Auctions: comic books in 'Batman'

Batgirl (2011 4th Series) 40B CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Variant Cover.

Label #4501652007

Movie Poster Variant Edition by Cliff Chiang. Written by Cameron Stewart and Brendan Fletcher. Art by Babs Tarr. A decision Barbara made during her darkest days in Gotham City returns to haunt her! What was it? And how does it tie into the evil impostor Batgirl? Find out here! 32 pages, full color. Rated T Cover price $2.99.

Batman (1940) 1 CGC Page 19 Only

Paper: Cream to off white

Slab: Minor side/edge crack(s)

Page 19 Only.

Label #4215354007

Cover by Bob Kane. Reprints the origin of Batman from Detective Comics #33 with splash page from #34 by Bob Kane. "The Legend of the Batman - Who He Is and How He Came to Be!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff (backgrounds); Bruce Wayne's parents are murdered by a cheap crook, and young Bruce vows to avenge their deaths by warring on all criminals. First appearance of the Joker in "The Joker," script by Bill Finger, art by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson; Batman faces a new criminal who succeeds in killing famous men and stealing their prized possessions, leaving them all with "a smile" on their face! "The Giants of Hugo Strange," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane (signed) and Jerry Robinson (backgrounds); The Batman faces an arch criminal who has invented a serum to create a race of giant monsters, and nearly becomes one of them himself! "Strictly Publicity" text story by Guy Monroe. Biography of Batman creator Bob Kane, with photo. First appearance of the Cat (destined to become Catwoman), the first villainess in comic books, in "The Cat," script by Bill Finger, art by Bob Kane; Batman and Robin take a trip aboard an exclusive yacht in order to prevent the theft of the Travers necklace at the hands of the Cat! "Two Aces" text story by George Shute, art by Raymond Perry. Ginger Snap two-page story by Bob Kane (as Ted Raye). "The Joker Returns," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson (backgrounds); The Joker escapes from prison to continue his rampage of death and to steal the famed Cleopatra necklace and Fire Ruby. Detective Comics ad. First Batman and Robin pin-up on the back cover. All stories in this issue consist of reprint material drawn from previous issues of Detective Comics. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 4 0.3 (R)

Trimmed

INCOMPLETE. TRIMMED. Married pages. Only 11 front/back pages present (all stories affected) and fully split/cut along the spine.

Cover pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson. "The Case of the Joker's Crime Circus!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Joker organizes a crime circus that performs at the homes of wealthy patrons to size up the joint, then later robs them. "Blackbeard's Crew and the Yacht Society," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); When an exclusive yacht is taken over by a band of pirates led by the immortal Blackbeard himself, the Batman and Robin come aboard to swab the decks with them. "Public Enemy No. 1," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); Batman must contend with Jimmy McCoy, a young bully who claws his way up through the ranks until he becomes the overlord of crime, but ends up being deserted by his mob, hunted by the Police and killed in a gutter. "Code of the Glove" text story, script by Clem Gordon, art by Raymond Perry. Two-page Ginger Snap story by Bob Kane (as Lou Reed). "Touchdown for Justice," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos (backgrounds); The Caped Crusader doubles as a star football player, who has been kidnapped in order that his team will lose and criminals will gain big time from the bets they have made. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 20 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white

Label #0992950001

Cover by Dick Sprang. "The Centuries of Crime!", script by Don Cameron, pencils by Jack Burnley, inks by Jack Burnley and Ray Burnley (backgrounds); The Joker enlists the aid of a fraudulent scientist and swami, convincing them that they can successfully carry out their fleecing of victims: in the past and the future! Jerry the Jitterbug humor page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Trial of Titus Keyes!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson; Batman and Robin, figuring that the case in court against Titus Keyes is much too pat, investigate and discover the real culprit: the cell-mate of Keyes when he was in prison. One-page Hectic History story by Jack Farr. "The Lawmen of the Sea," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Jack Burnley, inks by Jack Burnley and Ray Burnley (backgrounds); In the 2nd story of a series involving various police divisions, Batman and Robin team-up with the Harbor Patrol to track down harbor pirates! "Convoy Sighted" text story by Walt Abbot. "Bruce Wayne Loses the Guardianship of Dick Grayson!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson; One day a couple show up at the Wayne mansion claiming to be the Aunt and Uncle of Dick Grayson, and they successfully get custody of the boy. But Batman smells a rat when the couple call up Bruce Wayne and offer him the opportunity to "buy" Dick back! 60 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 25 CGC 6.0 SS Robinson

Paper: Cream to off white

Signed by Jerry Robinson on 07/24/2010.

