Auctions: comic books published January 1952 or later

Batman (1940) 130 GD- 1.8

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Batman's Deadly Birthday," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Stan Kaye; Gotham City prepares a number of fund-raising events to celebrate the anniversary of Batman's first case; At every event, however, criminals manage to make off with the proceeds. Detective Comics #276 ad. Buzzy's "Famous Books" Quiz public service announcement with Buzzy, script by Jack Schiff, art by Ruben Moreira. "The Master of Weapons," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Graham is Paragon Pictures' technical director and designer of many historical weapons; While arguing with studio accountant Bailey over his need for more money, he takes a fall from a set piece, and is rushed to the hospital; Some time later, he vanishes from the hospital; One week later a new costumed villain hits Gotham, one armed with ancient weapons. Justice League of America ad. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Hand from Nowhere," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman investigates reports of a mysterious giant hand and some aliens present at thefts of seemingly worthless minerals. World's Finest Comics #108 ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 131 GD+ 2.5

Water spotting.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Dog that Betrayed Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Wounded and suffering from amnesia, Bat-Hound befriends a hermit and blind man, but hates the sight of anyone in a mask...including Batman himself! Half-page "Police Woman!" non-fiction story. Aloha... Hawaii! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bernard Baily. "The Case of the Deadly Gems," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Jeweler Claber, of Gotham Gem Company, is murdered and his death blamed on criminal Ted Greaves by the man's three partners; However, Batman discovers the partners are actually involved in a smuggling racket and seek to throw suspicion off themselves by blaming Greaves. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Second Batman and Robin Team," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Alfred tests out his new typewriter by writing an imaginary tale of Robin growing to manhood and becoming the new Batman, adopting a new partner as Robin, and taking on a gang of crooks. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 132 VG- 3.5

Water damage.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Martian from Gotham City," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; An actor suffering amnesia believes that he is a Martian and at war with the world; When three criminals discover this, they trick the actor into helping them. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Three Faces of Batman," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; While trying to capture Big Jim Masters, Batman is subjected to an scientific experimental device that makes him unable to fight crime when he hears a siren or bell. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Lair of the Sea-Fox," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; The Sea-Fox cleverly uses underwater waterways beneath Gotham to commit his crimes and the Caped Crusaders must find a way to stop him. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 133 VG+ 4.5

1st appearance of Bat-Mite in Batman comics and his 3rd appearance anywhere in "Batwoman's Publicity Agent!" Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Crimes of the Kite-Man," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; The Caped Crusaders must battle an ingenious criminal who uses kites to commit his crimes! Lend a Friendly Hand! public service announcement with Superman, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. "The Voyage of the S.S. Batman," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; After building a mock Bat-Cave on board a ship and allowing the public in, several crooks break in to it, attempting to steal a trophy on display which has part of a map inside it that will lead the criminals to some stolen loot. Half-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "Batwoman's Publicity Agent," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane); Batwoman and Bat-Mite team up to fight crime and the Dynamic Duo do not know what to make of it; The truth, that Bat-Mite is in love with the female crime fighter, is the reason that the imp from another dimension being in town. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 134 VG/FN 5.0

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Rainbow Creature," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; The Caped Crusaders, in South America to provide assistance to a leader, encounter a strange rainbow-colored creature that has emerged from a volcano. One-page Jail Jests story by Henry Boltinoff. Bike Safety = Bike Fun! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "Batman's Secret Enemy," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Bruce receives a very disturbing letter from someone, indicating that they know Batman's secret identity; The Caped Crusaders cature three crooks, believing any one of them may have written the letter. Half-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Deadly Dummy," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Hurt deeply by people making fun of him because of his size, Danny decides to turn to crime and runs into the Caped Crusaders. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 135 GD/VG 3.0

