Auctions: comic books July 1981, graded by CGC

Batman (1940) 337 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4341477020

Batman tries to uncover the true identity of the villainous Snowman terrorizing the city in "Where Walks A Snowman." Script by Gerry Conway. Plot assist by Roy Thomas. Art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez & Steve Mitchell. Back-up tale: Robin in "Murder on the Midway." Continued next issue. Written by Gerry Conway. Art by Don Newton & Larry Mahlstedt. Cover by Jim Aparo. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.50.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 504 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4341741009

Cover art by Jim Starlin. "The Joker's Rumpus Room Revenge!", script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Dan Adkins; After escaping from Arkham Asylum, Joker murders an elder toymaker, who designed several deadly toys under Joker's instructions; When the Gotham City Police Department find the dead man, Commissioner Gordon summons Batman to assist on the investigation, but the Dark Knight's presence is not welcome by Mayoral Candidate, Arthur Reeves, who is supported by the new upstart reporter in town Olivia Ortega; Batman disregards any comments from Reeves and Ortega and takes evidence that will help his investigation later; The next day, Bruce Wayne attends a famous exhibition of a very expensive train model and he is forced to switch to his Batman gear when Joker shows up and steals the model. Gold for Dessert Hostess snack cakes ad with Plastic Man. "A Day in the Life of a Cop," script by Paul Kupperberg, pencils by Jose Delbo, inks by Joe Giella; During a planned raid on a drug laboratory, Commissioner Gordon, in this solo tale, is unable to find the required evidence; He suspects that Lt. Larsen has allied himself with the criminals and warned them about the raid. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.50.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 232 CGC 9.8

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3868154014

"Back to the Basics!" Script and Art by John Byrne. Cover by John Byrne and Terry Austin. A new era begins for the Fantastic Four as John Byrne starts his 5-year stint as writer and artist for the series. However, the new era kicks off with an old villain...Diablo! The Master of Alchemy cooks up four creatures of earth, wind, water, and fire to battle the FF! Cameo appearances by Doctor Strange and Frankie Raye. (Notes: John Byrne inks this issue under the pseudonym (or anagram) Bjorn Heyn. Diablo appears next in Iron Man 159.) 32 pages Cover price $0.50.

Madame Xanadu (1981 1st Series) 1 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Slab: See item notes

Severe front/back scuff(s).

Label #3972691006

Step thru the doorway into nightmare with Madame Xanadu in the 25-page "Dance For Two Demons." Script by Steve Englehart, art by Marshall Rogers. Madame Xanadu centerfold by Michael W. Kaluta. Plus: A disease that transforms and corrupts is explored in the 7-page science fiction tale "Falling Down to Heaven..." Script by J.M. DeMatteis, art by Brian Bolland. Cover by Michael W. Kaluta. Cover price $1.00.

Madame Xanadu (1981 1st Series) 1 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #3972691009

Step thru the doorway into nightmare with Madame Xanadu in the 25-page "Dance For Two Demons." Script by Steve Englehart, art by Marshall Rogers. Madame Xanadu centerfold by Michael W. Kaluta. Plus: A disease that transforms and corrupts is explored in the 7-page science fiction tale "Falling Down to Heaven..." Script by J.M. DeMatteis, art by Brian Bolland. Cover by Michael W. Kaluta. Cover price $1.00.

Master of Kung Fu (1974 Marvel) 102 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4416401020

"A Vision of Winter in Spring!" Story by Peter Gillis. Art by Gene Day. Shang Chi has been sent to Provence in the south of France to recuperate, but where the Master of Kung Fu treks...trouble is sure to follow. Chi meets a beautiful young woman harboring a deadly secret. This issue includes a 4-page gallery of Kung Fu featuring art by Mike Zeck and Gene Day. 32 pages. Cover price $0.50.