Label #0169290001

Cover by Dick Sprang. "Knights of Knavery," script by Don Cameron, pencils by Jack Burnley (as Bob Kane), inks by Jerry Robinson; Batman's attempt to set a trap to catch the Penguin and the Joker backfires and the two criminals form a partnership to commit crimes and outwit the Caped Crusaders. "The Sheik of Gotham City!", script by Alvin Schwartz, pencils by Jack Burnley (as Bob Kane), inks by Jerry Robinson; An evil, former Sheik in Bahgdad learns that the true Sheik, once thought dead, is alive and well, living in exile in Gotham City as a cab driver, so he travels to Gotham to find this man and kill him. 2-page "A Blow for Freedom" by Stan Carter. "The Mesmerized Manhunter!", script by Don Cameron, art by Jerry Robinson; Alfred decides to go to the theatre one night to use his detective skills to expose the tricks of a stage magician, and ends up capturing a thief who stole the box office receipts while being hypnotized! "The Kilowatt Cowboys!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Jack Burnley (as Bob Kane), inks by Jerry Robinson; The Caped Crusaders are sent to investigate the thefts of valuable copper wire from the Rocky Dam Light and Power Company, which is erecting a power cable into a new territory. 1-page Private Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 26 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4317526001

Cover by Jerry Robinson. "Twenty-Ton Robbery!", script by Don Cameron, art by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane); The Cavalier returns in disguise to acquire a new mob that he plans to use to rob the city blind, but the theft of a whale undoes his plans. "Recipe for Revenge!", script by Jack Schiff, art by Jerry Robinson; Alfred criticizes Bruce and Dick for not eating healthy meals, because of the crime-fighting activities, so he heads to the market to stock up on "good" food and runs headlong into a case he thinks that only he can solve. "The Year 3000!", script by Joseph Greene, art by Dick Sprang; In the year 3000, a man, who is the direct descendant of Bruce Wayne, and his son, run across a time capsule containing the exploits of Batman and Robin, and don those guises in order to fight and rally support against a warlord named Fura. "Night Rider" text story by Tod Lowry. "Crime Comes to Lost Mesa!", script by Don Cameron, art by Dick Sprang; Two criminals enlist the aid of an Indian medicine man as a cover to allow them to rob the tribal temple of its riches. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 42 CGC 1.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4389533004

Cover pencils by Jack Burnley, inks by Charles Paris. "Claws of the Catwoman!", script by Bill Finger, art by Charles Paris; Catwoman escapes from prison and starts a crime spree, basing her crimes on famous fictional cat stories; Batman and Robin investigate the case and they confront the plunder princess on several occasions, but they are outsmarted each time. Wheaties ad with Pete Reiser. "Blind Man's Bluff!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Charles Paris and Curt Swan (next to last panel last page only), inks by Charles Paris and Stan Kaye (next to last panel last page only); A criminal learns that a police officer suspects Bruce Wayne is Batman and he pretends to use the secret to his advantage; Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne has been left blind on a heroic act while saving a kid from a burning building. Chief Hot Foot half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "Death Stalk" text story by Bob Baker. "The Robot Robbers!", script by Bill Finger, art by Charles Paris; Three criminals who had been sentenced to life in prison are set free on their old years by an unknown person; They are taken to the house of Doctor Hercules, who informs them that he wants to use their special criminal talents and he provides them with enormous robots that they can remotely control, in order to fulfill the crimes they are no longer capable of because of their age; Using the robots, the thugs start a crime spree in Gotham City and their actions get the attention of Batman and Robin. Playful Pop one-page story by Phil Berube. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 78 FR/GD 1.5

Cover oxidation. Water damage.

