Auctions: comic books

Batman (1940) 163 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #2077438003

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

Batman (1940) 165 CGC 7.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #1025177001

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Man Who Quit the Human Race!", script by Gardner F. Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; When it is discovered that he is a mutant, Governor Warner agrees to step down from office and undergo an experiment that will allow him to quickly evolve. "The Dilemma of the Detective's Daughter," script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Patricia Powell graduates from the Police Academy with top honors and receives her rewards from the Batman, whom she tells that she has a great affection for Bruce Wayne. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 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 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) 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) 207 CGC 9.4

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4733071009

Cover art by Irv Novick. "The Doomsday Ball!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Joe Giella; A small nuclear device is stolen and is being used to threaten Gotham City, so Batman enlists the aid of a criminal named Brill to identify the blackmailer...but first, the Caped Crusaders must survive some death traps arranged by Brill and his men. Captain Action and Action Boy Meet Dr. Evil! ad. Letters to the editor from inker Klaus Janson and cartoonist Fred Hambeck. One-page "Fact File" report on Tarantula from Star-Spangled Comics (1941-43). 36 Pages, 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) 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) 251 CGC 7.0

Paper: White

Label #4652019022

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

Batman (1940) 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) 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) 293 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4668491016

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The third installment of the "Who Killed Batman?" storyline: "Where Were You on the Night Batman Was Killed?: The Testimony of Luthor!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; Lex Luthor's claim to have killed the Batman is refuted by surprise witness Superman, who convinces the jury that Luthor did not kill Batman, as he thought; Batman and Superman team-up to take on Lex. Hostess snack cakes ad with Wonder Woman. Letter from comics artist Adam Castro. The Greatest Superman Story Ever Told article by publisher Jenette Kahn. 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) 311 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4727283020

Cover art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. "Dr. Phosphorus Is Back!", script by Steve Englehart, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Frank McLaughlin; Batman investigates a Gotham nuclear reactor that goes critical and teams with Batgirl to take on Dr. Phosphorus, who threatens to "reign over all" in Gotham City. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Wonder Woman. The Answer Man DC questions and answers by Bob Rozakis. Sgt. Rock parody strip by Fred Hembeck. Letter from comics writer Paul Levitz. 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) 404 VF- 7.5

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

Batman (1940) 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) 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.

Batman (1940) 423REP CGC 7.0 Reprint

Paper: White

Third Printing.

Label #4696982025

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

Batman (1940) 423REP CGC 6.5 Reprint

Paper: White

Third Printing.

Label #4696982018

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

Batman (1940) 424 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4681552008

1st printing. Direct Edition. Robin vows to take down Felipe Garzonas for his crimes, no matter the cost, in "The Diplomat's Son". Part 1 of 2, continued next issue. Script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Mark Bright, inks by Steve Mitchell. 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) 426N CGC 9.6 SS Starlin

Paper: White

Signed by Jim Starlin on 8/7/25. Newsstand Edition.

Label #4622446001

First printing. Newsstand Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 1 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Jason discovers that his "real" mother was really his step-mother, and his birth mother is still alive; Joker escapes from Arkham and Batman chases him to the Middle East where he runs across Jason looking for one of the women he thinks is his mom. Infamous story where readers called an 800 number, and 'voted' to have Robin killed! Story continues in Batman #427. 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. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.50.

Batman (1940) 426N FN- 5.5

First printing. Newsstand Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 1 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Jason discovers that his "real" mother was really his step-mother, and his birth mother is still alive; Joker escapes from Arkham and Batman chases him to the Middle East where he runs across Jason looking for one of the women he thinks is his mom. Infamous story where readers called an 800 number, and 'voted' to have Robin killed! Story continues in Batman #427. 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. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.50.

Batman (1940) 427 FN/VF 7.0

First printing. Direct Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 2 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Jason meets his real mother, Sheila Haywood, but she turns out to be working for the Joker and allows her son to fall into his deadly hands inside of a warehouse; Joker beats Robin with a crowbar and leaves him for dead as a badly beaten Robin attempts to save his mom and himself from the dynamite left behind by the Joker as he leaves them both to a horrible fate; Batman watches in horror as the warehouse containing Jason and Sheila blows up, too late to stop the Joker. Infamous Phone Poll on death or life for Robin (Jason Todd). The Direct Sales copies of this comic, released first, contained a 1-800 phone number to either vote "for" or "against" the death of Jason Todd on the inside back cover. The newsstand copies, released 3 weeks later did not contain the 1-800 number. 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. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.50.

Batman (1940) 427 FN 6.0

First printing. Direct Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 2 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Jason meets his real mother, Sheila Haywood, but she turns out to be working for the Joker and allows her son to fall into his deadly hands inside of a warehouse; Joker beats Robin with a crowbar and leaves him for dead as a badly beaten Robin attempts to save his mom and himself from the dynamite left behind by the Joker as he leaves them both to a horrible fate; Batman watches in horror as the warehouse containing Jason and Sheila blows up, too late to stop the Joker. Infamous Phone Poll on death or life for Robin (Jason Todd). The Direct Sales copies of this comic, released first, contained a 1-800 phone number to either vote "for" or "against" the death of Jason Todd on the inside back cover. The newsstand copies, released 3 weeks later did not contain the 1-800 number. 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. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.50.

