead... Till Proven Alive!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Rock fans worldwide are finding clues buried in Oliver Twists albums that the lead singer, Saul Cartwright, is dead and has been replaced by an impostor; Batman and Robin investigate the matter while the rockers are guests at Wayne Manor and find criminal ties to one member; During their investigations, the Dynamic Duo come across a couple of deadly traps and they realize that one of the members of the group has tried to kill them. "So You Want to be a Cartoonist?" article by Joe Kubert. "Case of No Consequence!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; After a long night of fighting crime, Batman is exhausted, but as he is ready to return home, he spots a mugger taking away something from a man; When Batman approaches, he learns that the victim was mute and could only speak in hand signs; The man tells Batman that the thief took away his camera, which is his only means of livelihood; Batman decides to fulfill the mute photographer's request to retrieve his stolen camera and he starts a chase across the city. Letters to the editor from comic writer Mike Barr, comic artist John Workman, and comics historian Bill Schelly. Beatles cover appearance. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 224 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4488459009

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Carnival of the Cursed," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Investigating the murder of a jazz musician in New Orleans, Batman encounters the powerful Moloch and his gang, who are seeking the victim's trumpet for a hidden map to a gold mine; After Batman's first encounter against the beastly Moloch, he starts following the clues left by the thugs and he realizes that Moloch's gang has kidnapped one of the late musician's friends. Letter from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 227 CGC 7.0 Restored

Restored: C1

Paper: Off white

Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on cover.

Label #4766479008

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Demon of Gothos Mansion!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Alfred receives a letter from his niece Daphne, saying she is a teacher to children at Gothos Mansion but thinks there is something strange; Batman decides to investigate and once he arrives at the place, he is attacked by some men, but easily defeats them; He then gets into Daphne's room, where she tells him she has discovered the children were Dwarves and she is forced to wear ancient clothes; On the wall there's a portrait of a girl who looks exactly like Daphne; Batman breaks the lock and opens the door of the room in order to leaves the room; However, he steps outside the room into a hallway and he falls through a trapdoor into a net; The Elder Heathrow and his men bind Batman's hands and he is placed on a stone with a noose round his neck; In about a quarter of an hour it will drop into the cellar and Batman will be hanged. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Help Me--I Think I'm Dead!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Mike Esposito; Professor "Buck" Stuart is running for congress against incumbent Forte on a platform of cleaning up the polluted river that Forte has allowed ICM to dump their chemicals into; When Stuart's campaign headquarters are burned to the ground, Robin investigates. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 227 VG 4.0

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Demon of Gothos Mansion!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Alfred receives a letter from his niece Daphne, saying she is a teacher to children at Gothos Mansion but thinks there is something strange; Batman decides to investigate and once he arrives at the place, he is attacked by some men, but easily defeats them; He then gets into Daphne's room, where she tells him she has discovered the children were Dwarves and she is forced to wear ancient clothes; On the wall there's a portrait of a girl who looks exactly like Daphne; Batman breaks the lock and opens the door of the room in order to leaves the room; However, he steps outside the room into a hallway and he falls through a trapdoor into a net; The Elder Heathrow and his men bind Batman's hands and he is placed on a stone with a noose round his neck; In about a quarter of an hour it will drop into the cellar and Batman will be hanged. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Help Me--I Think I'm Dead!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Mike Esposito; Professor "Buck" Stuart is running for congress against incumbent Forte on a platform of cleaning up the polluted river that Forte has allowed ICM to dump their chemicals into; When Stuart's campaign headquarters are burned to the ground, Robin investigates. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 227 VG- 3.5

1" tear in cover and first page.

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Demon of Gothos Mansion!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Alfred receives a letter from his niece Daphne, saying she is a teacher to children at Gothos Mansion but thinks there is something strange; Batman decides to investigate and once he arrives at the place, he is attacked by some men, but easily defeats them; He then gets into Daphne's room, where she tells him she has discovered the children were Dwarves and she is forced to wear ancient clothes; On the wall there's a portrait of a girl who looks exactly like Daphne; Batman breaks the lock and opens the door of the room in order to leaves the room; However, he steps outside the room into a hallway and he falls through a trapdoor into a net; The Elder Heathrow and his men bind Batman's hands and he is placed on a stone with a noose round his neck; In about a quarter of an hour it will drop into the cellar and Batman will be hanged. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Help Me--I Think I'm Dead!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Mike Esposito; Professor "Buck" Stuart is running for congress against incumbent Forte on a platform of cleaning up the polluted river that Forte has allowed ICM to dump their chemicals into; When Stuart's campaign headquarters are burned to the ground, Robin investigates. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 232 CBCS 4.5 Verified Sig Adams

Paper: Off white

Verified Signature: Neal Adams.

