Auctions: comic books

Batman (1940) 2 CGC Coverless

Paper: Cream to off white

COVERLESS. 1st 2 Wraps missing. Pages 4-8, 12, 16 & 24 missing.

Label #4649144004

Cover pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson. 2nd appearance of The Joker and Catwoman (called Catwoman for the 1st time) in "The Joker Meets the Cat-Woman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Learning the Joker is hospitalized with wounds, the members of the Crime Syndicate make plans to rescue him to lead their mob again; But the Joker has planned a double-cross and the appearance of the Cat-Woman complicates matters. "Wolf, the Crime Master," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane (signed) and Jerry Robinson (backgrounds); By an unfortunate accident, Adam Lamb becomes a psychological Jekyll and Hyde at midnight each evening, only to revert to his mild-mannered self during the day. "A Very Simple Case" text story by David Tree, art by Raymond Perry. "The Case of the Clubfoot Murders," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane (signed) and Jerry Robinson (backgrounds); The contents of a strange will leave each of the heirs with strange tokens with inscriptions on them, not realizing that, if they are all united, the tokens will reveal the location of a gold mine. "The Case of the Missing Link," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos; Professor Drake brings back from Africa a "missing link" who he intends to civilize for the benefit of all civilization; Batman and Robin vs. Grimes. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 3 CGC 16th Page Only

Paper: Off white to white

16th Page Only.

Label #4570497003

Cover pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson. "The Strange Case of the Diabolical Puppet Master," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Caped Crusaders must stop the likes of the Puppet Master, who has set his sights on stealing the Voss Rifle, the Army's newly developed secret gun. "The Ugliest Man in the World," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Batman confronts the ugliest man in the world, a man shunned by "normal" people he meets every day. "The Crime School for Boys!!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Batman has to deal with the threat of a crime school upon the lives of young boys, a school designed how to teach those boys the ways of a criminal. Dinky one-page story by Henry Boltinoff. "A Blow For England" text story by Norman Goss, art by Raymond Perry. "The Batman Vs. the Cat-Woman!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Cat returns to plague members of the Diamond Syndicate in order to achieve a beautiful "diamond prize!" The Batman Says text article, Batman and Robin tell readers the negatives of crime and criminals. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 3 CGC Coverless

Paper: Off white

Coverless. Page 6, 9, 14-18, 25, 26 and 29-31 missing.

Label #4675821001

Cover pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson. "The Strange Case of the Diabolical Puppet Master," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Caped Crusaders must stop the likes of the Puppet Master, who has set his sights on stealing the Voss Rifle, the Army's newly developed secret gun. "The Ugliest Man in the World," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Batman confronts the ugliest man in the world, a man shunned by "normal" people he meets every day. "The Crime School for Boys!!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Batman has to deal with the threat of a crime school upon the lives of young boys, a school designed how to teach those boys the ways of a criminal. Dinky one-page story by Henry Boltinoff. "A Blow For England" text story by Norman Goss, art by Raymond Perry. "The Batman Vs. the Cat-Woman!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Cat returns to plague members of the Diamond Syndicate in order to achieve a beautiful "diamond prize!" The Batman Says text article, Batman and Robin tell readers the negatives of crime and criminals. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 4 CGC Coverless

Paper: Off white to white

COVERLESS. 1st wrap missing. Pages 2-4,6,7,9,16,23,25 & 26 missing.

Label #4649144005

Cover pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson. "The Case of the Joker's Crime Circus!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Joker organizes a crime circus that performs at the homes of wealthy patrons to size up the joint, then later robs them. "Blackbeard's Crew and the Yacht Society," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); When an exclusive yacht is taken over by a band of pirates led by the immortal Blackbeard himself, the Batman and Robin come aboard to swab the decks with them. "Public Enemy No. 1," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Batman must contend with Jimmy McCoy, a young bully who claws his way up through the ranks until he becomes the overlord of crime, but ends up being deserted by his mob, hunted by the Police and killed in a gutter. "Code of the Glove" text story, script by Clem Gordon, art by Raymond Perry. Two-page Ginger Snap story by Bob Kane (as Lou Reed). "Touchdown for Justice," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Caped Crusader doubles as a star football player, who has been kidnapped in order that his team will lose and criminals will gain big time from the bets they have made. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 9 0.3

Mold. INCOMPLETE. Missing first wrap, centerfold and three additional pages. Affects "The Four Fates!", "The Case of the Lucky Law-Breakers!", "Christmas" and text stories.