Cover pencils by Dick Dillin and Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Sheldon Moldoff. "Crimes of the Wheel," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Dynamic Duo break up a gambling ring headed by "Wheels" Foster, but he manages to escape and threatens to kill the Caped Crusaders with a giant roulette wheel and its giant steel ball. How Are Your Shopping Manners? public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Return of the Second Batman and Robin Team," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Batman's old foe, John Crandall, is released from jail and vows to destroy anything that is a monument to the Caped Crusader, and begins by captured the new Batman and Robin team. "The Menace of the Sky Creature," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Two crooks come into possession of a sorcerer's lantern that can summon a mysterious sky creature and they use that being to battle the Caped Crusaders. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. Full-page ad for Justice League of America # 1. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 136 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white

Label #0276030011

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Case of the Crazy Crimes," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; To have "some fun," Bat-Mite creates a series of imaginary villains for the Batman to overcome. The Batman Whirly-Word Game puzzle page. Children of Tomorrow! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bernard Baily. "The Town that Hated Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman visits an old mining town seeking a criminal, but when he begins asking questions about the man, the people become hostile toward the Caped Crusader. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Challenge of the Joker," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman faces the Joker, who, this time, uses the four basic elements to commit his crimes. One-page Strange Old Laws story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 136 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4490585001

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Case of the Crazy Crimes," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; To have "some fun," Bat-Mite creates a series of imaginary villains for the Batman to overcome. The Batman Whirly-Word Game puzzle page. Children of Tomorrow! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bernard Baily. "The Town that Hated Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman visits an old mining town seeking a criminal, but when he begins asking questions about the man, the people become hostile toward the Caped Crusader. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Challenge of the Joker," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman faces the Joker, who, this time, uses the four basic elements to commit his crimes. One-page Strange Old Laws story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 136 VG 4.0

1/2" Spine split from bottom.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Case of the Crazy Crimes," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; To have "some fun," Bat-Mite creates a series of imaginary villains for the Batman to overcome. The Batman Whirly-Word Game puzzle page. Children of Tomorrow! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bernard Baily. "The Town that Hated Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman visits an old mining town seeking a criminal, but when he begins asking questions about the man, the people become hostile toward the Caped Crusader. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Challenge of the Joker," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman faces the Joker, who, this time, uses the four basic elements to commit his crimes. One-page Strange Old Laws story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 137 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4652009015

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Robin's New Boss," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Robin informs Batman that he is quitting the team to join up with a new crime fighter on the scene, Mr. Marvel, although Batman doesn't suspect the real reason why. Our American Heritage public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Bandit with 1,000 Brands," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Batman faces a clever new foe that leaves cattle brands behind as clues. One-page Jail Jests story by Henry Boltinoff. "Teacher from the Stars," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman agrees to give an alien teacher and his students a tour of Gotham City, but when they begin to misbehave, it causes more than just a headache for the Caped Crusader. Statement of ownership; average sales 502,000. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 137 GD+ 2.5

1" Spine split from bottom. Cover and first wrap detached at one staple.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Robin's New Boss," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Robin informs Batman that he is quitting the team to join up with a new crime fighter on the scene, Mr. Marvel, although Batman doesn't suspect the real reason why. Our American Heritage public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Bandit with 1,000 Brands," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Batman faces a clever new foe that leaves cattle brands behind as clues. One-page Jail Jests story by Henry Boltinoff. "Teacher from the Stars," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman agrees to give an alien teacher and his students a tour of Gotham City, but when they begin to misbehave, it causes more than just a headache for the Caped Crusader. Statement of ownership; average sales 502,000. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 139 CGC 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1057258004

1st appearance of Batgirl. Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Blue Bowman," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; The Signalman tries to get the drop on Batman by becoming a Green Arrow clone, thanks to training provided to him by Green Arrow's foe, Bulls-Eye. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Island of 1,000 Traps," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Professor Milo builds an entire island covered with traps to kill Batman. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Bat-Girl!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman, Robin and Batwoman are battling the Cobra gang when they are paralyzed by an Electronic-Ring, when, suddenly, a costumed Bat-Girl swings in to save the crime battlers; Later, it is discovered that the girl is actually Kathy Kane's niece, who dreams of battling crime with her as Batwoman, just like Batman and Robin team up to battle crime. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 140 FR 1.0 (R)