Label #20-3F331EA-010

1st appearance of Ra's Al Ghul. Last 15-cent cover price. Cover by Neal Adams. "Daughter of the Demon," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; Origin of Batman and Robin retold; Robin returns home from a night of adventuring; Two gunmen armed with tranquilizer darts shoot the Boy Wonder and take him prisoner; Later, Bruce Wayne receives a photograph of his kidnapped partner and a challenge to find him; Ra's Al Ghul contacts deduce that Bruce Wayne and the Batman are one in the same; He calls upon the world's greatest detective to help him find his daughter Talia, who also has been kidnapped. Letter to the editor by Mike W. Barr. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 238 VG 4.0

100-page Super Spectacular. Cover by Neal Adams. All reprints: "The Masterminds of Crime!" (from Batman # 70), script by David Vern Reed, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Charles Paris; Batman disguises himself as the crook Drexel to infiltrate the Crime Academy. "The Origin of the Doom Patrol" (from My Greatest Adventure # 80), script by Arnold Drake (plot) and Bob Haney (script), pencils by Bruno Premiani; A mysterious man known only as the Chief calls three people who have all escaped certain doom but were left outcasts because of their experiences; He recounts their individual stories; He asks them to become the Doom Patrol, and their first mission is to defuse a bomb; The Chief informs the Doom Patrol of an alien spaceship that has landed on Earth carrying a super-weapon; General Immortus, spying on them, makes plans. "Oh Plastic Man" (from Police Comics # 14), art by Jack Cole; Woozy and Plastic Man set out to capture Eel O'Brian. "Guarding a Lion" (from Sensation Comics #57), script by John Broome, art by Joe Kubert; Sargon the Sorcerer must figure out who the mysterious person is who has been messing with the circus lion. "Danger in the Totem's Eye!" (from Adventure # 276), script and pencils by Arthur Adler, inks by Bob Oksner; Al Pratt goes to a museum to research Indian culture but ends up tracking down some robbers. "The Aqua-Thief of the Seven Seas!" (from Adventure Comics #276), script by Robert Bernstein, art by Ramona Fradon; Aquaman is falsely accused of stealing a chest of diamonds. "The Legion of Super-Outlaws!" (from Adventure Comics #324), script by Edmund Hamilton, art by John Forte; An evil scientist tricks the Heroes of Lallor into fighting the Legion. "Mr. Roulette's Greatest Gamble" (from Batman #75), script by David Vern Reed, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris. A key that lists all the superheroes featured on the wrap-around cover. 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.50.

Batman (1940) 242 CGC 9.4

Paper: Off white to white

Label #0140149002

52-page giant. Cover art by Michael Kaluta. "Bruce Wayne--Rest in Peace!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman begins his war against Ra's Al Ghul by faking Bruce Wayne's death and recruiting some allies. "Death-Point!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Dick Giordano; While battling Chthulu cultists, Terri is possessed by a demon. "The People Vs. the Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos; Weasel Venner wants to make sure that a fellow criminal doesn't make public the fact that he is the head racketeer in Gotham City, so he arranges for someone to be set up for the murder of Horatio Delmar: that someone being Bruce Wayne! 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 244 CGC 7.5

Paper: White

Label #4414106014

Ra's Al Ghul is back, and with a vengeance. Can Batman defeat the Demon in a one-on-one duel to the death? "The Demon Lives Again!" Talia appearance. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the solo adventure "Teen-Age Trap!" Script by Elliot Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 244 VG/FN 5.0

Water spotting.

Ra's Al Ghul is back, and with a vengeance. Can Batman defeat the Demon in a one-on-one duel to the death? "The Demon Lives Again!" Talia appearance. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the solo adventure "Teen-Age Trap!" Script by Elliot Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 245 FN+ 6.5

Cover by Neal Adams. "The Bruce Wayne Murder Case!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano (pp. 1-2) and Neal Adams (pp. 3-15); Batman stops a crooked political group for framing another political group for the murder of Bruce Wayne. "Who Stole the Gift from Nowhere!", script by Elliot S! Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Luke Graham is accused of stealing $50,000 in cash that was sent anonymously to the Hudson University Library. Letter to the editor from comic writer David Michelinie. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 248 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4734461002

Cover by Michael Kaluta. "Death-Knell for a Traitor!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman follows an ex-Navy man who turned traitor during World War II to take a fabulous diamond from the Japanese; Batman realizes that said Navy man is in league with criminal Colonel Sulphur, and he has to stop them from recovering the diamond. "The Immortals of Usen Castle," script by Elliot S! Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Frank McLaughlin; Dick Grayson and Diane Lewis are giving some local youths a tour of a castle that is supposedly haunted; When Diana and some of the children disappear, Dick changes to Robin and discovers the secret behind the "ghosts" in the castle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 7.0

