Auctions: comic books

Batman (1940) 77 CGC 2.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4473819008

Cover by Win Mortimer. "The Crime Predictor," script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; A scientist named Edward Arvin has created a machine than can predict future events; He tries to sell his invention to the Gotham City Police Department; To test the machine, Batman and Robin follow the predicted crimes; Then they learn of a new criminal called Mr. Blank. "The Secret Star," pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; Commissioner Gordon prepares special agents to replace Batman in case anything happens to him; When Batman becomes a victim, the candidates must save Batman and capture the criminals. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. Shortchanging Swindlers article. Half-page Varsity Vic story by Henry Boltinoff. One-page Little Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. "Batman Pounds a Beat!", pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; Commissioner Gordon leaves town and puts Captain Harby in charge of the GCPD; Harby, who doesnt like Batman, summons him and Robin to patrol the city. Carelessness is No Joke! public service announcement with Peter Porkchops, script by Jack Schiff, art by Otto Feuer. 44 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) 166 FN 6.0

Double cover. Both covers grade the same.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "Two-Way Deathtrap!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Two crooks overhear Batman creating a supposedly inescapable trap and make plans to lure Batman into such a trap. Information on the planet Pluto. "A Rendezvous with Robbery!", script by France Herron, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Patricia Powell is hoping this is the time she finally meets Bruce Wayne, but things go awry when someone robs the Wayne Estate. Science in Crime Detection non-fiction half-page. Letter to the editor from comic writer Mike Friedrich. 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) 191 FN- 5.5

Cover oxidation.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Day Batman Sold Out!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; When Ira Radon absorbs so much radiation that he is forced to give up his life of crime, he decides to get revenge by dousing Batman's equipment with deadly radiation, forcing the Caped Crimefighter to give up his career. "Alfred's Mystery Menu!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Alfred is kidnapped by a group of millionaire crooks, who demand that he fix a dinner fit for a millionaire. This he does, deliberately providing a code for the Dynamic Duo to decipher as to his whereabouts. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. BEM Shows Up! public service announcement; BEM stands for Brains, Emotions and Muscles. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 199 VG+ 4.5

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Peril of the Poison Rings!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; After escaping from the clutches of the Dynamic Duo, Rembrandt Dickens decides to pursue the life of a comic book artist, detailing the crimes he has committed; But when his gang is released from prison, Dickens gives each of them poison rings, one of which scratches the Batman, and he will die...unless he finds the latest copy of Batman Comics, which contains a clue to Dickens' whereabouts and antidote for the poison. "Seven Steps to Save Face!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Crooks capture Robin and replace him with a midget criminal, who is saved by Batman and taken to the Bat-Cave before the Caped Crusader realizes his mistake. "Operation Escape!", art by Jim Mooney; Robin gives a lecture at Gotham Police College on resourcefulness and initiative, using sports equipment as visual aids, then shows a film about a case he was on without Batman; Robin recognized one of the crooks, and allowed them to get away, hoping they would lead him to their boss. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 200 GD+ 2.5

Water damage.

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) 202 FN 6.0

Cover oxidation.

Cover art by Irv Novick. "Gateway to Death!" starring Batman and Robin, script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Chic Stone, inks by Sid Greene; A rash of psychic robberies, in which objects appear to move with the power of mind over matter, puzzle the Caped Crusaders, but not Alfred. "Menace of the Motorcycle Marauders!" starring Robin, script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Chic Stone, inks by Joe Giella; Robin, on his way to school to make a speech for the Presidency of the Junior Class, stops a motorcycle gang, whicjh is led by an expelled student; He successfully captures the gang, but, in the process, loses the chance to become class president at school. Cap's Hobby Hints 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 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) 228 FN- 5.5

DC Giant G-79; Reprints include "Outlaw Town, U.S.A." (from Batman 75), "The Living Bat-Plane!" (from Batman 91), "The Duplicate Batman" (from Batman 83), "The Gotham City Safari" (from Batman 111), "Prisoners of the Bat-Cave" (from Batman 108), and "The Door That Hid Disaster" (from Detective 238). 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 230 VG- 3.5

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) 231 VG+ 4.5

Cover by Neal Adams. "Blind Rage of the Ten-Eyed Man!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; The Ten-Eyed Man continues waging his war against Batman, and he hijacks an airplane, luring the Dark Knight into a battle in trap-ridden jungle; Batman takes "Ten-Eyed" Reardon back to America. "Wiped Out!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; When Dick Grayson and Terri Bergstrom's apartments are burglarized, Robin tracks down the criminals. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 236 VG 4.0

48-page giant. "Wall of the Ghost-Bride!" Script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in a solo adventure in "Rain Fire!" Script by Mike Friedrich, art by Novick/Giordano. Reprint: Batman and Robin in "While the City Sleeps" (art by Bob Kane; from Detective Comics # 30). 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 241 VG+ 4.5

Water spotting.

