Batman (1940) comic books 1956-1969

Batman (1940) 116 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4029373003

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The City of Ancient Heroes," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; The trail of the infamous Gimmick Gang leads the Caped Crusaders into Legend City, where, once a year, its residents dress up like legendary characters of old and have a celebration. 2/3-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. Nature's Prize Pupil! public service announcement, art by Bob Brown. "Batwoman's New Identity," pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Caped Crusaders have to save Batwoman on two separate occasions as she is hot on the trail of the Funny Face Gang. "Benefit of Doubt" text story. Half-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Winged Bat-People," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin are suddenly pulled into the sonic barrier and transported to another world where they are mistaken for the inhabitant's avowed enemy: the winged Bat-People! One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 130 VG- 3.5

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Batman's Deadly Birthday," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Stan Kaye; Gotham City prepares a number of fund-raising events to celebrate the anniversary of Batman's first case; At every event, however, criminals manage to make off with the proceeds. Detective Comics #276 ad. Buzzy's "Famous Books" Quiz public service announcement with Buzzy, script by Jack Schiff, art by Ruben Moreira. "The Master of Weapons," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Graham is Paragon Pictures' technical director and designer of many historical weapons; While arguing with studio accountant Bailey over his need for more money, he takes a fall from a set piece, and is rushed to the hospital; Some time later, he vanishes from the hospital; One week later a new costumed villain hits Gotham, one armed with ancient weapons. Justice League of America ad. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Hand from Nowhere," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman investigates reports of a mysterious giant hand and some aliens present at thefts of seemingly worthless minerals. World's Finest Comics #108 ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 136 GD 2.0

Water damage.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Case of the Crazy Crimes," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; To have "some fun," Bat-Mite creates a series of imaginary villains for the Batman to overcome. The Batman Whirly-Word Game puzzle page. Children of Tomorrow! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bernard Baily. "The Town that Hated Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman visits an old mining town seeking a criminal, but when he begins asking questions about the man, the people become hostile toward the Caped Crusader. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Challenge of the Joker," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman faces the Joker, who, this time, uses the four basic elements to commit his crimes. One-page Strange Old Laws story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 151 GD+ 2.5

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) 157 GD+ 2.5

Water damage.

Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris. "The Villain of the Year," script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; After receiving a tip on a crime from reporter Hal Lake, Batman goes undercover and discovers that Lake is using an underworld alias in order to gather information, is mentally unbalanced, and a criminal called the Jackal. "The Hunt for Batman's Secret Identity," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; When Mirror Man escapes from prison and reforms his gang, he once again tries to prove his belief that Batman is Bruce Wayne...and he does...and doesn't! 2/3-page True Crime Laffs by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 160 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4378796015

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Mystery of Madcap Island," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Dynamic Duo track Ed Kiley to Madcap Island, home to numerous wealthy eccentrics, and discovers him murdered. 2/3-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff; Casey uses a bow and arrow instead of a gun in a hospital's quiet zone. "The Alien Boss of Gotham City," script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Caped Crusaders face a gang led by an apparent alien brandishing amazing weapons, but Batman suspects the alien is a phony...and proves it. Your Free Trip Around the World! public service announcement about libraries, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 162 CGC 2.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4350449002

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) 180 VG+ 4.5

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 CBCS 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #23-493D523-002

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 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3750972008

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 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white

Label #3993313006

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. Centerfold detached.

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) 185 VG/FN 5.0

Staple rust.

Reprints, 80-page giant. Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, Curt Swan, and Jim Mooney, inks by Stan Kaye, Sheldon Moldoff, and Charles Paris. "Batman, Junior" (from Detective Comics 231), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; When Batman doesn't allow Robin to come with him on a case, he's hurt, but more so when he accidently discovers a photo of the Caped Crusader with a younger version of himself taken years before there was a Robin. "Robin Falls in Love" (from Batman 107), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff inks by Charles Paris; Robin falls hard for a lovely young skater after saving her life...a romance that causes problems for Batman in their daily crime fighting chores! "Robin's New Boss" (from Batman 137), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Robin informs Batman that he is quitting the team to join up with a new crime fighter on the scene, Mr. Marvel, although Batman doesn't suspect the real reason why. "Robin, the Super Boy Wonder" (from Batman 150), 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! "The Boy Wonder Confesses!" (from Batman 81), script by David Vern, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Stan Kaye; When Dick is late to school one morning, he is asked by his teacher why...and he tells them that he was out catching a crook as Robin the Boy Wonder....then goes outside and proves it! "The Secret of the Ant-Man" (from Batman 156), 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. "Robin Dies at Dawn" (from Batman 156), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, 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. Inside front cover contains a photo ad for the 1966 Batman feature film. 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 190 GD/VG 3.0

Cover and first 5 wraps detached at one staple.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Penguin Takes a Flyer--Into the Future!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Penguin attempts to fool the Caped Crusaders into believing that his new tricks are based on futuristic technology. When this fails and his gang is captured the Fowl villain begins using robotic umbrellas against the Dynamic Duo. Letters from letter hack Guy H. Lillian III and Marvel colorist and assistant editor Irene Vartanoff. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Countdown on Excellence public service, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Jerry gets a lecture from his father on the importance of doing every job right. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 192 CGC 6.0

Paper: White

Label #2133236010

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Crystal Ball That Betrayed Batman!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Caped Crusaders accidently come across a crime committed by the Fearsome Foursome and succeed in capturing a member of that gang; Batman then disguises himself as that crook in order to infiltrate the gang and nab the leader...or so he thinks. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "Dick Grayson's Secret Guardian!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Dick Grayson meets the two new kids being bussed into his school, and invites them to be a part of Gotham High's basketball team; Toughy Loomis, one of those kids, wants to beat up Dick because he's a rich kid. Mystery of the Million-Dollar Briefcase! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 193 CBCS 8.5

Paper: White

Label #22-0FD4FF7-003

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) 197 VG 4.0

Centerfold detached at one staple.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Mike Esposito. 4th Silver Age appearance of Catwoman in book-length story, "Catwoman Sets Her Claws for Batman!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Frank Springer (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Catwoman decides to reform and become a crime fighter like Batman in order to get him to somehow propose to her; When he doesn't, she gives him an ultimatum: to marry her or she returns to crime! Letters to the editor from comics historian Peter Sanderson Jr. and Bob Pinaha (New England Comics). Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 200 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4149697002

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) 200 CGC 5.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4018363003

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) 204 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #4237308014

Cover art by Irv Novick. "Operation: Blindfold!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Joe Giella; An unscrupulous criminal named the Schemer kills an innocent blind man and plants evidence on him to lead Commissioner Gordon to believe that he is the Batman!; When the real Batman shows up on the scene, the Police arrest him, believing that he is a phony. Letters to the editor from Biljo White and Shel Dorf. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.