Batman (1940) 427 FN 6.0

First printing. Direct Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 2 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Jason meets his real mother, Sheila Haywood, but she turns out to be working for the Joker and allows her son to fall into his deadly hands inside of a warehouse; Joker beats Robin with a crowbar and leaves him for dead as a badly beaten Robin attempts to save his mom and himself from the dynamite left behind by the Joker as he leaves them both to a horrible fate; Batman watches in horror as the warehouse containing Jason and Sheila blows up, too late to stop the Joker. Infamous Phone Poll on death or life for Robin (Jason Todd). The Direct Sales copies of this comic, released first, contained a 1-800 phone number to either vote "for" or "against" the death of Jason Todd on the inside back cover. The newsstand copies, released 3 weeks later did not contain the 1-800 number. 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. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.50.

Batman (1940) 428N CBCS 9.6

Paper: White

Slab: Plastic debris between case and inner well

Newsstand Edition.

Label #21-218A045-020

First printing. Newsstand Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 3 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Death of Sheila Haywood; Burial of Sheila Haywood and Jason Todd; The Joker becomes the Iranian Ambassador to the U.N. Results of Phone Poll as to whether Robin dies this issue or not. 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) 428N FN 6.0

First printing. Newsstand Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 3 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Death of Sheila Haywood; Burial of Sheila Haywood and Jason Todd; The Joker becomes the Iranian Ambassador to the U.N. Results of Phone Poll as to whether Robin dies this issue or not. 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) 457N CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4719529014

Newsstand Edition. Tim Drake becomes Robin. While Batman tries to fight the effects of Scarecrow's fear toxins, Tim Drake must overcome his own fears if he hopes to rescue the caped crusader in "Master of Fear." Script by Alan Grant, art by Norm Breyfogle and Steve Mitchell. Cover by Breyfogle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 497 CBCS 9.8 Direct Variant 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #0003451-AA-009

Direct Edition with Overlay cover. Bane breaks Batman's back in Batman KnightFall Part 11. Home turf does not prove an advantage when Bane breaks Batman's back in the Batcave in "The Broken Bat." KnightFall continues in Detective Comics (1937- ) #664. Written by Doug Moench. Pencils by Jim Aparo. Inks by Dick Giordano. Cover by Kelley Jones. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 497 CGC 9.8 Direct Variant 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #4660981012

View items consigned by NJ Comics: all items, auctions only

Direct Edition with Overlay cover. Bane breaks Batman's back in Batman KnightFall Part 11. Home turf does not prove an advantage when Bane breaks Batman's back in the Batcave in "The Broken Bat." KnightFall continues in Detective Comics (1937- ) #664. Written by Doug Moench. Pencils by Jim Aparo. Inks by Dick Giordano. Cover by Kelley Jones. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 497 CGC 9.8 Direct Variant 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #4660981010

View items consigned by NJ Comics: all items, auctions only

Direct Edition with Overlay cover. Bane breaks Batman's back in Batman KnightFall Part 11. Home turf does not prove an advantage when Bane breaks Batman's back in the Batcave in "The Broken Bat." KnightFall continues in Detective Comics (1937- ) #664. Written by Doug Moench. Pencils by Jim Aparo. Inks by Dick Giordano. Cover by Kelley Jones. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 608A CGC 9.8 Lee

Paper: White

Label #1448942012

First Printing. Direct Edition. Cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams. Story by Jeph Loeb. Art by Jim Lee and Scott Williams. Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee begin their much-anticipated run on BATMAN with the 12-part "Hush." What's this new storyline about? Like the title says, it's a secret that's best kept under wraps for now. But Killer Croc is sure to be a part of the puzzle. What we can tell you is that Batman attempts to bring an end to the vile kidnapping of an innocent child. But suddenly, all hell breaks loose... 44 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.25.

Batman (1940) 609 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #3733606002

Direct Edition. WRITTEN BY JEPH LOEB; ART AND COVER BY JIM LEE AND SCOTT WILLIAMS In stores November 27. Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee continue their run on BATMAN with Part 2 of the 12-part "Hush." Lying near death, Batman must turn to the least likely person from the Bat family for help: the Huntress! Meanwhile, Catwoman continues to hunt down the mysterious individual responsible for wreaking havoc in their lives ? a path that leads her back to Poison Ivy. 48 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.25.

Batman (1940) 635 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4695724009

Written by Judd Winick. Art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen Cover by Matt Wagner. Part 1 of the 4-part "Under the Hood," featuring the new BATMAN team of writer Judd Winick (OUTSIDERS, GREEN ARROW), artists Doug Mahnke (JLA, JUSTICE LEAGUE ELITE) & Tom Nguyen (JLA) and cover artist Matt Wagner (BATMAN/SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN: TRINITY)! In the wake of "War Games," Batman must deal with a city in turmoil. While battling new criminal chieftains raiding his city, Batman is confronted with a face from the past? or rather, a hidden face from the past. Welcome the return of the Red Hood! 40 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.25.

Batman (1940) 635 VF+ 8.5

Written by Judd Winick. Art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen Cover by Matt Wagner. Part 1 of the 4-part "Under the Hood," featuring the new BATMAN team of writer Judd Winick (OUTSIDERS, GREEN ARROW), artists Doug Mahnke (JLA, JUSTICE LEAGUE ELITE) & Tom Nguyen (JLA) and cover artist Matt Wagner (BATMAN/SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN: TRINITY)! In the wake of "War Games," Batman must deal with a city in turmoil. While battling new criminal chieftains raiding his city, Batman is confronted with a face from the past? or rather, a hidden face from the past. Welcome the return of the Red Hood! 40 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.25.

Batman (1940) 638A CGC 9.8 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #4680529010

Written by Judd Winick Art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen Cover by Matt Wagner. In the stunning conclusion of "Under the Hood," the Red Hood is revealed as.....! With the murderous Black Mask controlling the Gotham City underworld, what role will this villainous addition to Batman's Rogues Gallery have when all is said and done? 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.25.