Paper: White

Label #4652019022

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!", script by Denny O'Neil, art by Neal Adams; The Joker has set himself free from the Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane Batman had him incarcerated in, and he is out for blood; Before he was sent away, knowing that one member of his previous gang had ratted him out to the police, he had vowed to murder all five of them; And only the Batman is capable of stopping him; Despite Batman's best efforts, the Joker is able to finish off nearly all of his hit list; Batman is only alerted after the first murder, when a grinning corpse is found in the mud just outside of Gotham City, and he goes to each of the former members of the Joker's gang individually to try to protect them. Plop! comic book ad. Champion Sports comic book ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 267 CGC 7.5

Paper: White

Label #4285776007

Cover art by Dick Giordano. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Captain Marvel, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Invitation to a Murder! starring Batman, script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Dick Giordano; Batman battles an assassin named Django. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 286 FN 6.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. That Dirty Beach Hostess snack cakes ad with Aquaman. "The Joker's Playground of Peril!", script by Denny O'Neil, Julius Schwartz (plot assist), and E. Nelson Bridwell (plot assist), pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Bob Wiacek; The Joker breaks out of Arkham Asylum and shrinks and kills his psychiatrist with a strange liquid; Robin convenes with Batman and Commissioner Gordon beside the doll-sized corpse of Dr. Tugwell, who has written "RIP" in the sand beside him; Batman deduces the letters stand for Revelry In the Park, a costume charity carnival held in Paradise Playground, an amusement park, which he believes will be the site of the Joker's next crime. And Now... Still Another Message Of Untold Importance From Our Prolific Publisher!! article by Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 286 FN- 5.5

Oxidation

Cover art by Jim Aparo. That Dirty Beach Hostess snack cakes ad with Aquaman. "The Joker's Playground of Peril!", script by Denny O'Neil, Julius Schwartz (plot assist), and E. Nelson Bridwell (plot assist), pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Bob Wiacek; The Joker breaks out of Arkham Asylum and shrinks and kills his psychiatrist with a strange liquid; Robin convenes with Batman and Commissioner Gordon beside the doll-sized corpse of Dr. Tugwell, who has written "RIP" in the sand beside him; Batman deduces the letters stand for Revelry In the Park, a costume charity carnival held in Paradise Playground, an amusement park, which he believes will be the site of the Joker's next crime. And Now... Still Another Message Of Untold Importance From Our Prolific Publisher!! article by Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 289 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4745010003

Cover art by Mike Grell. Hostess snack cakes ad with Green Lantern. "Sign of the Skull," script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Mike Grell, inks by Vince Colletta; "Skull" Dugger suffers from anhedonia, a psychological condition that robs him of the ability to experience joy, so he builds a machine that will allow him to feel it--by robbing joy and life from others at their moment of greatest pleasure; Batman succumbs to the machine. Remember the Five-Cent Phone Call? article by publisher Jenette Kahn. Bob Haney profile by Mike Gold. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 291 VG+ 4.5

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The first installment of the "Who Killed Batman?" storyline: "Where Were You on the Night Batman Was Killed?: The Testimony of the Catwoman!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; When word spreads throughout the underworld that Batman has been killed, several villains take credit for the deed; So the villain community sets up a trial to test the various claims, with Ra's al Ghul acting as judge and Two-Face acting as prosecutor; First up is the Catwoman; But Two-Face finds the technical error in Catwoman's story and she is dismissed. Letter from comics artist Adam Castro. Swamp Thing from the Beginning article by Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 297 FN/VF 7.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. Hostess snack cakes ad with Aquaman and Mera. "The Mad Hatter Goes Straight!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Vince Colletta; The Mad Hatter, sad that crime isn't fun anymore, reminisces about his youth, when he would fantasize about being a white-hatted sheriff or a plume-hatted cavalier, or wearing the hat of a Foreign Legionnaire; Since his fantasies were always about fighting as a good guy, he decides to give up crime and go straight; Hatter begins by mimicking a sheriff on horseback and stops two muggers from robbing Bruce Wayne and his date. Letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. A Word About the Fight of the Century article by publisher Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 301 FN 6.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. "The Only Man Batman Ever Killed!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; Perry Travers dies during a botched robbery and his autopsy reveals his membership as a Wirehead in the mob of The Overlord; Batman takes to a disguise as Akeldama to smoke out The Overlord and a mole in the police department, and arrives just as Luke Brant kills The Overlord. Hostess Cup Cakes ad starring Superman. Batman's Strangest Cases! ad. The DC Explosion! ad. Outstripping Ourselves article by Jenette Kahn; Publisher discusses a new upcoming DC newspaper comic strip based on the Justice League of America, titled "The World's Greatest Superheroes." 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 306 VF- 7.5

