Auctions: comic books

Batman (1940) 169 VG 4.0

Centerfold detached at one staple. Cover oxidation.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. Don't Give Fire a Place to Start! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer. "Partners in Plunder!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Penguin uses an umbrella barrage to trick Batman into planning his next crime for him. "A Bad Day for Batman!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Batman tells the press about his bad day, in which he returns to the scene of a previous case to retrieve some rope, and spots a jewel thief; He pursues, but a series of bad breaks allows the felon to escape. Fingerprint Facts non-fiction 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) 174 VG- 3.5

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Human Punching Bag!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Hunter breaks the Getaway Genius out of jail in order to provide a getaway gimmick, all the while planning a trap for the Batman. The Time of Death article. "Nature's Bill of Rights," script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Two boys who are polluting a stream are given an anti-pollution lesson by a fisherman. "The Off-Again On-Again Lightbulbs!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; When Batman arrives at the Wednesday meeting of the Mystery Analysts, a cleaning man enters and announces that it is actually Friday, and he can prove it with a copy of that day's paper; Before anyone can question why, the cleaning man hypnotizes the group, not realizing the Batman is unaffected. Half-page Little Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. 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) 178 CGC 7.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4643622002

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

Batman (1940) 179 GD/VG 3.0

Cover and 4 wraps detached at one staple.

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) 180 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4649155002

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Death Knocks Three Times!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman stops a crook in a skeleton costume who boasts that he will escape justice; On the way from the courtroom, the man falls over and apparently dies, a fact that haunts the Batman, especially when he thinks of the man's boast; When Death-Man reappears, the Caped Crusaders get him again, only to have him die a second time, only to be resurrected again; Batman wonders: will the third time be the "lucky" charm that ends this menace? Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Health Myths Debunked! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; How to treat frostbite, a black eye, and does cutting your hair make it grow faster? Casey the Cop humor page by Henry Boltinoff. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 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) 182 GD/VG 3.0

Water damage.

Reprints, 80-page giant. Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff and Win Mortimer, inks by Charles Paris, Win Mortimer, Stan Kaye, and Sheldon Moldoff. "The Villain of 100 Elements" (from Detective Comics 294), script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Batman and Robin must face the danger created by a man who can control the elements. Natural Beauty--Everybody's Fight public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Batman, Junior and Robin, Senior!" (from Detective Comics 218), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Stan Kaye; The Dynamic Duo are affected by strange gases, making Robin much older and making Batman more youthful; Robin, now the adult member of the team, must try to control his youthful partner's rashness while tracking down the criminal responsible for the change. "Batman, Robot" (from Detective Comics 218), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman is lured into a trap and supposedly dies in an explosion. Batman appears to be replaced by a robot; Although Robin pretends to believe it, he actually knows that the Caped Crusader is laying his own trap for a wanted felon. "The Experiment of Professor Zero" (from Detective Comics 148), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin fall victim, like others, to a mad scientist who has found a way to reduce humans to pigmy size! "The Rainbow Batman" (from Detective Comics 241), script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Joker Batman" (from Batman 85), script by David Vern, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 183 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4649155003

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) 184 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4649155004

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Mystery of the Missing Manhunters!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Caped Crusaders mysteriously disappear for two weeks, and when they return, they have no memory of where they have been. Letter from Marvel colorist and editorial assistant Irene Vartanoff. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Boy Wonder's Boo-Boo Patrol!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Robin, who is on patrol alone, thinks that someone is trying to kill Viola Lance, a stunt girl, when she experiences several motorcycle accidents. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 187 VG- 3.5

Reprints, 80-page giant. Cover pencils by Win Mortimer and Curt Swan, inks by Win Mortimer and Stan Kaye. "Batman's First Case" (from Detective # 265), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The sudden appearance of a new criminal basing his crime on time jogs Batman's memory into remembering that this criminal was his very first case after his parents were killed, and if the Clock has his way, the current case against him will be the Caped Crusader's last! "Phantom Eye of Gotham City" (from Detective 192), pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris; As vicious criminal creates a means to televise crimes as they happen and making the Dynamic Duo look like they are inept. "The Last Days of Batman" (from Batman 125), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Carter Nichols sends the Dynamic Duo back to ancient Venice to gather evidence in a case, but only Batman returns, while Robin is shifted to Gotham City a few days into the future, where he discovers a new criminal will kill Batman. "Peril at Playland Isle" (from Detective 264), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; When the wealthy builder of a new amusement park is killed, Batman and Robin nearly lose their lives tracking down the real killer. "The Batman of Tomorrow" (from Detective 216), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; When Bruce Wayne injures his arm, to keep Vicki from discovering that Batman has the same problem, the Caped Crusader seeks out the Batman of the Future to step in for him...almost with disastrous results! "The Ballad of Batman!" (from Batman 95), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; A balladeer comes to Gotham City to sing the praises of Batman in verse, but it backfires when his songs tip off crooks wanting to commit crimes. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. A complete Batman newspaper syndicated story reprint featuring the Joker (7 pages) from Oct.-Dec. 1946. 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 188 CGC 7.5

Paper: White

Label #4649155005

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

Batman (1940) 189 CGC 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 GD+ 2.5

1" spine split from top. Cover detached at one staple.

