Auctions: comic books published by DC

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.

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) 224 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4378798001

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Carnival of the Cursed," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Investigating the murder of a jazz musician in New Orleans, Batman encounters the powerful Moloch and his gang, who are seeking the victim's trumpet for a hidden map to a gold mine; After Batman's first encounter against the beastly Moloch, he starts following the clues left by the thugs and he realizes that Moloch's gang has kidnapped one of the late musician's friends. Letter from comics writer Martin Pasko. 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) 248 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4378799001

Cover by Michael Kaluta. "Death-Knell for a Traitor!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman follows an ex-Navy man who turned traitor during World War II to take a fabulous diamond from the Japanese; Batman realizes that said Navy man is in league with criminal Colonel Sulphur, and he has to stop them from recovering the diamond. "The Immortals of Usen Castle," script by Elliot S! Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Frank McLaughlin; Dick Grayson and Diane Lewis are giving some local youths a tour of a castle that is supposedly haunted; When Diana and some of the children disappear, Dick changes to Robin and discovers the secret behind the "ghosts" in the castle. 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) 253 FN+ 6.5

Slight staple rust.

Cover by Michael Kaluta. Witness the first meeting of Batman and the Shadow in "Who Knows What Evil--?", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman stops counterfeiters and learns that their secret hideout is in Arizona; He travels to the desert and is assisted by a mysterious figure who saves him and helps him capture the bad guys; Batman meets The Shadow, the mysterious vigilante who inspired him to begin his own crime-fighting career Batman tries to convince The Shadow to come out of retirement. "The Legion of Super-Heroes"; Behind the Scenes at the DC Comic World article by Paul Levitz, art by Dave Cockrum and Sergio Aragones. Letter to the editor from writer and DC Comics "Answer Man" Bob Rozakis. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 254 CGC 8.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4389449009

100-page giant. This issue features Batman tales from the forties, fifties, sixties, and seventies. Cover by Nick Cardy. "King of the Gotham Jungle!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; The recent rash of unsolved robberies in Gotham City spurs Man-Bat to come out of retirement. "The Witch and the Manuscript of Doom," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Batman and Robin must track down The Witch, a mysterious figure responsible for the murder of Erik Dorne and the theft of a manuscript he wrote. "The Bullet-Hole Club!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; A private detective petitions Batman and the other members of the prestigious "Bullet Hole Club" to become a member---even if he has to purposely put himself in the way of bodily harm to do it! Shazam Awards Behind the Scenes at the DC Comic World article, pencils by Ross Andru and Bernie Wrightson, inks by Bernie Wrightson. "The Man Who Stole from Batman" (from Detective Comics #334), script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; A new and unusual villain makes him presence known by stealing from the Batman: his Batmobile, Bat-a-Rang, and Bat-Boat, yet Batman cannot figure out WHY he would do such a thing. "The Phenomenal Memory of Luke Graham!", script by Elliot S! Maggin, pencils by Dick Dillin, inks by Murphy Anderson; Luke Graham needs the help of Robin the Teen Wonder to convince his college professor that a report he prepared on the Chinese iron industry was not plagiarized. "The Son of the Joker" (from Batman #145), script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane); In this imaginary story, penned by Alfred, trusted butler of Bruce Wayne, the Second Batman & Robin team run up against the Son of the Joker! Bat-Maze activity page. "The Guardian of the Bat-Signal!" (from Batman #85), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris; A long-time veteran of the Gotham City Police Department is about to be retired, when Batman suggests that he be put in charge of the Bat-Signal. 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.50.

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 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #3924916007

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) 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 9.4 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 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4349473013

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 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-006

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.

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.

Batman (1940) 445 CBCS 9.8 1st Printing

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-1984276-024

Cover by Brian Bolland. "When the Earth Dies! Chapter One: Red Square! Bloody Square!" starrubg Slasher, Com. Gordon, Alfred, and Vicki Vale; script by Marv Wolfman, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo; Batman travels to the Soviet Union to track down the KGBeast's protege the NKVDemon, who is on a murdering spree; The brutal fight that ensues nearly costs Batman his life; Demon (protege of KGBeast, NOT Etrigan) appearance. "From the Den" column by Denny O'Neil. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 447 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-198539E-015

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The Demon (not Etrigan) is murdering leading members of the communist party, and his final target is Premier Mikhail Gorbachev in "Earth Day! Demon Night!" Part 3 of 3, continued from the previous issue. Written by Marv Wolfman. Art by Jim Aparo & Mike DeCarlo. Cover by Brian Bolland. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 451 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Slab: See item notes

Severe front/back scuff(s).

