Auctions: comic books

Batman (1940) 100 GD- 1.8

Water damage. Oxidation. Writing on interior pages.

This is the hard-to-find and much sought after 100th issue. The three Batman and Robin stories in this issue are all new and not reprints. Cover pencils by Bob Kane, Dick Sprang, and Win Mortimer, inks by Bob Kane, Dick Sprang, Win Mortimer, Jerry Robinson, and Charles Paris. "Batmantown, U.S.A.", pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; When the city of Plainville decides to change its name to Batmantown in order to attract residents, Batman figures that it will draw the criminal element instead. Pioneers of 1976! public service announcement with Binky. "The Hunters of Gotham City," pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; An accident at the docks in Gotham City allows several animals to escape into the city, but Batman discovers that they were released on purpose: for jewel smuggling! 2/3-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. Detectives with Electric Eyes article by Jack Miller. "The Great Batman Contest," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman initiates a contest wherein boys submit their inventons in order to win a scholarship, while Batman hopes to find an invention that will serve him well in his crime fighting. 2/3-page O'Malley of the 4th Precinct story. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 126 GD- 1.8

2 centerfold wraps detached. Small lateral spine tears.

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. "The Mystery of the 49th Star," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman is called to Alaska to recover 49 diamonds stolen from a rich tycoon. 2/3-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. Water: A Good Friend or Deadly Enemy -- Depending on You! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Batman Lighthouse," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; While on patrol, the Caped Crusaders spot a signal given them by the lighthouse keeper, and the duo swing in to stop some foreign agents and a gang boss. "The Menace of the Firefly," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; While Bruce, Dick and Kathy attend a party, a mysterious criminal appears and robs everyone. When the Caped Crusader appears on the scene, Kathy suspects the host, Ted Carson, of being Batman...but she is due for a surprise! Letters column begins. 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) 153 VG- 3.5

Cover coming loose at one staple.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Prisoners of Three Worlds," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A strange alien arrives on Earth and begins stealing silver; When our four heroes begin pursuing him, they are all transported to different dimensions. True Crime Laffs humor/non-fiction page by Henry Boltinoff. Health Myths Debunked! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Half-page Shorty story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 223 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4378797025

DC Giant G-73. All reprints: "City Without Guns" (from Detective 196), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; When Bruce and Dick visit London's Scotland Yard, they are shocked to see a frame that once held a picture of Batman and Robin empty, and seek to find out why this has happened. "Batman of the Mounties" (from Batman 78), script by David Vern Reed, pencils by Bob Kane (signed, Batman & Robin figures only) and Lew Schwartz, inks by Stan Kaye; Batman and Robin are the guests for National Law Enforcement Week in Canada, but soon become involved in a manhunt with a Royal Canadian Mountie. "The Mardi Gras Mystery," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Jack Burnley (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin are invited to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras festival and get involved in the hunt for a hidden treasure aboard an old abandoned paddleboat. "Journey to the Top of the World" (from Batman 93), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin are informed of the loss of valuable microfilm atop Mount K-4, which reveals the names of many members of an international crime cartel. "Around the World in 8 Days" (from Detective 248), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Bandits break into a hospital and steal an experimental new drug....the only one that will save a patient, and Batman & Robin only have a week to discover its location and get it back so that the man can be injected with it.. Also 14 pages of newspaper strips from 1944. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 227 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4389005001

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Demon of Gothos Mansion!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Alfred receives a letter from his niece Daphne, saying she is a teacher to children at Gothos Mansion but thinks there is something strange; Batman decides to investigate and once he arrives at the place, he is attacked by some men, but easily defeats them; He then gets into Daphne's room, where she tells him she has discovered the children were Dwarves and she is forced to wear ancient clothes; On the wall there's a portrait of a girl who looks exactly like Daphne; Batman breaks the lock and opens the door of the room in order to leaves the room; However, he steps outside the room into a hallway and he falls through a trapdoor into a net; The Elder Heathrow and his men bind Batman's hands and he is placed on a stone with a noose round his neck; In about a quarter of an hour it will drop into the cellar and Batman will be hanged. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Help Me--I Think I'm Dead!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Mike Esposito; Professor "Buck" Stuart is running for congress against incumbent Forte on a platform of cleaning up the polluted river that Forte has allowed ICM to dump their chemicals into; When Stuart's campaign headquarters are burned to the ground, Robin investigates. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 230 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4213359013