Cover pencils by Fred Ray, inks by Jerry Robinson. "The Four Fates!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); When four fugitives steal a large ruby from the turban of Jaffeer, he casts a terrible curse of four fates upon each of the crooks. The Caped Crusaders attempt to capture each of the four. "The White Whale!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); As a stockholder in the Seven Seas Insurance Company, a firm that has had to pay out huge payoffs for ships sunk by a large white whale, Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson decide to investigate the activities of one Captain Burly, who agrees to hunt down and destroy the whale. "The Case of the Lucky Law-Breakers!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Batman and Robin find it that it isn't mere coincidence that the winners of several assorted money contests just happen to be ex-cons, and that the Joker is somehow involved. Private Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. "Christmas," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); While delivering presents to an orphanage at Christmas, Bruce learns that one of its resident's father is in jail, insisting that he had been framed. Batman and Robin decide to investigate to check out his claim. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 25 GD 2.0 (R)

Restored (see item notes)

RESTORATION. Color touch and TRIMMED. Tape on interior cover and pages.

Cover by Dick Sprang. "Knights of Knavery," script by Don Cameron, pencils by Jack Burnley (as Bob Kane), inks by Jerry Robinson; Batman's attempt to set a trap to catch the Penguin and the Joker backfires and the two criminals form a partnership to commit crimes and outwit the Caped Crusaders. "The Sheik of Gotham City!", script by Alvin Schwartz, pencils by Jack Burnley (as Bob Kane), inks by Jerry Robinson; An evil, former Sheik in Bahgdad learns that the true Sheik, once thought dead, is alive and well, living in exile in Gotham City as a cab driver, so he travels to Gotham to find this man and kill him. 2-page "A Blow for Freedom" by Stan Carter. "The Mesmerized Manhunter!", script by Don Cameron, art by Jerry Robinson; Alfred decides to go to the theatre one night to use his detective skills to expose the tricks of a stage magician, and ends up capturing a thief who stole the box office receipts while being hypnotized! "The Kilowatt Cowboys!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Jack Burnley (as Bob Kane), inks by Jerry Robinson; The Caped Crusaders are sent to investigate the thefts of valuable copper wire from the Rocky Dam Light and Power Company, which is erecting a power cable into a new territory. 1-page Private Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 47 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1136014002

Cover pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris. In this key issue, Batman's origin is explored in detail for the first time in "The Origin of Batman!" in which Batman tracks down the killers of his mother and father. In this same story, the Bat Signal also used for the first time; script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris. "Fashions in Crime!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; Catwoman breaks out of jail in a spectacular way and as soon as she is free again, she realizes that she could use the fashion trends as her new crime theme; Posing as the manager of an important fashion magazine, Catwoman is granted access to the houses of many wealthy people and later she steals from them; Batman and Robin intervene. "The Chain Gang Crimes!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; In pursuit of bank robbers, Batman and Robin chase them to a side street where they suddenly disappear. "The Adventures of Popsicle Pete and Bob Feller" ad. "Winged Justice" text story by Ted Rosen, art by Raymond Perry. One-page Daffy & Doodle story by Lit-Win. One-page Little Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 55 CGC 6.5 Restored

Restored: C1

Paper: Off white to white

Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on staples.