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) 242 FN 6.0

52-page giant. Cover art by Michael Kaluta. "Bruce Wayne--Rest in Peace!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman begins his war against Ra's Al Ghul by faking Bruce Wayne's death and recruiting some allies. "Death-Point!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Dick Giordano; While battling Chthulu cultists, Terri is possessed by a demon. "The People Vs. the Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Jerry Robinson and George Roussos; Weasel Venner wants to make sure that a fellow criminal doesn't make public the fact that he is the head racketeer in Gotham City, so he arranges for someone to be set up for the murder of Horatio Delmar: that someone being Bruce Wayne! 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) 243 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4457529002

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) 259 FN 6.0

100-page giant. Cover art by Nick Cardy. Batman and the Shadow team-up in this issue in a new story titled "Night of the Shadow!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano); Batman goes on the trail of a convicted felon from the past, believing that he has stolen a valuable tiara. But he's wrong and discovers that only "The Shadow Knows" who actually is responsible. "The Great Batman Swindle!" (reprinted from Detective Comics #222), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Wealthy yachtsman Ned Judson is called to a mysterious castle once built by an eccentric millionaire, and comes face-to-face with the Brotherhood of Batmen; The leader, Batman Number One, convinces Judson that the figure of Batman is actually four people. "The Strange Costumes of Batman!" (from Detective Comics #165), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; While making an inspection of equipment in the Bat-Cave, Bruce and Dick also must inspect the various costumes Batman and Robin use in their fight against crime for leaks and tears, and, as it turns out, a never before used costume saves the day for the Batman, who has been seriously wounded. New costumes for Robin drawn by readers of the strip. "Heroes by Proxy!" (from Batman #29), script by Don Cameron, art by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane); Two private detectives are down in the dumps because they are flat broke, even though they have great detective abilities; When they hear that the Wayne Mansion has been robbed, they decide to change their tactics and investigate, disguised as Batman and Robin! "Two Batmen Too Many!" (from Batman #177), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman concocts a scheme against numbers racketeer Ed Garvey to prove conclusively that the crook planned and carried out the Kimber Gem job. "The Failure of Bruce Wayne" (from Batman #120), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Called to his dying Uncle's bedside, Silas, Bruce is told by him that he is disappointed that Bruce has not continued the family tradition of adventure; Bruce sets out to prove Silas wrong. 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 262 FN/VF 7.0

68-page giant. Always using fear to intimidate the criminal element, Batman must now face the Master of Fear, the sinister Scarecrow. "The Scarecrow's Trail of Fear!" Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Ernie Chan as "Ernie Chua," inks by Dick Giordano. Reprint: "The Round-Robin Death Trap!" Script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Sid Greene. Last of the giants in this series. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.50.

Batman (1940) 268 FN+ 6.5

Cover art by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua). Murder Masquerade! starring Batman, script by Denny O'Neil, art by Irv Novick; Batman and Robin battle Sheikh, who has apparently murdered a trio of oil company partners. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Captain Marvel, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 287 VG+ 4.5

Centerfold detached at one staple.

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) 290 VF 8.0

Cover art by Mike Grell. "Skull Dugger's Killjoy Capers!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Mike Grell, inks by Vince Colletta; Continuing his hunt for the evil Cosmo "Skull" Dugger, the Dark Knight Detective struggles from an odd mental affliction; Due to an encounter with Dugger's Recognito machine, Batman's reflexes of joy instead produce tremendous pain. Letter from comics artist Adam Castro. Daily Planet Volume 77 Issue 19 Week of May 9, 1977 article by Bob Rozakis; Information on Aquaman #57, House of Secrets #147, Ask the Answer Man, comics on sale the week of May 16th and the solution to last week's Mini-Puzzle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 291 FN 6.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The first installment of the "Who Killed Batman?" storyline: "Where Were You on the Night Batman Was Killed?: The Testimony of the Catwoman!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; When word spreads throughout the underworld that Batman has been killed, several villains take credit for the deed; So the villain community sets up a trial to test the various claims, with Ra's al Ghul acting as judge and Two-Face acting as prosecutor; First up is the Catwoman; But Two-Face finds the technical error in Catwoman's story and she is dismissed. Letter from comics artist Adam Castro. Swamp Thing from the Beginning article by Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 292 FN/VF 7.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The second installment of the "Who Killed Batman?" storyline: "Where Were You on the Night Batman Was Killed?: The Testimony of the Riddler!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; It is the Riddler's turn to provide testimony in the murder of the Batman, but the prosecutor Two-Face finds the flaw in the Riddler's testimony, and he is also dismissed. Hostess snack cakes ad with Wonder Woman. Letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. Daily Planet Volume 77 Issue 27 Week of July 4, 1977; Information on Teen Titans #50, Sgt. Rock Annual #2, comics on sale the week of July 11th and Lola Barnett's Comicsworld. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 294 CGC 9.6