Restored (see item notes)

RESTORATION. Color touch.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Ghost of the Joker," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Joker appears to die during a prison escape, but his ghostly figure survives to commit crimes and taunt Batman from beyond the grave. Parents Have Rights, Too! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Charmed Life of Batman!", script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Four professional underworld assassins try to bump off Batman, but fail after an alchemist has given the Caped Crusader a charmed life on a TV talk show through the use of a potion. One-page Lefty Looie story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Eighth Wonder of Space," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; After being transported to an alien world, Batman and Robin are accidentally turned into aliens with weird powers, but they still can help Batwoman tackle the Yellow Sweater Gang when they return. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 150 GD- 1.8

Heavy water damage.

Cover pencils by Jim Mooney, inks by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Secret Behind the Stone Door," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Caped Crusader goes undercover to learn about a fantastic underworld army being formed to overtake the country. Rules of Water Safety! public service announcement with Buzzy, art by Win Mortimer. "The Girl Who Stole Batman's Heart," script by Jerry Coleman, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Affected by some weird love potion, Batman gives up crime fighting, forcing Robin to go it alone with a Batman robot as a partner while the Caped Crusader spends his time with a woman named Elsie. "Robin, the Super Boy Wonder," script by Bill Finger, art by Jim Mooney; When the Dynamic Duo are forced down over the Yucatan Plateau during a storm, Batman, accused of stealing emeralds from a native tribe, is shocked to learn that his partner no longer remembers him and has acquired super powers! 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 155 CGC 7.5 Restored

Slight amateur restoration

Paper: Off white to white

Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on cover.

Label #0230413017

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Batman's Psychic Twin" starring Batman, Robin, and Kathy Kane, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A rare chemical explosion psychically links Batman with Jo-Jo Gagan, and when the underworld finds out about this, they turn on Gagan and attempt to kill him, believing that the Caped Crusader will perish as well. "The Return of the Penguin" (1st Silver Age appearance of the Penguin) starring Batman, Robin, and Vicki Vale, script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Emerging from semi-retirement, due to the mocking of the underworld, the Penguin renews his battle of wits with the Caped Crusaders with a series of new bird-related crimes. Full-page ad for Metal Men # 1. Countdown on Excellence public service announcement, 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 $0.12.

Batman (1940) 162 CGC 8.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #1006712017

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Batman Creature!", script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A mad scientist has invented a ray which turns men into animal creatures, who steal for him; When he turns the ray on Batman, turning the Caped Crusader into a creature, it's all Robin, Batwoman and Bat-Hound can do to stop him. Strange Old Laws humor/non-fiction page by Henry Boltinoff. "Robin's New Secret Identity!", script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Dick, bummed out because he can't play sports like the other boys his age, decides to disguise himself as a red-headed boy and then compete; During one of these competitions, he bumps his head, getting amnesia, and evens aid the Batman in tracking down some crooks. Give and Take public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; The children take some broken and unused toys to Mr. Craig, who helps them to repair them and they then donate them to charity uses. Letter to the editor from Silver Age comics fan Edward Simpson III. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 170 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4692677013

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. Friends Across the Seas public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Genius of the Getaway Gimmicks!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Roy Reynolds, wanting to not make the same mistakes of other criminals, decides to uses a series of getaway gimmicks on the Caped Crusader to effect the escape of he and his men...and succeeds, until Batman baits a trap of his own. "The Puzzle of the Perilous Prizes!", script by Bill Finger, art by Joe Giella (as Bob Kane); When Batman and Robin investigate who entered a contest for an elderly lady, they end up capturing an entirely unrelated gang who think Batman and Robin are after them. Pore Identification non-fiction half-page, script by Julius Schwartz, pencils by Morris Waldinger, inks by Tom Nicolosi. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Friedrich. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 171 CGC 4.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4684693002