Label #4742157013

Cover pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris. The Case of the 48 Jokers!, script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Stan Kaye; The Joker starts his own criminal school; He prepares thugs from 48 States to become part of a large network of criminals; Batman and Robin learn of the cross-country crimes and confront the Joker in his base of operations. Bruce Wayne, Rookie Policeman!, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris; Bruce Wayne agrees to carry on the honorable work of a dying policeman; He becomes a member of the Gotham City Police Department, but his duties create conflict with his work as Batman. One-page Fluffy story by Phil Berube. Stay in School -- Give Yourself a Chance public service announcement starring Buzzy, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bob Oksner. It's Your Future text story, art by Raymond Perry. Half-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. The Bandit of the Bells!, pencils by Bob Kane and Charles Paris, inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin must prevent the crimes of Gong, controls every kind of bell; When he steals a particularly valuable bell, Batman investigates. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 66 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4410668002

Cover pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris. "The Joker's Comedy of Errors!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; The Joker is obsessed with recreating some of historys most famous blunders; He tries to force Batman into making mistakes. -page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Movie Stars Who Died Twice!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin investigate the case of film stars who start dying in the same way as their respective characters died in the movies. One-page Tootsie Roll ad, "Captain Tootsie and his Vacation-Time Pals" by Bill Schreiber. One-page Jerry the Jitterbug story by Henry Boltinoff. Script Sleuths article by Barbara Fairbanks, art by Raymond Perry. Half-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Batman II and Robin, Junior!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; Robin becomes disobeys Batman's orders; He is saved by the Dark Knight, and once they're back at the Batcave, Bruce scolds Robin for disobeying him. Sweet Land of Liberty public service announcement starring Peter Porkchops, script by Jack Schiff, art by Otto Feuer. One-page Tootsie Roll ad, "Captain Tootsie and his Vacation-Time Pals" by Bill Schreiber. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 122 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4722034004

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) 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) 153 FR/GD 1.5

Severe interior tearing. Staples added (not manufacturing). Water spotting.

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Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Prisoners of Three Worlds," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A strange alien arrives on Earth and begins stealing silver; When our four heroes begin pursuing him, they are all transported to different dimensions. True Crime Laffs humor/non-fiction page by Henry Boltinoff. Health Myths Debunked! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Half-page Shorty story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 154 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4727469005

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) 155 CGC 0.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Page 8 missing.

Label #4728556012

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) 161 VG/FN 5.0

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The New Crimes of the Mad Hatter," script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Mad Hatter pulls a string of robberies based on the professions of the jurors that sentenced him on his last arrest. Special Christmas Quiz -- "Christmas in Many Lands!" public service announcement, art by Ruben Moreira. "The Bat-Mite Hero," script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman corners a wanted felon in a baseball stadium, but Bat-Mite appears and messes things up with his magical nonsense. Batman tells him to find another hero to pester, so Bat-Mite creates a series of heroes (the third a crook), but they fail miserably. Half-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 170 VG- 3.5

Cover coming loose at one staple.

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) 181 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white

Label #1248586003

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) 181 GD 2.0

Centerfold detached and glued to interior. Water damage.

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) 181 FR/GD 1.5

Centerfold detached. Cover detached at one staple. Bottom staple removed.

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) 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) 194 VG+ 4.5

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 CGC 6.5 Restored

Restored: B1

Paper: White

Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on cover.

Label #4711163010

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) 224 GD/VG 3.0

Water damage.

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) 232 GD 2.0

Moisture damage.

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) 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) 244 VG+ 4.5

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) 245 FN/VF 7.0

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) 260 VG- 3.5

1" tear on back cover.

Cover by Nick Cardy. "This Onell Kill You, Batman." 20 pages. Story by Denny ONeil. Pencils by Irv Novick. Inks by Dick Giordano. The Joker douses Batman with a chemical that causes him to laugh uncontrollably. Now Batman must come up with a way to counteract it before the Harlequin of Hate causes him to die laughing. "The Grade A Crimes." 13 pages. Reprinted from Batman 16. Story by Ruth Lyons Kaufman. Pencils by Dick Sprang. Inks by Jack Burnley. Batman and Robin match wits with a gang of jewel thieves who specialize in before dawn robberies. "The Perfect Crime, Slightly Imperfect." 12 pages. Reprinted from Batman 181. Story by Gardner Fox. Pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (Ghosting for Bob Kane). Inks by Sid Greene. A mystery writer acquaintance of Batmans is kidnapped, only no one knows it because a double has replaced her. Only Batman picks up on the clue that gives the double away. Now he just has to save his friend. "The Case Without a Crime." 12 pages. Reprinted from Detective Comics 112. Story by Alvin Schwartz. Art by Win Mortimer. An innocent mistake leads Batman and Robin into a case where the only clue is a one dollar bill. "The Pearl of Peril." 4 pages. Reprinted from Batman 27. Art by Jerry Robinson. Alfred stars in a tale about a man who finds pearls in restaurant oysters. "The Riddlers Prison-Puzzle problem." 15 pages. Reprinted from Detective 377. Story by Gardner Fox. Pencils by Frank Springer. Inks by Sid Greene. To foil the Riddlers latest plan, Batman must get himself locked in the cell meant for the Prince of Puzzlers. 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 266 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4650887003

