Auctions: comic books

Batman (1940) 132 VG 4.0

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) 142 VG- 3.5

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Batman's Robot-Guardian," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Having received a guardian robot from an alien he once befriended, Batman discovers the creature will not allow the Caped Crusader to put his life on the line in fighting crooks. The Right to be Different public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bernard Baily. "The Crimes of the Ancient Mariner," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Some clever crooks, intent with making off with a company payroll, fool the Caped Crusaders into believing that an old sea-farer is a crook. "Ruler of the Bewitched Valley," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Caped Crusaders follow a renegade scientist to Central America, where he has created a series of automated robots that fool the superstitious natives. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 143 VG- 3.5

Last 10-cent cover price. Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Twice-Told Tale of Batman and Robin," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; After the Caped Crusaders round up a gang of jewel thieves, Robin fantasizes how the adventure would be retold in the future as a mythological tale involving giants and flying creatures. Half-page Jail Jests story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Blind Batman," script by Arnold Drake, art by Sheldon Moldoff; A bump on the head renders Batman blind temporarily, so he creates a set of radar ear plugs that allows him to combat criminals. A Message from Otto the Robot! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "Bat-Hound and the Creature," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; While the Caped Crusaders battle Lippy Yates and his gang, Ace befriends a giant alien being, who eventually saves Batman's life. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 145 FR/GD 1.5

4" Cumulative spine split. Cover detached at one staple.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Hunt for Mr. 50," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Dynamic Duo trace a smuggling ring to Hawaii and travel there to confront them in order to locate the ring leader. Half-page Lefty Looie story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Tiniest Villain in the World," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; When the Caped Crusader learns that Joe Burr has kidnapped a noted inventor of a shrinking machine, Batman deliberately shrinks himself to miniature size to capture the villain. Let Science Serve You! public service announcement. "The Son of the Joker," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane); In this imaginary story, penned by Alfred, trusted butler of Bruce Wayne, the Second Batman and Robin team run up against the Son of the Joker, who is using the tricks of the trade once used by his father! Full-page ads for Batman Annual 2 and Superman Annual 4. Statement of ownership; 485,000 average sales. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 147 VG+ 4.5

Water spotting.

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

Batman (1940) 150 GD 2.0

Cover and first two wraps detached at one staple and centerfold detached.

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) 151 GD/VG 3.0

Water damage.

Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris. "Batman's New Secret Identity!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris; The Caped Crusaders' secret identities are compromised, forcing them to adopt entirely new identities in order to continue their war on crime. Strange Laws humor/non-fiction page by Henry Boltinoff. One-page Professor Eureka story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Mystery Gadget from the Stars!", script by Jerry Coleman, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A weird alien device is discovered, whose rays causes objects to evolve; The Caped Crusaders must battle a criminal gang into whose hands the device has fallen. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 153 GD/VG 3.0

1.5" Cumulative spine split. Internal page tears.

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) 156 GD 2.0 (R)

Restored (see item notes)

RESTORATION. Color touch. Centerfold detached at one staple. Water damage.

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

Batman (1940) 159 GD/VG 3.0

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. Your United Nations at Work public service announcement. "The Great Clayface - Joker Feud," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; After escaping from prison, Matt Hagen finds a way to synthesize the liquid that turns him into Clayface, and once more takes up crime; The Joker, meanwhile, objects to Clayface getting all the headlines, so he starts a feud with Clayface. True Crime Laffs humor/nonfiction page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Boyhood of Bruce Wayne Jr.," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Robin II takes after his father and is able to help Batman by discovering the secret escape method employed by the Green Owl Gang. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 161 CGC 9.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #1015720009

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) 161 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white

Slab: Chipped/broken bracket

Label #4542890006

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) 162 GD/VG 3.0

1" Spine split from top.

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) 164 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4641328012

Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Joe Giella. "Two-Way Gem Caper!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman discovers a plot to waylay a group of folk singers in order to perpetrate the theft of a pearl from a museum, and eventually nabs the villain after foiling a trap set for the criminal. "Batman's Great Face-Saving Feat!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; A private investigator seeks to join the Mystery Analysts, but is blackballed by Batman for a very specific reason. Ancient Crime-Detection Methods! fact page. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 164 VG 4.0

1" Spine split. Centerfold detached at one staple.

Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Joe Giella. "Two-Way Gem Caper!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman discovers a plot to waylay a group of folk singers in order to perpetrate the theft of a pearl from a museum, and eventually nabs the villain after foiling a trap set for the criminal. "Batman's Great Face-Saving Feat!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; A private investigator seeks to join the Mystery Analysts, but is blackballed by Batman for a very specific reason. Ancient Crime-Detection Methods! fact page. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 164 GD+ 2.5

Centerfold detached.

Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Joe Giella. "Two-Way Gem Caper!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman discovers a plot to waylay a group of folk singers in order to perpetrate the theft of a pearl from a museum, and eventually nabs the villain after foiling a trap set for the criminal. "Batman's Great Face-Saving Feat!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; A private investigator seeks to join the Mystery Analysts, but is blackballed by Batman for a very specific reason. Ancient Crime-Detection Methods! fact page. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 164 GD 2.0

Centerfold detached.

Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Joe Giella. "Two-Way Gem Caper!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman discovers a plot to waylay a group of folk singers in order to perpetrate the theft of a pearl from a museum, and eventually nabs the villain after foiling a trap set for the criminal. "Batman's Great Face-Saving Feat!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; A private investigator seeks to join the Mystery Analysts, but is blackballed by Batman for a very specific reason. Ancient Crime-Detection Methods! fact page. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 166 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4641328013

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "Two-Way Deathtrap!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Two crooks overhear Batman creating a supposedly inescapable trap and make plans to lure Batman into such a trap. Information on the planet Pluto. "A Rendezvous with Robbery!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Patricia Powell is hoping this is the time she finally meets Bruce Wayne, but things go awry when someone robs the Wayne Estate. Science in Crime Detection non-fiction half-page. Letter to the editor from comic writer Mike Friedrich. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 166 CGC 5.0 SS Giella

Paper: Off white to white

Signed by Joe Giella on 8/10/18.

Label #1611435020

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "Two-Way Deathtrap!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Two crooks overhear Batman creating a supposedly inescapable trap and make plans to lure Batman into such a trap. Information on the planet Pluto. "A Rendezvous with Robbery!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Patricia Powell is hoping this is the time she finally meets Bruce Wayne, but things go awry when someone robs the Wayne Estate. Science in Crime Detection non-fiction half-page. Letter to the editor from comic writer Mike Friedrich. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 170 GD+ 2.5

Water damage.

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) 172 VG- 3.5

Water spotting.

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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) 173 GD/VG 3.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "Secret Identities for Sale!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Joe Giella; While the Caped Crusaders are raiding the hideout of Mr. Incognito, a photographer takes pictures of the action with a special x-ray film, revealing the criminal's identity; The man offers to provide the identity to the Police for a million dollars while also offering the secret identities of the Dynamic Duo to the underworld for a price. "Walk, Batman--To Your Doom!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Batman is asked to investigate when four air-tight cases are blown when the juries involved return "not guilty" verdicts; Batman soon discovers that one juror, Franklin Knott, has been on all four juries in disguise. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 177 VG/FN 5.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. Builders of the Future! public service announcement about the importance of UNESCO funding in building schools in Africa, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Two Batmen Too Many!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman concocts a scheme against numbers racketeer Ed Garvey to prove conclusively that the crook planned and carried out the Kimber Gem job. One-page Cap's Hobby Center activity page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Art Gallery of Rogues!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Batman deduces that a man named Lathrop has stolen some artwork from a gallery and passed it off to one of his henchmen in order to get a grant from the Alfred Foundation. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 177 VG- 3.5

Centerfold detached at one staple and water spotting.