Cover by Win Mortimer. "The Manhunter From Mars!", script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; The Batman learns that the new criminal called The Stranger is really a Martian, and, with the help of a lawman from Mars, tracks him down. Half-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Sinister Stamps!", pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; A philatelist has collection of stamps that depict past tragedies and accidents; When members of a Stamp Collectors Club begin dying in a similar way to the accidents from the stamps, investigates. I Confess! article by Jack Miller (as John Marston), art by Raymond Perry. One-page Jerry the Jitterbug story by Henry Boltinoff. How to Spend a Summer Week! public service announcement with Binky, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer. "Batman of the Mounties!", script by David Vern, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre 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. One-page Professor Eureka story by Henry Boltinoff. 44 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 112 GD/VG 3.0

2 1/2" cumulative spine split. Cover oxidation.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. The Trick Is to Treat All the World's Children! public service announcement, art by Ruben Moreira. "The Signalman of Crime," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A small time criminal moves to Gotham and initiates a series of crimes, dressed as the bizarre Signalman; But Batman solves the clues to Signalman's crimes and nabs him. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "Batman's Roman Holiday!", script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Professor Nichols contacts Bruce and Dick to show them his new time ray, and asks then to send him back into the days of ancient Rome so he can experience what they do on their travels. "Trouble on the London Express" text story. "Am I Really Batman?", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman wakes from a sound sleep to find himself in a mental ward, not realizing that a Professor Milo had given him a dose of amnesia gas that dulls the will to live. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 164 VG+ 4.5

Water spotting.

Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Joe Giella. "Two-Way Gem Caper!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman discovers a plot to waylay a group of folk singers in order to perpetrate the theft of a pearl from a museum, and eventually nabs the villain after foiling a trap set for the criminal. "Batman's Great Face-Saving Feat!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; A private investigator seeks to join the Mystery Analysts, but is blackballed by Batman for a very specific reason. Ancient Crime-Detection Methods! fact page. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 165 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Man Who Quit the Human Race!", script by Gardner F. Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; When it is discovered that he is a mutant, Governor Warner agrees to step down from office and undergo an experiment that will allow him to quickly evolve. "The Dilemma of the Detective's Daughter," script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Patricia Powell graduates from the Police Academy with top honors and receives her rewards from the Batman, whom she tells that she has a great affection for Bruce Wayne. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 167 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4360461001

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Zero Hour for Earth!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; A dying Interpol man informs Batman that a criminal named Karabi has plans to instigate a nuclear war. Half-page filler about the component parts of the nucleus of an atom. 2/3-page Strange Laws humor/non-fiction feature by Henry Boltinoff. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 169 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white

Label #1291494001

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. Don't Give Fire a Place to Start! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer. "Partners in Plunder!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Penguin uses an umbrella barrage to trick Batman into planning his next crime for him. "A Bad Day for Batman!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Batman tells the press about his bad day, in which he returns to the scene of a previous case to retrieve some rope, and spots a jewel thief; He pursues, but a series of bad breaks allows the felon to escape. Fingerprint Facts non-fiction page, script by Julius Schwartz, pencils by Morris Waldinger, inks by Tom Nicolosi. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Friedrich. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 174 VG- 3.5

Mothball odor.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Human Punching Bag!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Hunter breaks the Getaway Genius out of jail in order to provide a getaway gimmick, all the while planning a trap for the Batman. The Time of Death article. "Nature's Bill of Rights," script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Two boys who are polluting a stream are given an anti-pollution lesson by a fisherman. "The Off-Again On-Again Lightbulbs!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; When Batman arrives at the Wednesday meeting of the Mystery Analysts, a cleaning man enters and announces that it is actually Friday, and he can prove it with a copy of that day's paper; Before anyone can question why, the cleaning man hypnotizes the group, not realizing the Batman is unaffected. Half-page Little Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 189 CGC 2.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #0269704003

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. 1st Silver Age appearance of Scarecrow in book-length story, "Fright of the Scarecrow!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; While entertaining some children in the park, Dick happens to notice the Scarecrow retrieving buried loot from a past robbery; He calls in Batman and together they battle their old foe until they are blinded by Scarecrow's fear gas. Little Pete humor half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Letter from comic book writer Mark Evanier. Peace on Earth public service announcement. Eyes Front! humor half-page by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 197 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4419911003