1st Silver Age Riddler appearance (the question-marked criminal hadn't appeared in a Batman book since 1948). Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. What's Wrong with These Pictures! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "Remarkable Ruse of the Riddler!" (the Batman TV pilot was based on this story), script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Riddler is released from prison and informs the Dynamic Duo that he has turned from crime, and, as proof, leads them to the hideout of the Molehill Mob; But when the former felon begins deluging them with riddles, the Caped Crusaders aren't sure he really has reformed. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 171 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Slab: Chipped/broken bracket

Label #4620695002

1st Silver Age Riddler appearance (the question-marked criminal hadn't appeared in a Batman book since 1948). Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. What's Wrong with These Pictures! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "Remarkable Ruse of the Riddler!" (the Batman TV pilot was based on this story), script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Riddler is released from prison and informs the Dynamic Duo that he has turned from crime, and, as proof, leads them to the hideout of the Molehill Mob; But when the former felon begins deluging them with riddles, the Caped Crusaders aren't sure he really has reformed. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 172 CGC 7.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4685412006

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. Happy Hobby Time! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer; Superboy shows Frank that he can be creative, regardless of whether his creations are perfect, and notes an expressive hobby can be lifelong enjoyment. "Attack of the Invisible Knights!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; An ancient legend involving suits of armor coming to life and destroying some opals in a museum appears to come to pass, and challenges the wits of the Caped Crusaders to discover the facts behind this legend. "Robin's Unassisted Triple Play!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Using remote cameras from the Bat-Cave, the Caped Crusaders witness a crime and are on the way to the scene when Batman gets an emergency call from the JLA and has to report; Robin now handles the case, tracking down the art gallery robbers. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 pgs. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 172 GD- 1.8

1.25" Spine split.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. Happy Hobby Time! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer; Superboy shows Frank that he can be creative, regardless of whether his creations are perfect, and notes an expressive hobby can be lifelong enjoyment. "Attack of the Invisible Knights!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; An ancient legend involving suits of armor coming to life and destroying some opals in a museum appears to come to pass, and challenges the wits of the Caped Crusaders to discover the facts behind this legend. "Robin's Unassisted Triple Play!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Using remote cameras from the Bat-Cave, the Caped Crusaders witness a crime and are on the way to the scene when Batman gets an emergency call from the JLA and has to report; Robin now handles the case, tracking down the art gallery robbers. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 pgs. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 178 CGC 7.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4643622002

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Raid of the Rocketeers!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; When two experimental missiles disappear after being launched, the Caped Crusaders follow the path of the third missile and discover that it has been intercepted by a strange beam, set in motion by jet-propelled crooks! Fingerprint Oddities! article. The Invisible Handicap! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Cap's Hobby Center activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Loan Shark's Hidden Hoard!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; When Rosy and Weeper borrow money from a loan shark to bet on a race, and promptly end up losing; They fear that Sharkey will kill them so the Dynamic Duo step in before that can happen. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 179 CGC 5.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #1000825008

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. Do You Make Life Hard for Yourself? public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily; Betsy tells young Bobby that he should keep his room neater but realizes that she has the same problem. "Clay Pigeon for a Killer!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; An actor announces on TV that he has solved a murder case and will announce who the killer is the next day; When the actor confesses to Bruce Wayne that this was an act to lure the real killer out into the open, the Caped Crusader poses as the actor to protect the man's life. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. The 2nd Silver Age appearance of the Riddler in "The Riddle-Less Robberies of the Riddler!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; After the Riddler breaks out of prison, he vows never again to send riddles to Batman again before he strikes; The Caped Crusader smells a rat and discovers subtle clues that lead to the Riddler's downfall. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Letter to the editor from Guy H. Lillian III. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 181 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4552372001

