Auctions: comic books

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) 291 FN- 5.5

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

Batman (1940) 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) 306 FN 6.0

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

Batman (1940) 307 FN 6.0

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) 357 FN 6.0 1st Printing

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

Batman (1940) 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) 367N CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4681533020

Newsstand Edition. Cover art by Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano. The Green Ghosts of Gotham, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; Poison Ivy uses special plants to control business executives and to battle Batman and Robin (now Jason Todd). 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

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) 377N CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4681533012

Newsstand Edition. Little Nemo tribute cover art by Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano. The Slayer of Night, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; Nocturna conjures nightmares, causing trouble for Batman. 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) 388 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4341493018

Direct Edition. Cover art by Tom Mandrake. "The Round-Trip Looking Glass!" starring Batman, Robin (Jason Todd), Alfred Pennyworth, Julia Remarque, Harvey Bullock, Mirror Master (Sam Scudder), and Captain Boomerang (Digger Harkness), script by Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; After trying to steal the same jade necklace, Captain Boomerang and Mirror Master face off to decide who is the greater villain. Part 1 of 2, continued in Detective Comics (1937) #555. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 390 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4681533006

Cover art by Tom Mandrake. Women Dark and Dangerous starring Batman, Robin, Harvey Bullock, Nocturna, Night-Slayer, and Catwoman, script by Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; Nocturna tries to discover what's causing the red rain, Batman battles Catwoman. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 396 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4681533011

Direct Edition. Cover art by Tom Mandrake. The climax to the Film Freak saga in "Box-Office Smash," script by Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; Batman and Catwoman are too late to stop Film Freak from killing an old friend; Gordon gets everyone on the same team to work together; They stop Film Freak on his next attempt, this time to blow up his old director's new premier; They finally stopped him from doing a King Kong skit. Part 3 of 3, continued from Detective Comics (1937) #562. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 401 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4700874006

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Legends crossover: Chapter 1. Batman and Robin are on the case when Magpie commits murder in her compulsive quest to collect bird-themed gemstones. "A Bird In The Hand..." Script by Barbara J. Randall, art by Trevor Von Eeden. Magpie previously appeared in Man Of Steel #3. Brian Bolland pin-up. John Byrne 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) 403 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4700891012

View items consigned by Code’s Comics: all items, auctions only

Tommy Carma (from #402) escapes from Arkham Asylum and discovers a mysteries cave...a cave with a giant penny and dinosaur...in "One Batman Too Many". Script by Max Allan Collins, pencils by Denys Cowan, inks by Greg Brooks. Cowan/Dick Giordano cover. 1st printing (White space on cover says Adventures of Superman #424 is coming OR has barcode). NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 404 VF 8.0

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) 412 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4681552005

Batman and Robin must stop the silent...yet deadly...rampage of the maladjusted Mime in "The Sound of Silence". Script by Max Allan Collins, pencils by Dave Cockrum, inks by Don Heck. Kevin Nowlan 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) 417 CBCS 6.5 Witnessed Sig Starlin

Paper: Off white to white

Witnessed Signature Jim Starlin on 4/22/2022. Direct Edition

Label #22-1EB985B-002

First Printing. Direct Edition. The KGBeast arrives in Gotham on a mission to cripple the country's strategic defense initiative in "Ten Nights Of The Beast!" Part 1 of 4, continued next issue. Script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo. Mike Zeck cover. 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) 418 CBCS 9.0 Witnessed Sig Starlin

Paper: White

Witnessed Signature: Jim Starlin on 4/22/2022 Direct Edition

Label #22-1EB985B-005

The KGBeast proves to be a skilled and cunning foil for Batman, as the caped crusader attempts to halt the assassinations in "Ten Nights Of The Beast!" Part 2 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story continues next issue. Script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo. Mike Zeck 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) 423 FN 6.0 1st Printing

1st Printing. Direct Edition. Three cops relate three tales of the Dark Knight, revealing different facets of Batman's character, in "You Shoulda Seen Him..." Script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Dave Cockrum, inks by Mike DeCarlo. Todd McFarlane 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 8.5 Reprint

Paper: White

Third Printing. Two Scratches on Back Around 3" Long.

Label #4348397001

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

Batman (1940) 423REP CBCS 7.5 Reprint

Paper: White

Label Error - Printing Differs From What CBCS Listed.

Label #20-03901B5-001

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) 426 VF 8.0

First printing. Direct 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) 426 FN/VF 7.0

First printing. Direct 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+ 6.5

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) 428 FN/VF 7.0

First printing. Direct 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) 428 FN+ 6.5

First printing. Direct 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 VF+ 8.5

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+ 6.5

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) 428N FN- 5.5

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) 451 CBCS 9.4 Witnessed Sig Decarlo

Paper: White

Witnessed Signature: Mike Decarlo on 12/2/2023 Direct Edition

Label #23-4350FC9-007

The Joker confronts the impostor who's been tarnishing his bad name in "Judgements!" Part 2 of 2, continued from the previous issue. Written by Marv Wolfman. Art by Jim Aparo & Mike DeCarlo. Cover by Norm Breyfogle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 460 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4708676001

Part 1 of 2, continued next issue. Batman is on the trail of a gang responsible for the abduction of young women. Catwoman plans to steal a priceless Egyptian statue. When their paths cross on their separate pursuits, will they find themselves allied...or deadly enemies? Written by Alan Grant, with art by Norm Breyfogle and Tim Sale. Cover by Breyfogle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 465 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4708676002

Together again for the first time - Batman and the new Robin! Tim Drake returns to Gotham City and joins Batman on their first mission in a case with surprises for them both. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon proposes to Sarah Essen, and Batman's other new partner takes up residence in the Batcave. Written by Alan Grant, with art by Norm Breyfogle and Steve Mitchell. Cover by Breyfogle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 475 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4708676003

"Mustache Pete is Dead!" Pt. 1. Story by Alan Grant. Art by Norm Breyfogle. Fresh out of jail, the Ventriloquist and Scarface hit the streets looking to renew their scandalous ways. However, a new gang of toughs have moved into their old territory and are not looking to share the wealth. Scarface is beaten, broken and left for dead. Feeling free for the first time in a long time, the Ventriloquist soon learns that some devils refuse to go quietly into the night. Story continues in Detective Comics 642. Also, Vickie Vale gets a new partner who turns out to be much more then he appears. And, we are introduced to Officer Rene Montoya, a character that will become very prominent in the Batman Animated Series and later Gotham Central. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 492 CGC 9.8 Jones Variant

Paper: White

Label #3734627014

Direct Edition. KnightFall Part 1. The Mad Hatter invites Batman and Robin to a deadly tea party, while Bane contends with a nosy Film Freak in "Crossed Eyes and Dotty Teas." KnightFall continues in Detective Comics (1937- ) #659. Written by Doug Moench. Art by Norm Breyfogle. 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.