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) 222 CGC 8.0

Paper: White

Label #3922386001

Cover art by Neal Adams. "Dead... Till Proven Alive!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Rock fans worldwide are finding clues buried in Oliver Twists albums that the lead singer, Saul Cartwright, is dead and has been replaced by an impostor; Batman and Robin investigate the matter while the rockers are guests at Wayne Manor and find criminal ties to one member; During their investigations, the Dynamic Duo come across a couple of deadly traps and they realize that one of the members of the group has tried to kill them. "So You Want to be a Cartoonist?" article by Joe Kubert. "Case of No Consequence!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; After a long night of fighting crime, Batman is exhausted, but as he is ready to return home, he spots a mugger taking away something from a man; When Batman approaches, he learns that the victim was mute and could only speak in hand signs; The man tells Batman that the thief took away his camera, which is his only means of livelihood; Batman decides to fulfill the mute photographer's request to retrieve his stolen camera and he starts a chase across the city. Letters to the editor from comic writer Mike Barr, comic artist John Workman, and comics historian Bill Schelly. Beatles cover appearance. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 227 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Label #4213924015

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) 227 CGC 6.5 SS Adams

Paper: Cream to off white

Signed by Neal Adams on 7/24/10

Label #1018121002

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) 229 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4406050012

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Asylum of the Futurians!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Late one night, on a road on the outskirts of Gotham City, Batman finds a young woman who is trying to find someone to save her husband who has been abducted by a strange group of people. "Temperature Boiling... and Rising!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Frank Giacoia; Robin discovers the truth behind a fake photo of candidate Stuart and who burned down his campaign headquarters. Fantastic Fingerprints! filler page; 3 panel illustrations with accompanying text. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. 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) 234 CGC 2.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #0255649005

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) 241 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4224840004

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

Batman (1940) 243 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4457582005

Batman follows a lead that takes half-way around the world on the trail of "The Lazarus Pit!" Talia appearance. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 249 VF- 7.5

Cover by Dick Giordano. "The Citadel of Crime," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman tracks down the boss behind a gun-smuggling operation. "Case of the Kidnaped Crusader!", script by Elliot S! Maggin, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Frank McLaughlin; Tom Carson, a consumer advocate, goes missing during the test drive of a new experimental car. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white

Slab: Significant front/back scuff(s)

Label #4169993005

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 VG+ 4.5

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) 282 VF 8.0

Cover art by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua) and Vince Colletta. Hostess Fruit Pies ad starring The Joker, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Four Doorways to Danger!, script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Tex Blaisdell; Batman battles the Special Police Unit, impersonates their major, and heads off for Burundi. Justice for all Includes Children, 8 public service announcement starring Superman, art by Curt Swan. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 293 VF+ 8.5

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The third installment of the "Who Killed Batman?" storyline: "Where Were You on the Night Batman Was Killed?: The Testimony of Luthor!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; Lex Luthor's claim to have killed the Batman is refuted by surprise witness Superman, who convinces the jury that Luthor did not kill Batman, as he thought; Batman and Superman team-up to take on Lex. Hostess snack cakes ad with Wonder Woman. Letter from comics artist Adam Castro. The Greatest Superman Story Ever Told article by publisher Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 296 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4332325003

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) 296 VG/FN 5.0

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) 353 VF 8.0

Cover art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. "Last Laugh," script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, inks by Dan Adkins; After getting Arthur Reeves to confess that Rupert Thorne gave him doctored photos of the Batman's "secret identity", Batman goes after the Joker, is captured, and finds himself tied to the side of a cliff in New Jersey set to explode in the shape of giant Joker-bust that the Clown Prince of Crime so dearly wants but is thwarted by the caped crusader. 15-page Masters of the Universe preview insert co-starring Superman: "Fate is the Killer" by Paul Kupperberg, Curt Swan & Dave Hunt. "The Sting--Batman Style," script by Mike Barr, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Dennis Jensen; Robin is conned into endorsing a phony fund drive for the Gotham Boys League; However, after the crooks rob the money from the Boys League headquarters, Robin decides to bring them in on his own; Batman helps by acting like a fellow con man. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 361N VF 8.0

Newsstand Edition. First appearance of Harvey Bullock. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. "The Most Successful Species!" starring Batman, Alfred Pennyworth, Commissioner Gordon, Jason Todd, Harvey Bullock, Man-Bat, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Pablo Marcos; Jason Todd has been taken by Man-Bat, who intends to transform him into a bat-boy. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 365 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4501652008