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Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. Builders of the Future! public service announcement about the importance of UNESCO funding in building schools in Africa, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Two Batmen Too Many!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman concocts a scheme against numbers racketeer Ed Garvey to prove conclusively that the crook planned and carried out the Kimber Gem job. One-page Cap's Hobby Center activity page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Art Gallery of Rogues!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Batman deduces that a man named Lathrop has stolen some artwork from a gallery and passed it off to one of his henchmen in order to get a grant from the Alfred Foundation. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 179 GD 2.0

2 center wraps detached. Bottom staple removed.

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 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3762926001

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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/VG 3.0

Staple rust.

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 PR 0.5

INCOMPLETE. Centerfold missing, interrupts art and story. Missing bottom staple.

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) 183 FR/GD 1.5

Water damage. Tape at spine.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "A Touch of Poison Ivy!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Missing the imprisoned Poison Ivy, the Caped Crusader receives a gift from her and she promises to repent; Batman visits her, but he is placed under her spell, and she uses him to make good her escape. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. The Policeman Is Your Friend! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Letter from future comics writer Mike Friedrich. "Batman's Baffling Turnabout!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; While chasing crooks into a warehouse, Batman falls through a trapdoor and is captured while one of the crooks impersonates the Caped Crusader; A tell-tale clue alerts Robin that this is an imposter and he deals appropriately with the situation to find the real crime fighter. Letters to the editor from Biljo White, Irene Vartanoff, and comics writer Mike Friedrich. Statement of ownership--average print run 694,000; average paid circulation 453,745. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 189 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4641328014

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) 189 PR 0.5

INCOMPLETE. Piece missing, does not interrupt art or story.

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) 191 VG/FN 5.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Day Batman Sold Out!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; When Ira Radon absorbs so much radiation that he is forced to give up his life of crime, he decides to get revenge by dousing Batman's equipment with deadly radiation, forcing the Caped Crimefighter to give up his career. "Alfred's Mystery Menu!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Alfred is kidnapped by a group of millionaire crooks, who demand that he fix a dinner fit for a millionaire. This he does, deliberately providing a code for the Dynamic Duo to decipher as to his whereabouts. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. BEM Shows Up! public service announcement; BEM stands for Brains, Emotions and Muscles. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 193 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Dick Sprang, Win Mortimer, Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris, Win Mortimer, and Sheldon Moldoff. "Ride, Bat-Hombre, Ride!", script by David Vern, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; The sickly Presidente of a Latin American nation implores the Caped Crusaders to come to his nation and train a Batman to keep law and order in his country. "The Armored Batman," script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Stan Kaye; All of Gotham City is puzzled by Batman and Robin's odd behavior and strange costuming when they hear of a man named Blair Graeme threatening the Caped Crusaders. "His Majesty, King Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A visiting royal dignitary visiting Gotham City gets an unexpected role he never expected: to play the role of Batman while the real Caped Crusader looks for a wanted felon. Make Your Summer Count! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Batman and the Vikings!", pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris; When Bruce and Dick visit the Gotham City museum, they note an image of a Viking that looks like Bruce Wayne...and who is labeled a coward, so they visit Carter Nichols to go back in time to discover the truth. "Mayor Bruce Wayne!", script by David Vern, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Racketeer Deuce Chalmers has figured out that Bruce Wayne is Batman...the trouble is, how does he prove it?; And Bruce has troubles as well with his secret identity since he has been appointed temporary Mayor. "The Flying Batman", script by David Vern, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Stan Kaye; Batman and Robin are rendered unconscious by a sting from a strange winged man, only to awake in a weird city inhabited by winged men, who want to operate on Batman to give him wings in order to track down desperate felons.. A complete Sunday newspaper syndicated story reprinted, script by Bill Finger, pencils by Jack Burnley, inks by Charles Paris. 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 194 CGC 8.0 Restored

Restored: B1

Paper: Off white to white

Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on cover.