Label #3818159001

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

Batman (1940) 457D CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #3729820005

Direct Edition. Tim Drake becomes Robin. While Batman tries to fight the effects of Scarecrow's fear toxins, Tim Drake must overcome his own fears if he hopes to rescue the caped crusader in "Master of Fear." Script by Alan Grant, art by Norm Breyfogle and Steve Mitchell. Cover by Breyfogle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 469 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-2599D8C-018

Part 3 of the 3-part 'Shadow Box,' continued from the previous issue. King Snake wants Robin dead, but he'll have to go through Batman to get him...while the murderous Lynx does her best to help destroy the Boy Wonder. Written by Chuck Dixon, with art by Tom Lyle and Scott Hanna. Cover by Lyle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 473 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-2599D8C-023

Cover by Norm Breyfogle. "The Idiot!" Part 3 of 4, script by Peter Milligan, art by Norm Breyfogle; Held captive, Batman tries to reason with Dr. Crosby, but Crosby is too deluded by the Idiot's promises to listen; Before he can inject Batman with the idiot root extract, hes attacked by Zeno; Zeno ends up freeing Batman because conscience would not allow him to abandon a man who had saved his life; Crosby's angels attack Batman; The Idiot attacks Batman. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 477 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-259AD0A-004

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Part 1 of the 2-part 'A Gotham Tale.' Batman is trapped in a vault with two other people, with only enough air for two! As they wait for workers to break them free, each of the victims explains why he should survive. Continued next issue. Written by John Wagner, with art by Cam Kennedy. Photo cover by Tom Taggart. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 497D CGC 9.8 Direct Variant 1st Printing

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4381293014

This is the direct edition with the overlay cover. Bane breaks Batman's back in Batman KnightFall Part 11. Home turf does not prove an advantage when Bane breaks Batman's back in the Batcave in "The Broken Bat." KnightFall continues in Detective Comics (1937- ) #664. Written by Doug Moench. Pencils by Jim Aparo. Inks by Dick Giordano. Cover by Kelley Jones. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 500D CBCS 7.0 Die-Cut Variant

Paper: White

Collector's Edition.

Label #21-22F6136-010

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THIS COMIC IS NOT POLYBAGGED. KnightFall Part 19. The concluding chapter of KnightFall finds Batman (Jean-Paul Valley) determined to break Bane the way the villain broke his predecessor in "Dark Angel." Nightwing cameo. Written by Doug Moench. Art for Chapter 1 ("The Fall") by Jim Aparo & Terry Austin. Art for Chapter 2 ("The Descent") by Mike Manley. Comes with 2 postcards: 'Classic Batman' by Jim Aparo and 'The New Batman' by Mike Manley. Wraparound die-cut cover by Joe Quesada & Kevin Nowlan. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $3.95.

Batman (1940) 531D CBCS 9.8 Jones Glow Variant

Paper: White

Glow-In-The-Dark Edition.

Label #21-22C7798-004

Glow cover with Deadman. The Deadman Connection Part 2 of 3: Cult of the Mummy - Written by Doug Moench. Art by Kelley Jones and John Beatty. The Dark Knight and special guest star, Deadman, take their investigation to Peru, where they battle an army of mercenaries who have enslaved the native population! 32 pages, full color. NOTE: As noted in the letters column of #534, some key dialogue was garbled on page 4 of #531, and word balloons were out of sequence in the last panel of page 18. On page 4, Bruce Wayne should have said: "It may be that all the subatomic particles in existence are interconnected, forming a single universal and non-local consciousness of which any one piece contains all the information required to replicate the entire universe, just as any living cell contains all the non-local genetic information necessary to clone an entire new organism." And the correct sequence of page 18's dialogue is: BATMAN: "Put your arms around my neck, Brand - and hold on tight!" DEADMAN: "No way on a first date, pal." BATMAN: "They're coming - and there's no other way across." DEADMAN: "Hey, you ain't the only one who can swing through the air with the greatest of ease..." 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.50.