First standard-priced 40-cent cover issue. Cover by Jim Aparo. "Night of Siege," script by Gerry Conway, pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dave Hunt; An ex-junkie costumed vigilante called The Black Spider tries to kill dope dealer Hannibal Hardwicke; Batman saves Hardwicke and takes him to Bruce Wayne's penthouse apartment for safekeeping; The Black Spider battles past Batman into the apartment. "The Mystery Murderer of Mrs. Batman!", script by Bob Rozakis, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Dave Hunt; A freezing gas in Jeff Richter's suit immobilizes Batman and Alfred; Batman checks Richter's fingerprints and discovers that each finger bears the print of a different criminal. Battlestar Galactica Monogram model kit ad on back cover. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.50.

Batman (1940) 324 FN 6.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. "The Cat Who Would Be King!" starring Batman, Catwoman, and James Gordon, script by Len Wein, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Bob Smith; Batman and Catwoman escape from the trap of a deadly Cats Cradle and trace the Catman to the islands owned by millionaire Adros Akropolis. Story continued from Batman #323. Hostess Twinkies ad starring the Flash, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Answer Man featuring Bob Rozakis. Flash, Batman & Vigilante parody strip by Fred Hembeck. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 361N FN 6.0

Newsstand Edition. First appearance of Harvey Bullock. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. "The Most Successful Species!" starring Batman, Alfred Pennyworth, Commissioner Gordon, Jason Todd, Harvey Bullock, Man-Bat, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Pablo Marcos; Jason Todd has been taken by Man-Bat, who intends to transform him into a bat-boy. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 366 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4083362005

Direct Edition. Cover art by Walt Simonson. The Joker Is Wild! starring Batman, Jason Todd, Harvey Bullock, Barbara Gordon, Alfred, Julia Remarque, and Vicki Vale, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; Jason Todd disguises himself as Robin to help battle The Joker. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 386 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #2026998006

Direct Edition. Cover by Tom Mandrake. "Black Mask: Losing Face" starring Batman, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Black Mask (1st appearance and origin), and Lucius Fox, script: Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; Roman Sionis loses his family's company, Janus Cosmetics, and turns to a life of crime as Black Mask. Part 1 of 3, continued in Detective Comics (1937) #553. Missive by letter hack T.M. Maple. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 404 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #0150200030

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter One: "Who I Am, How I Came To Be".Part 1 of 4, continued next issue. A 25-year-old Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham after 12 years abroad, while Lieutenant James Gordon joins the Gotham police force. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Selina Kyle appearance. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 404 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Slab: Significant side/edge cracks 1" or more; Chipped/broken bracket

Label #4484053002

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter One: "Who I Am, How I Came To Be".Part 1 of 4, continued next issue. A 25-year-old Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham after 12 years abroad, while Lieutenant James Gordon joins the Gotham police force. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Selina Kyle appearance. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 404 VF- 7.5

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter One: "Who I Am, How I Came To Be".Part 1 of 4, continued next issue. A 25-year-old Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham after 12 years abroad, while Lieutenant James Gordon joins the Gotham police force. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Selina Kyle appearance. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 405 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Slab: Chipped/broken bracket

Label #4484053003

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter Two: "War Is Declared". Part 2 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story continues next issue. Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl for the first time to take the fight to the criminal element, while James Gordon stirs up trouble within his own department. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Harvey Dent appears as Assistant District Attorney. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 405 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4692154013

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter Two: "War Is Declared". Part 2 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story continues next issue. Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl for the first time to take the fight to the criminal element, while James Gordon stirs up trouble within his own department. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Harvey Dent appears as Assistant District Attorney. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 405N VF+ 8.5

First Printing. Newsstand Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter Two: "War Is Declared". Part 2 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story continues next issue. Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl for the first time to take the fight to the criminal element, while James Gordon stirs up trouble within his own department. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Harvey Dent appears as Assistant District Attorney. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 406D VF 8.0

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter Three: "Black Dawn". Part 3 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story concludes next issue. An injured and cornered Batman is up against the police, James Gordon crosses a line, and Selina Kyle becomes Catwoman. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 406D VF 8.0

Partial interior miswrap.

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter Three: "Black Dawn". Part 3 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story concludes next issue. An injured and cornered Batman is up against the police, James Gordon crosses a line, and Selina Kyle becomes Catwoman. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.