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) 276 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4681532009

Cover art by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua). Superman Saves the Earth Hostess Cup Cakes ad, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. The Haunting of the Spook!, script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), art by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua); Batman faces the mysterious Spook. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 286 VF- 7.5

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) 287 VG/FN 5.0

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) 288 FN- 5.5

First 35-cent cover price. Cover art by Mike Grell. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Green Lantern. "The Little Men's Hall of Fame!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Mike Grell, inks by Bob Wiacek; The Penguin and his gang raid Royce chemicals plant since the chemical plant is located at Watt Street; Batman battles them and is about to win when Chester Cole, who is looking for Bruce Wayne, appears and defeats Batman; Batman awakens with Cole in the bottom of an empty chemical tank; Batman Penguins mechanical birds. Daily Planet Volume 77 Issue 10 Week of March 7, 1977; Information on World's Finest Comics #245, Hercules Unbound #1, comics on sale the week of March 14th and word search Planet Mini-Puzzle #5. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 292 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4685457004

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The second installment of the "Who Killed Batman?" storyline: "Where Were You on the Night Batman Was Killed?: The Testimony of the Riddler!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; It is the Riddler's turn to provide testimony in the murder of the Batman, but the prosecutor Two-Face finds the flaw in the Riddler's testimony, and he is also dismissed. Hostess snack cakes ad with Wonder Woman. Letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. Daily Planet Volume 77 Issue 27 Week of July 4, 1977; Information on Teen Titans #50, Sgt. Rock Annual #2, comics on sale the week of July 11th and Lola Barnett's Comicsworld. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 299 VF- 7.5

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The Island of Purple Mist!, script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; Baxter Baines admits that he wishes to unmask Batman. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Wonder Woman, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. The Answer Man with Bob Rozakis. Kurt Schaffenberger bio. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 304 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4709180004

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) 307 VG/FN 5.0

1st appearance of Lucius Fox. Cover art by Jim Aparo. "Dark Messenger of Mercy!", script by Len Wein, pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; Lucius Fox handles the day-to-day transactions of the Wayne Foundation to Fox free up Wayne's schedule for his Batman activities; Batman pursues a killer who places poisoned gold coins over his victims' eyes. Hostess snack cakes ad with Superman. Letter from comics write Cat Yronwode. Daily Planet Extra Volume 78 Issue 40 Week of October 9, 1978; Information on Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #247, The Brave and the Bold #146, comics on sale the week of October 23, Ask the Answer Man! and Fred Hembeck strip featuring Elongated Man. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 307 VG 4.0

Water spotting.

1st appearance of Lucius Fox. Cover art by Jim Aparo. "Dark Messenger of Mercy!", script by Len Wein, pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; Lucius Fox handles the day-to-day transactions of the Wayne Foundation to Fox free up Wayne's schedule for his Batman activities; Batman pursues a killer who places poisoned gold coins over his victims' eyes. Hostess snack cakes ad with Superman. Letter from comics write Cat Yronwode. Daily Planet Extra Volume 78 Issue 40 Week of October 9, 1978; Information on Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #247, The Brave and the Bold #146, comics on sale the week of October 23, Ask the Answer Man! and Fred Hembeck strip featuring Elongated Man. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 353 FN 6.0