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) 188 CGC 8.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4685412008

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Eraser Who Tried to Rub Out Batman!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Commissioner Gordon gets Batman to investigate a series of crimes in which all of the clues have been erased, and the Caped Crusader goes undercover to do so. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Ten Best-Dressed Corpses in Gotham City!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; A newspaper publisher calls in the Police and Batman, explaining to them that three of the men on his magazine's top-ten best dressed list have been murdered; Batman agrees to investigate and nearly dies himself as Bruce Wayne, who also was listed on the newspaper's listing. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 189 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4663948006

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. 1st Silver Age appearance of Scarecrow in book-length story, "Fright of the Scarecrow!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; While entertaining some children in the park, Dick happens to notice the Scarecrow retrieving buried loot from a past robbery; He calls in Batman and together they battle their old foe until they are blinded by Scarecrow's fear gas. Little Pete humor half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Letter from comic book writer Mark Evanier. Peace on Earth public service announcement. Eyes Front! humor half-page by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 190 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4685412009

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) 190 VG- 3.5

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) 200 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4531296001

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) 234 FN- 5.5

Batman stars in the story "Half an Evil" which is the first appearance of the Silver-Age Two Face. Script by Denny O' Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the story "Vengeance for a Cop." Script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano. Reprint: 1964 story "Trail of the Talking Mask" which introduces the "new look" for Batman, symbolized by the addition of an oval around the bat-insignia. Script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Carmine Infantino, and inks by Joe Giella. Letter to the editor from comics writer Bob Rozakis (misspelled "Razakis"). Adams cover. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 234 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4580659002

Batman stars in the story "Half an Evil" which is the first appearance of the Silver-Age Two Face. Script by Denny O' Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the story "Vengeance for a Cop." Script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano. Reprint: 1964 story "Trail of the Talking Mask" which introduces the "new look" for Batman, symbolized by the addition of an oval around the bat-insignia. Script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Carmine Infantino, and inks by Joe Giella. Letter to the editor from comics writer Bob Rozakis (misspelled "Razakis"). Adams cover. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 241 FN- 5.5

Cover oxidation. Water spotting.

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Bernie Wrightson. "At Dawn Dies Mary MacGuffin!" starring Batman, Colonel Sulphur, Mary MacGuffin, Howard MacGuffin, and James Gordon, script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman races against the clock to save a young woman from a diabolical madman. "Secret of the Psychic Siren!", script by Mike Friedrich, art by Rich Buckler; Terri Bergstrom's search for her cousin comes to an end, leading to Robin, Terri and Lilith battling a cult that worships Cthulhu. "The Case of the Honest Crook!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Batman helps out a young convict released from prison who is having trouble getting an honest job to support his new, but sick wife; The Caped Crusaders then vow to help track down the rats who set him up to be arrested originally, but Robin is nearly beaten to death, and the Batman swears vengeance on those responsible. Letter to the editor from David B. Michelinie. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 244 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4353224003

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 FN- 5.5

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 4.0

Water damage.

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) 251 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1206992002

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) 251 VG/FN 5.0

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) 263 CGC 8.5 Double Cover

Paper: White

Double Cover: 1st cover 7, interior cover 8.5.

Label #4259039002

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

First 25-cent cover price. Cover art by Dick Giordano. "Batman and the Mummy" Hostess Twinkies ad. "Riddler on the Move!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Dick Giordano; Batman is on the trail of a criminal organization that provides criminal services for other criminals in the underworld; When he is about to take down their leader, Batman is challenged by the Riddler to solve one of his infamous riddles; In doing so, Batman is lured directly into a trap inside a museum, where the Riddler has prepared a whole chamber with loaded crossbows aimed at Batman; The Dark Knight has to solve yet another riddle to save his life and in the meantime, the Riddler moves on and takes over the criminal organization Batman was trying to dismantle. Statement of ownership; average # of copies sold previous year: 193,223. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 266 VF 8.0