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 FN 6.0

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) 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) 208 VG- 3.5

DC 80-Page Giant G-55. Mostly reprint issue featuring the women in Batman's life with new bridging materials written for this issue with a script by E. Nelson Bridwell, pencils by Gil Kane, and inks by Jack Abel (10 pages). Clayface and Catwoman in "The Women in Batman's Life!" Catwoman reprint, "The Secret Life of the Catwoman!" (from Batman 62 in 1951). Vicki Vale, girl reporter in "Vicki Vale's Secret!" (from Batman 73 in 1952). Reprint of "The Dilemma of the Detective's Daughter!" (from Batman 165 in 1964). Kathy Kane (Batwoman) in a reprint of "The Menace of the Firefly!" (from Batman 126 in 1959). Also appearing in this issue: Eclipso, Queen Bee and Poison Ivy. Excerpts are included from "The Crimes of the Catwoman" (Detective 203 in 1954), "The Batwoman" (Detective 233 in 1956), "The Problem of the Proxy Paintings" (Batman 194 in 1967), "Batman Vs. Eclipso" (Brave and the Bold 64 in 1966), "Beware of Poison Ivy" (Batman 181 in 1966), "A Touch of Pooison Ivy" (Batman 183 in 1966), and "The Million-Dollar Debut of Batgirl" (Detective 359 in 1967). 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 213 FN 6.0

DC Giant G-61; 30th anniversary issue. "The Origin of Robin" (new story; script by E. Nelson Bridwell, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito) "Here Comes Alfred," the original origin of Alfred, from Batman no. 16 (April-May, 1943). "The Game of Death," from Star Spangled Comics no. 127 (April, 1952). "The Man Behind the Red Hood," one of the most important stories in the Batman mythos, from Detective no. 168 (February,1951). "The Challenge of Clay-Face," the origin of the second Clay-face, from Detective no. 298 (December, 1961). 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 218 VG 4.0

Water spotting.

DC Giant G-67. All reprints: "Batman and Robin's Greatest Mystery" (from Detective 234), "the Hand From Nowhere" (from Batman 130), "The Man Who Couldn't Be Tried Twice" (from Batman 118), "The Body in the Bat-Cave" (from Batman 121), and "The League Against Batman" (from Detective 197). Also 8 pages of Batman newspaper strips. Letter to the editor from Neal Pozner. Murphy Anderson cover. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 234 GD/VG 3.0

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) 235 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4658429005

52-page giant. The Dark Knight must do the unthinkable and team-up with Ra's Al Ghul to find the Daughter of the Demon before it's too late. It's the return of Talia in "Swamp Sinister." Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in a solo adventure in "The Outcast Society." Script by Mike Freidrich, art by Novick/Giordano. Reprint: Batman and Robin in "Castle with Wall-to-Wall Danger!" Script by John Broome, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella (from Detective Comics # 329). 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 237 FN+ 6.5

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) 241 FN- 5.5

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

Batman (1940) 241 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4627580002

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

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

Batman (1940) 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.

Batman (1940) 261 CGC 8.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4645782002

100-page giant. This issue's collection of new material and reprints features Batman's "secret weapons." Cover by Nick Cardy. New Batman story titled "The Mystery That Never Was!" (script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano). Reprints: "The Great Batman Contest!" (from 1956), "Crime's Manhunt!" (art by Dick Sprang; from 1944), "The 1,001 Inventions of Batman!" (art by Sprang; from 1957), "A Christmas Peril!" (art by Jerry Robinson; from 1944), "The Block-Buster Invaion of Gothan City!" (script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella; from the 1960s). 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 264 CGC 9.4

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4645782003

Cover art by Dick Giordano. Hostess Fruit Pies ad starring Superman, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Death of a Daredevil starring Batman, script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Dick Giordano. Batman must find Al "Devil" Dayre, who has been kidnapped. Letter to the editor from Peter Sanderson. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 267 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Label #4550601022

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Cover art by Dick Giordano. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Captain Marvel, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Invitation to a Murder! starring Batman, script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Dick Giordano; Batman battles an assassin named Django. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 289 VF 8.0