First Printing. Direct Edition. Cover art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. "Last Laugh," script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, inks by Dan Adkins; After getting Arthur Reeves to confess that Rupert Thorne gave him doctored photos of the Batman's "secret identity", Batman goes after the Joker, is captured, and finds himself tied to the side of a cliff in New Jersey set to explode in the shape of giant Joker-bust that the Clown Prince of Crime so dearly wants but is thwarted by the caped crusader. 15-page Masters of the Universe preview insert co-starring Superman: "Fate is the Killer" by Paul Kupperberg, Curt Swan & Dave Hunt. "The Sting--Batman Style," script by Mike Barr, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Dennis Jensen; Robin is conned into endorsing a phony fund drive for the Gotham Boys League; However, after the crooks rob the money from the Boys League headquarters, Robin decides to bring them in on his own; Batman helps by acting like a fellow con man. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 358D FN 6.0

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) 361N CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4681533021

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) 368 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4700857021

Direct Edition. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. In this key issue, Jason Todd begins as the new Robin (with a new costume) in a book-length story titled "A Revenge of Rainbows" starring Batman, Robin, Crazy-Quilt, Dick Grayson, Vicki Vale, Joker (flashback), Two-Face (flashback), Scarecrow (flashback), and Penguin (flashback), script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; Dick Grayson officially passes along the mantle of Robin to Jason Todd, who accompanies Batman on a "shakedown cruise" around Gotham. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 373 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4699337018

Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. "The Frequency of Fear," script by Doug Moench, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Alfredo Alcala; In the middle of the night, Jason Todd awakes from a terrible nightmare and this has not been the first time; Because of his lack of sleep, the authorities at the Child Welfare Bureau have noticed Jason's decline in performance and the social workers decide to investigate the kid's situation; Meanwhile in Arkham Asylum, a writer would like to have an interview with Jonathan Crane, but he is informed that Crane has been released after his successful recovery; Unaware to the authorities, Crane has simply recovered his mental faculties, which only make him a more deadly threat; Elsewhere, Julia Pennyworth asks Vicki Vale for a job at Picture News Magazine and after clearing their differences, Vicki agrees to help Julia; At night, Joker is bound to stand trial at the Gotham Courthouse, but Scarecrow strikes at the place after seeking revenge after he was used during Joker's previous scheme; Scarecrow breaks into the courthouse and using a new device in the shape of a skull, he is able to create crippling fear in those victims who he aims the device towards; Like this, Scarecrow has easy access to the cells at the courthouse, but a few minutes after his attack, the Bat-Signal is activated; When Scarecrow is about to reach the Joker's cell, Batman arrives at the place and confronts the crook. Story continues in Detective Comics #540. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 374 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4681533014

Cover pencils by Don Newton, inks by Dick Giordano. "Pieces of Penguin!" starring Robin, Alfred, Julia Pennyworth, Vicki Vale, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, and The Penguin, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; The Penguin is on the loose and out to steal the plans for the Pentagon's "early bird" warning system. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 384 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4681532025

Direct Edition. Cover pencils by Rick Hoberg, inks by Dick Giordano. "Broken Dates," script by Doug Moench, pencils by Rick Hoberg, inks by Rudy Nebres; Dr. Fangs goons believe Batman has to die for them to profit in Gotham; Batman battles Calendar Man; Vicky Vale severs her ties with Bruce Wayne, and Alfred plays match maker. Part 1 of 3, continued in Detective Comics #551. Crisis on Infinite Earths mini-series, two-panel-sequence-cameo with The Monitor (only hands shown with voice) and Lyla (Harbinger). 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 386 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4255867012

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 FN/VF 7.0

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) 405N VF 8.0

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) 407 FN+ 6.5

Batman Year One, Chapter Four: "Friend In Need". Part 4 of 4, continued from the previous issue. James Gordon is blackmailed, Catwoman gets in Batman's way and Bruce Wayne must come to the rescue sans cape and cowl. 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) 423REP CGC 9.8 Reprint

Paper: White

Third Printing.

Label #4696982014

Second or later printing with TurboGrafx ad on back cover. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.