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Take-Over of Paradise!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman disrupts violent protests and organizes the young people on the streets in order to put them on the right path protest; After a new housing project is announced, they commit violence again. Robin the Boy Wonder in "Danger Comes A-Looking!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Robin discovers who bombed the ROTC building on Hudson University. Letter to the editor from comics writer and DC "Answer Man" Bob Rozakis. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 234 VG+ 4.5

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) 245 CGC 8.0

Paper: White

Label #4378798023

Cover by Neal Adams. "The Bruce Wayne Murder Case!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano (pp. 1-2) and Neal Adams (pp. 3-15); Batman stops a crooked political group for framing another political group for the murder of Bruce Wayne. "Who Stole the Gift from Nowhere!", script by Elliot S! Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Luke Graham is accused of stealing $50,000 in cash that was sent anonymously to the Hudson University Library. Letter to the editor from comic writer David Michelinie. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 246 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4378798024

Cover art by Dave Cockrum and Neal Adams. How Many Ways Can a Robin Die? starring Batman, script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick (pp 1-17) and Dick Dillin (pp 18-23), inks by Dick Giordano; Batman must rescue the real Robin from some crazies who are using dummies to demonstrate various ways to kill Robin. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4350609001

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

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4389004002

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

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 4.5

Paper: White

Slab: See item notes

Minor plastic debris.

Label #3998519001

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

Batman (1940) 251 GD 2.0

3" spine split from bottom. Cover detached at one staple. Cover oxidation.

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) 257 CBCS 9.0

Paper: White

Label #22-0FD4FF7-005

100-page giant. Cover by Nick Cardy. "Hail Emperor Penguin!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; When a young King is kidnapped by the Penguin, it takes the efforts of Batman, Robin and Talia to free him from the madman's clutches. The Penguin's Unique Umbrellas! panels from previous comics. "Hunt for a Robin-Killer!", script by Gardner F. Fox, art by Gil Kane; After finding the Boy Wonder nearly dead from a brutal beating, a vengeful Batman hits the streets to find the man responsible. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Ally Babble and the Fourteen Peeves!", script by Bill Finger, art by Dick Sprang; Ally Babble accepts the offer of $5000 from a rich man to eliminate 14 peeves he has against others, but is soon charged with ripping off the man who paid him. "Conversational Clue!", script by Mort Weisinger, art by Jerry Robinson; When Alfred accidently hears some unsettling conversation in a local library, he follows the clue up...which nearly costs him his life! "Die Small--Die Big!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; The appearance of a man dressed as the Batman at a party at Wayne Mansion and carrying a death threat for the Caped Crusader spurs Batman to attack the problem alone without the aid of Robin. "Rackety-Rax Racket!", script by Don Cameron, art by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane); A series of crazy college initiations are actually a blind for daring thefts masterminded by the Joker! 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 287 FN 6.0

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) 296 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4279412009

Cover pencils by Sal Amendola, inks by Al Milgrom. "The Sinister Straws of the Scarecrow," script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Sal Amendola; Criminals are running scared because of the fear instilled by the Scarecrow; They turn over their stolen goods to the police; Batman steps in and battles Scarecrow. Letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. Daily Planet Volume 77 Issue 45 Week of November 7, 1977 article by Bob Rozakis; Information on Showcase #97, World's Finest Comics #249, comics on sale the week of November 14th and Ask the Answer Man! 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 301 FN- 5.5

Cover art by Jim Aparo. "The Only Man Batman Ever Killed!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; Perry Travers dies during a botched robbery and his autopsy reveals his membership as a Wirehead in the mob of The Overlord; Batman takes to a disguise as Akeldama to smoke out The Overlord and a mole in the police department, and arrives just as Luke Brant kills The Overlord. Hostess Cup Cakes ad starring Superman. Batman's Strangest Cases! ad. The DC Explosion! ad. Outstripping Ourselves article by Jenette Kahn; Publisher discusses a new upcoming DC newspaper comic strip based on the Justice League of America, titled "The World's Greatest Superheroes." 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 313 CBCS 9.2