Cover art by Dick Giordano. The Curious Case of the Catwoman's Coincidences! starring Batman, script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Selina Kyle escapes from a derailed train also occupied by Bruce Wayne. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 287 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4554024004

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

Last 30-cent cover price. Cover art by Mike Grell. The Maltese Cup Cake Hostess snack cakes ad with Wonder Woman. "Batman-Ex--As in Extinct!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Mike Grell, inks by Bob Wiacek; The Penguin uses robots of extinct birds or ancestors of birds, starting with a robot pterosaur, top commit crimes; The robot cracks out of a Napoleon statue at Gotham's La Galerie; Batman destroys the robot bird, but Penguin and his gang pull off a jewel robbery; Penguin sends an archeopteriz robot to panic the crowds at Gotham City Music Hall where a movie about Machiavelli is playing; Meanwhile, his gang robs a diner on 1805 Hamilton Street; Batman captures the crooks, but then learns of an attack on the schooner Nelson by a robot Diatryma. Statement of ownership; Average # of copies sold previous year: 178,000. Text article with photograph of publisher Jenette Kahn. Walt Simonson profile by Mike Gold. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 297 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4681532011

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) 302 VF 8.0

Last 35-cent cover price. Cover by Jim Aparo. "The Attack of the Wire-Head Killers," script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; After admitting to the murder of Malcolm Millbrook in order to spare Gotham from a gang war, Batman becomes the target of Millbrook's "wire-head killers." Daily Planet Extra Volume 78 Issue 18 Week of May1, 1978 article by Bob Rozakis. Information on Claw the Unconquered #12, House of Secrets #153, comics on sale the week of May 8th and Ask the Answer Man. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 304 VF 8.0

Cover pencils by Al Milgrom (layout) and Jim Aparo (signed), inks by Jim Aparo (signed). "To Hell with Batman--And Back!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; The Dark Knight has been kidnapped and drugged by the Spook, who attempts to convince the hero that he has been killed. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Green Lantern and Mirror Master, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. "The Amazing Secret of Dr. Dundee" featuring the Public Life of Bruce Wayne, script by David Vern as (David V. Reed), pencils by Win Mortimer, inks by Frank Chiaramonte; Bruce Wayne reveals his secret identity to Douglas William Dundee, the surgeon that, with Thomas Wayne's help, aided Martha Wayne in giving birth to Bruce; He also hires him as Batman's personal doctor; While Bruce is getting a checkup, crooks break in to Dundee's office. Biography of DC publisher Jenette Kahn. 44 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.50.

Batman (1940) 357 CGC 9.6 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #4681533024

1st printing. Direct Edition. 1st appearance of Jason Todd and Killer Croc (cameo). Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. "Squid" starring Batman, Dick Grayson, Commissioner Gordon, Hamilton Hill, Joey Taylor, Waldo Flynn, Olivia Ortega, and the Squid (first appearance), script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; The Squid comes to Gotham City to launch a takeover of its underworld, and to trap the Batman; A mobster offering crooked protection threatens a circus owner; Refusing to give in, the owner unwittingly puts a target on the heads of his star performers, a husband and wife trapeze act; Days later, a young boy discoveres that his parents had been brutally murdered. Taken in by the sympathetic millionaire Bruce Wayne (Batman) the boy trains and becomes his new mentor's sidekick as Robin, the boy wonder; Not Dick Grayson, though--This time it was the copycat story of Jason Todd, the second person to become Robin. Story continues in the pages of Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) #524. Letter to the editor from comics editor/writer Kevin Dooley. 40 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 357 VF 8.0 1st Printing