Last 60-cent cover price. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. "Ruins" starring Batman, Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd, and The Joker, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; Bruce Wayne gets Jason Todd back to Wayne Manor after promising to go out with him as Batman; While Bruce is away from Gotham, Bullock faces the reality of what he had done to Commissioner Gordon; Gordon has suffered a stroke after Bullock told Gordon that Batman was dead; Vicki Vale gets in trouble in Guatemala while taking pictures of the rebels; Alfred leaves mysterious note at Wayne Manor and is nowhere to be found. Batman gets ambushed in the jungle; Batman as he faces the Joker and a camp of rebel fighters. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 418 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4367423008

The KGBeast proves to be a skilled and cunning foil for Batman, as the caped crusader attempts to halt the assassinations in "Ten Nights Of The Beast!" Part 2 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story continues next issue. Script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo. Mike Zeck 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) 422 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4501688004

The 'Dumpster Slasher' meets his ultimate fate, while Robin starts to get reckless in "Just Desserts". Part 2 of 2, continued from the previous issue. Script by Jim Starlin, pencils by Mark Bright, inks by Joe Rubinstein and Steve Mitchell. Jerry Bingham 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 9.8 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #3861706007

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 9.2 1st Printing

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4446673007

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 7.5 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #4496736004

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

Third Printing.

Label #4410747012

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

Batman (1940) 427N CGC 9.2

Paper: Off white to white

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4510011007

First printing. Newsstand Edition. 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) 428N CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4451008007

First printing. Newsstand Edition. 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) 434 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4501688005

While Batman's on a case in Paris, the bodies of men found in Batman costumes continue to pile up in Gotham in "The Many Deaths Of The Batman, Chapter Two: How Many Times Can A Batman Die?" Part 2 of 3, continued from the previous issue. Story concludes next issue. Script by John Byrne, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo. Byrne cover. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 468 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-2599D8C-015

Part 2 of the 3-part 'Shadow Box,' continued from the previous issue. The streets of Gotham erupt as Triad gangs battle the Ghost Dragons for underworld supremacy, while Batman tries to keep Robin out of King Snake's way! Continued next issue. Written by Chuck Dixon, with art by Tom Lyle and Andy Mushynsky. Cover by Lyle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 484 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-22C2631-004

Part 1 of 2, continued next issue. At long last, the Black Mask returns! He wants to reclaim his old position as Gotham's mob boss...and to finally get revenge on the man who brought him down - Bruce Wayne. Written by Doug Moench, with art by Tom Grindberg and Trevor Scott. Cover by Michael Golden. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 487N CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition

Label #4495386005

Newsstand Edition. Written by Doug Moench. Art by Jim Aparo. Cover by Ed Hannigan & Aparo. A contract's out on Jim Gordon's life, and the assassin known as Headhunter never misses in "Box of Blood." 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 492A CGC 9.4 Jones

Paper: White

Label #2071734002

KnightFall Part 1. The Mad Hatter invites Batman and Robin to a deadly tea party, while Bane contends with a nosy Film Freak in "Crossed Eyes and Dotty Teas." KnightFall continues in Detective Comics (1937- ) #659. Written by Doug Moench. Art by Norm Breyfogle. Cover by Kelley Jones. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 495 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #2070035025

KnightFall Part 7. Poison Ivy plots to control Gotham's wealthiest and most influential men, while the Joker and Scarecrow have some fun with Mayor Krol and Gotham's finest in "Strange Deadfellows." KnightFall continues in Detective Comics (1937- ) #662. Written by Doug Moench. Pencils by Jim Aparo. Inks by Bob Wiacek. Cover by Kelley Jones. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 498 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition

Label #21-08E26EC-008

KnightFall Part 15. While Bruce Wayne laments his fate, Bane decided to wipe out all the other gangs in Gotham in "Knights in Darkness." Catwoman appearance. KnightFall continues in Detective Comics (1937- ) #665. Written by Doug Moench. Pencils by Jim Aparo. Inks by Rick Burchett. Cover by Kelley Jones. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 508 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-22C365B-017

'KnightQuest: The Crusade' nears its conclusion as the Batman/Azrael saga reaches a major turning point. Jean-Paul Valley steps way over the line in his role as Batman by committing an act that cannot be undone, and which costs the life of an innocent. Continued in Batman Shadow of the Bat (1992) #28. Written by Doug Moench, with art by Mike Manley and Joe Rubinstein. Cover by Kelley Jones. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.50.