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #21-1C18334-003

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) 313 FN 6.0

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) 321 FN 6.0

Cover by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. "Dreadful Birthday, Dear Joker...!", script by Len Wein, pencils by Walt Simonson, inks by Dick Giordano; The Joker celebrates his birthday by rounding up his enemies from all around town, including Robin, James Gordon, Selina Kyle, and Alfred Pennyworth; The Joker, after his plan is foiled, escapes on a speed boat. Hostess snack cakes ad starring Hawkman. Answer Man DC questions and answers by Bob Rozakis. Man-Bat parody strip by Fred Hembeck. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 323 VF- 7.5

Story continues from # 322. Batman solo adventure, "The Cat Who Would be King!" in which he has both the Catwoman AND Catman to deal with! What a job! Script by Len Wein, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Bob Smith. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 357 FN+ 6.5 1st Printing

Water spotting.

1st printing. 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) 358 VF- 7.5

Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. 1st full appearance of Killer Croc in "Don't Mess with Killer Croc!" starring Batman, Robin, Commissioner Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth, Trina Todd, and The Squid, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Rodin Rodriguez; With the Squid eliminated, Killer Croc appoints himself the new head of the Gotham Underground as Batman puts together the pieces of Killer Croc's involvement in the Squid's death. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 368 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4403190002

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) 399 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition

Label #16-3717D5B-058

Cover art by Tom Mandrake. "Strike Two!", script by Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; Batman and Catwoman continue to try to get the goods on Roy Spivey, who has shrunk the head of his decapitated victim; The dead lady's head is mailed to her roommate's boyfriend; Batman stakes out and bugged the suspect's apartment; The surprises mount and an era comes to an end in this issue. Part 2 of 2, continued from Detective Comics (1937) #565. 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+ 8.5

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) 410REP CBCS 9.4

Paper: White

Third Printing.

Label #19-2A91623-023

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2nd or later printing. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 411REP CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Second Printing.

Label #19-2A91623-024

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2nd or later printing. In "Second Chance", Jason Todd's connection to Two-Face causes Todd to lose control. Part 2 of 2, continued from the previous issue. Script by Max Allan Collins, pencils by Dave Cockrum, inks by Don Heck. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 423D CGC 9.6 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #4311697004

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) 423D CGC 9.6 SS Todd McFarlane 1st Printing

Paper: White

Signed by Todd McFarlane on 2/19/23.

Label #4169856008

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) 423D CGC 9.6 SS Todd McFarlane 1st Printing

Paper: White

Signed by Todd McFarlane on 2/19/23.

Label #4169856007

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 9.8 Reprint

Paper: White

Second Printing

Label #0358932008

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

Batman (1940) 423REP CGC 9.4 Reprint

Paper: White

Second Printing.

Label #4366232011

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

Batman (1940) 426 FN+ 6.5

1st printing. 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 CGC 9.4

Paper: Off white to white

Slab: See item notes

Label strip detached.

Label #0038568035

1st printing. 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+ 6.5

1st printing. 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 VF+ 8.5

1st printing. 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/VF 7.0

1st printing. 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) 429D CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4392869010

First printing. Direct Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 4 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Batman and Superman talk to CIA agent Ralph Bundy about the Joker's diplomatic status; The agent tries to get Batman to leave the Joker alone; Batman goes to the Joker's hotel room; The Joker confirms that he killed Jason; The Joker pulls a gun, but Batman is already gone; At the UN the Joker tries to poison the audience; Fortunately, Superman sucks up all the poison and flies out of the room to release it; The Joker activates bombs; Batman pursues him. 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) 429D VF+ 8.5

First printing. Direct Edition. Cover art by Mike Mignola. "A Death in the Family" part 4 of 4, script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Batman and Superman talk to CIA agent Ralph Bundy about the Joker's diplomatic status; The agent tries to get Batman to leave the Joker alone; Batman goes to the Joker's hotel room; The Joker confirms that he killed Jason; The Joker pulls a gun, but Batman is already gone; At the UN the Joker tries to poison the audience; Fortunately, Superman sucks up all the poison and flies out of the room to release it; The Joker activates bombs; Batman pursues him. 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) 443 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-198539E-007

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Crimesmith enlists others to carry out robberies, and doesn't suffer betrayal well, in "The Coming Of Crimesmith". Part 1 of 2, continued next issue. Script by Marv Wolfman, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo. Insert comic: 16-page promotion for Lightning Racers race car toys. Val Semeiks/Michael Bair cover. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.