Cover art by Mike Grell. Hostess snack cakes ad with Green Lantern. "Sign of the Skull," script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Mike Grell, inks by Vince Colletta; "Skull" Dugger suffers from anhedonia, a psychological condition that robs him of the ability to experience joy, so he builds a machine that will allow him to feel it--by robbing joy and life from others at their moment of greatest pleasure; Batman succumbs to the machine. Remember the Five-Cent Phone Call? article by publisher Jenette Kahn. Bob Haney profile by Mike Gold. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 292 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #2123175001

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) 297 CGC 9.6

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4558588019

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Cover art by Jim Aparo. Hostess snack cakes ad with Aquaman and Mera. "The Mad Hatter Goes Straight!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Vince Colletta; The Mad Hatter, sad that crime isn't fun anymore, reminisces about his youth, when he would fantasize about being a white-hatted sheriff or a plume-hatted cavalier, or wearing the hat of a Foreign Legionnaire; Since his fantasies were always about fighting as a good guy, he decides to give up crime and go straight; Hatter begins by mimicking a sheriff on horseback and stops two muggers from robbing Bruce Wayne and his date. Letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. A Word About the Fight of the Century article by publisher Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 307 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4106820021

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) 308 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Label #2123175002

Cover art by Jim Aparo. "There'll Be a Cold Time in the Old Town Tonight!", script by Len Wein, pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; Bruce Wayne meets with Selina Kyle—the Catwoman now reformed; She wants to invest money in Wayne Enterprises; Batman, he answers a bat-signal summons to view the frozen body of financier Jacob Riker, who was iced for betraying Mr. Freeze; Another millionaire, John McVee, gets frozen in order to slow his aging processes increase his lifespan; Batman tracks down Mr. Freeze in his headquarters and becomes the villains slave. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Superman. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 313 VF- 7.5

Cover art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. "Two for the Money!", script by Len Wein, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Frank McLaughlin; Its a race against the clock as Batman attempts to recover stolen defense codes before Two-Face, who plans on selling the information to Soviet spies. Hostess snack cakes ad with Superman. Letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. Phantom Stranger parody strip with Power Girl by Fred Hembeck. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 324 CGC 7.5

Paper: White

Label #2123175003

Cover art by Jim Aparo. "The Cat Who Would Be King!" starring Batman, Catwoman, and James Gordon, script by Len Wein, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Bob Smith; Batman and Catwoman escape from the trap of a deadly Cats Cradle and trace the Catman to the islands owned by millionaire Adros Akropolis. Story continued from Batman #323. Hostess Twinkies ad starring the Flash, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Answer Man featuring Bob Rozakis. Flash, Batman & Vigilante parody strip by Fred Hembeck. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 351 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4271552001

Direct Edition. Cover pencils by Ernie Colon, inks by Dick Giordano. "What Stalks the Gotham Night?", script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Tony DeZuniga; Informed by Father Green that their vampiric curse may be lifted by a total blood transfusion or a serum from the Monks own blood, Batman goes with the priest to battle the Monk and Dala; Rupert Thorne is convinced by Vicki Vales photos that Bruce Wayne is Batman, and hires Deadshot to kill him. "Gentlemen Defer Blondes," script by Bruce Jones, pencils by Adrian Gonzales, inks by Adrian Gonzales; Catwoman learns that she was mistaken for Candy Carole by a loan shark who wants Candys hidden stash of money to pay off Roscoe Caroles debts. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 353 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4646301019

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) 359N FN/VF 7.0

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

Batman (1940) 361N FN/VF 7.0

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) 363 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4550407004

Direct Edition. Cover art by Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano. Elegant Night Crimes, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; Jason Todd plans on running away, Batman learns the origins of the Thief of Night and Nocturna (intro). Superman III Movie Sweepstakes. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 363 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4590970007

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Direct Edition. Cover art by Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano. Elegant Night Crimes, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; Jason Todd plans on running away, Batman learns the origins of the Thief of Night and Nocturna (intro). Superman III Movie Sweepstakes. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 386 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4660165002

Direct Edition. Cover by Tom Mandrake. "Black Mask: Losing Face" starring Batman, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Black Mask (1st appearance and origin), and Lucius Fox, script: Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; Roman Sionis loses his family's company, Janus Cosmetics, and turns to a life of crime as Black Mask. Part 1 of 3, continued in Detective Comics (1937) #553. Missive by letter hack T.M. Maple. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 386 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4509715011

Direct Edition. Cover by Tom Mandrake. "Black Mask: Losing Face" starring Batman, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Black Mask (1st appearance and origin), and Lucius Fox, script: Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; Roman Sionis loses his family's company, Janus Cosmetics, and turns to a life of crime as Black Mask. Part 1 of 3, continued in Detective Comics (1937) #553. Missive by letter hack T.M. Maple. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 404 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4659541002

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 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4659540023

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 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4659540025

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.