1st printing. Direct Edition. 1st appearance of Jason Todd and Killer Croc (cameo). Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. "Squid" starring Batman, Dick Grayson, Commissioner Gordon, Hamilton Hill, Joey Taylor, Waldo Flynn, Olivia Ortega, and the Squid (first appearance), script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; The Squid comes to Gotham City to launch a takeover of its underworld, and to trap the Batman; A mobster offering crooked protection threatens a circus owner; Refusing to give in, the owner unwittingly puts a target on the heads of his star performers, a husband and wife trapeze act; Days later, a young boy discoveres that his parents had been brutally murdered. Taken in by the sympathetic millionaire Bruce Wayne (Batman) the boy trains and becomes his new mentor's sidekick as Robin, the boy wonder; Not Dick Grayson, though--This time it was the copycat story of Jason Todd, the second person to become Robin. Story continues in the pages of Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) #524. Letter to the editor from comics editor/writer Kevin Dooley. 40 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 357N CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4689896012

1st printing. Newsstand Edition. 1st appearance of Jason Todd and Killer Croc (cameo). Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. "Squid" starring Batman, Dick Grayson, Commissioner Gordon, Hamilton Hill, Joey Taylor, Waldo Flynn, Olivia Ortega, and the Squid (first appearance), script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; The Squid comes to Gotham City to launch a takeover of its underworld, and to trap the Batman; A mobster offering crooked protection threatens a circus owner; Refusing to give in, the owner unwittingly puts a target on the heads of his star performers, a husband and wife trapeze act; Days later, a young boy discoveres that his parents had been brutally murdered. Taken in by the sympathetic millionaire Bruce Wayne (Batman) the boy trains and becomes his new mentor's sidekick as Robin, the boy wonder; Not Dick Grayson, though--This time it was the copycat story of Jason Todd, the second person to become Robin. Story continues in the pages of Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) #524. Letter to the editor from comics editor/writer Kevin Dooley. 40 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 358D FN/VF 7.0

Direct Edition. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. 1st full appearance of Killer Croc in "Don't Mess with Killer Croc!" starring Batman, Robin, Commissioner Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth, Trina Todd, and The Squid, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Rodin Rodriguez; With the Squid eliminated, Killer Croc appoints himself the new head of the Gotham Underground as Batman puts together the pieces of Killer Croc's involvement in the Squid's death. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 359N CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4681533023

Newsstand Edition. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. Jason Todd becomes a continuing character in "Hunt" starring Batman, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, James Gordon, Vicki Vale, Alfred Pennyworth, Waldo Flynn, Trina Todd, Joe Todd, and Killer Croc, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Dan Jurgens, inks by Dick Giordano; Featuring the origin of Killer Croc!; Batman searches for the whereabouts of Killer Croc while Croc himself breaks into Gotham City Jail to take care of the last obstacle in his path toward ruling the Gotham Underground. 1st comic book work by Dan Jurgens. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 359N FN+ 6.5

Newsstand Edition. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. Jason Todd becomes a continuing character in "Hunt" starring Batman, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, James Gordon, Vicki Vale, Alfred Pennyworth, Waldo Flynn, Trina Todd, Joe Todd, and Killer Croc, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Dan Jurgens, inks by Dick Giordano; Featuring the origin of Killer Croc!; Batman searches for the whereabouts of Killer Croc while Croc himself breaks into Gotham City Jail to take care of the last obstacle in his path toward ruling the Gotham Underground. 1st comic book work by Dan Jurgens. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 359N VG/FN 5.0

Newsstand Edition. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. Jason Todd becomes a continuing character in "Hunt" starring Batman, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, James Gordon, Vicki Vale, Alfred Pennyworth, Waldo Flynn, Trina Todd, Joe Todd, and Killer Croc, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Dan Jurgens, inks by Dick Giordano; Featuring the origin of Killer Croc!; Batman searches for the whereabouts of Killer Croc while Croc himself breaks into Gotham City Jail to take care of the last obstacle in his path toward ruling the Gotham Underground. 1st comic book work by Dan Jurgens. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.