Label #4575299008

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) 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) 195 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4451076001

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Spark-Spangled See-Through Man!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella and Jack Abel; Creegan steals some jewels from the laboratory of a scientist, who has treated the gems with radiation; During a battle with the Caped Crusaders, Creegan is transformed into a skeletal figure possessing a deadly electrical touch. Letter to the editor from comics writer Tony Isabella. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 195 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Spark-Spangled See-Through Man!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella and Jack Abel; Creegan steals some jewels from the laboratory of a scientist, who has treated the gems with radiation; During a battle with the Caped Crusaders, Creegan is transformed into a skeletal figure possessing a deadly electrical touch. Letter to the editor from comics writer Tony Isabella. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 195 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Spark-Spangled See-Through Man!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella and Jack Abel; Creegan steals some jewels from the laboratory of a scientist, who has treated the gems with radiation; During a battle with the Caped Crusaders, Creegan is transformed into a skeletal figure possessing a deadly electrical touch. Letter to the editor from comics writer Tony Isabella. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 200 GD 2.0

Water damage. 1/2" spine split from the bottom.

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) 205 VG+ 4.5

Cover art by Irv Novick. "Blind As a... Bat?", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Joe Giella; The Police, believing that the Batman is dead, arrest and take in the Batman whom they believe is an imposter, while the real Batman, disguised as a blind man, aids Robin to prevent an armored car robbery; Robin is captured by the Schemer in the process but Batman outwits the Schemer in his attempt to down a plane loaded with gold. Letters to the editor from comic writer Mark Evanier and Irene Vartanoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 212 CBCS 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #25-0F80C5D-002

Cover pencils by Irv Novick. "Baffling Deaths of the Crime-Czar!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Joe Giella; The aging Mr. Big of the Gotham underworld, Li'l Studs, is being given a "welcome home" banquet by gangsters following a stay in the hospital; Quirk, one of Studs's competitors, has hired three hitmen to rub him out: a crack pistol shot named the Silencer, a poison-dart hurler called the Dart, and Big Jolt, a specialist in electrocution; Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson are posing as waiters to avert such a hit-attempt, and thus stave off a gang-war amongst the other mob chiefs for Studs's place; Studs indeed dies, but none of the mobsters can agree as to how he was killed, since all three of the assassins struck at the same time; With help from Dr. Jennings, a doctor who treated Li'l Studs, Batman and Robin discover the truth: Studs died of a heart attack before any of the assassins could kill him. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 217 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4322624025

Cover by Neal Adams. Batman and Robin in book-length story, "One Bullet Too Many!" Script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Breakup of Batman & Robin team; Dick Grayson goes to college; Bruce and Alfred move from Wayne Manor to the Wayne Foundation. Strange Old Laws non-fiction humor page by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 225 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4542890013

The 2002 series wasn't the first time Batman (or Bruce Wayne) faced a murder charge. Here's a 1970 Batman two-part story, "Wanted for Murder-One, the Batman!" in which Batman faces a charge of murder. Script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano. Commissioner Gordon faces the possibility that his old friend, Batman, may be a murderer. But things can't be that bad because the problem is resolved early enough for there to be a backup story, "The Shutdown on Yoyr Street!" Script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Novick, inks by Mike Esposito. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 234 GD 2.0

Staples replaced.

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) 237 VG/FN 5.0

Cover oxidation with chipping.

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

Cover by Neal Adams. "Night of the Reaper!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams inks by Dick Giordano; Dick Grayson attends the annual Vermont parade on Halloween with some of his college friends; The notice some crooks attacking a man dressed as Robin and try to help him; The Reaper attacks Robin; Batman, who has been tracking an ex-Nazi war criminal to the parade, finds Robin and takes him to the house of Tom Fagan, the parade organizer. A letter from Denny O'Neil who recounts the real life events that inspired "Night of the Reaper." "The Screaming House," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson (backgrounds), inks by Bob Kane; While passing by an old house, the Batman hears screams and rushes in to save a man, who he soon discovers is a crook that has been double crossing his boss and who kills the thugs torturing him so there will be no witnesses; Later, the Caped Crusader learns from the dying Joey that his boss is a big time smuggler. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 242 VG

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

Batman (1940) 243 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4666014012

Batman follows a lead that takes half-way around the world on the trail of "The Lazarus Pit!" Talia appearance. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 244 VG+ 4.5

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) 251 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4587011009

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 CGC 6.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4150480001

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.