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1133906005

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The fourth installment of the "Who Killed Batman?" storyline: "Where Were You on the Night Batman Was Killed?: The Testimony of the Joker!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Tex Blaisdell; The Joker testifies to the circumstances whereby he killed Batman, but when Two-Face demands that the Joker produce the photographic evidence he claims to have, a recess is called; After Two-Face leaves the court, he removes his disguise, revealing the Batman beneath; Having identified the real murderer, Batman confronts the Joker and sends him back to Arkham. Hostess snack cakes ad with the Penguin. Daily Planet Volume 77 Issue 36 by Bob Rozakis; Information on Aquaman #59, Ghosts #59, comics on sale the week of September 12th, 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) 326 VF 8.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. Batman in a book-length adventure titled "This Way Lies Madness," script by Len Wein, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Frank McLaughlin; Selina Kyle leaves Gotham City in order to sort things out; She tells Bruce Wayne shes disappointed with him for not trusting her when Cat-Man framed her for the museum robbery; Batman faces a motorcycle-riding "Mad Dog" Markham, a bad guy he once sent to Arkham Asylum. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Green Lantern. Answer Man featuring Bob Rozakis. Commissioner Gordon parody strip by Fred Hembeck. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 353 VF+ 8.5

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) 353 VF+ 8.5

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) 357 FN+ 6.5 1st Printing

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) 404 VF/NM 9.0

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) 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) 405D CBCS 9.4

Paper: White

Direct Edition

Label #21-2595E06-003

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter Two: "War Is Declared". Part 2 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story continues next issue. Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl for the first time to take the fight to the criminal element, while James Gordon stirs up trouble within his own department. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Harvent Dent appears as Assistant District Attorney. 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) 405D VF/NM 9.0

First Printing. Direct Edition. Batman Year One, Chapter Two: "War Is Declared". Part 2 of 4, continued from the previous issue. Story continues next issue. Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl for the first time to take the fight to the criminal element, while James Gordon stirs up trouble within his own department. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Harvent Dent appears as Assistant District Attorney. 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) 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) 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) 426D VF- 7.5

First printing. Direct Edition. 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) 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) 428N CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4451008005

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) 444 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-198539E-011

Batman braves the gauntlet of Crimesmith's security system in "Crimesmith And Punishment". Part 2 of 2, continued from the previous issue. Script by Marv Wolfman, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo. Michael Bair cover. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 461 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-2599D8C-004

CatwomanPart 2 of 2, continued from the previous issue. As Batman and Joe Potato close in on the Slave gang, Catwoman and Sarah Essen meet in a deadly confrontation. Written by Alan Grant, with art by Norm Breyfogle and Steve Mitchell. Cover by Breyfogle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 466 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-2599D8C-011

Robin is separated from Batman and trapped in a Heroes Museum with a gun-toting killer. Can he find inspiration in the deeds of past champions in time to save his own life? Written by Alan Grant, with art by Norm Breyfogle and Steve Mitchell. Cover by Breyfogle. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 472 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #2068835011

"The Idiot!" Part 1 of 4. Story by Peter Milligan. Story continued in Detective Comics #639. Batman travels to an abandoned temple in the heart of the Amazon to confront the Idiot, the master of unreality. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.00.

Batman (1940) 478 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-259AD0A-006

Part 2 of the 2-part 'A Gotham Tale,' continued from the previous issue. One of the people trapped in the vault with Batman reveals the truth about the blood-sucking nightmare, the Gargoyle. Written by John Wagner, with art by Cam Kennedy. Photo cover by Tom Taggart. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $1.25.

Batman (1940) 573 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-22C9DCE-008

WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART BY SERGIO CARIELLO AND MARK PENNINGTON; COVER BY DOUG MAHNKE AND TOM NGUYEN. More is revealed about "No Man's Land"'s secret benefactor in Part 1 of the 2-part "Shellgame!" Will this mysterious figure prove to be the greatest enemy Batman faces this year? The rebuilding of Gotham City forces the Joker and Harley Quinn to step back into the spotlight and sabotage the efforts of Gotham's savior, while Pettit and the Strong Men prepare to save the city through extreme measures of their own. 44 Pages, Full Color. Batman No Man's Land Cover price $1.99.

Batman (1940) 609 VF 8.0

WRITTEN BY JEPH LOEB; ART AND COVER BY JIM LEE AND SCOTT WILLIAMS In stores November 27. Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee continue their run on BATMAN with Part 2 of the 12-part "Hush." Lying near death, Batman must turn to the least likely person from the Bat family for help: the Huntress! Meanwhile, Catwoman continues to hunt down the mysterious individual responsible for wreaking havoc in their lives ? a path that leads her back to Poison Ivy. 48 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.25.

Batman (1940) 666 VF 8.0

Written by Grant Morrison Art by Andy Kubert & Jesse Delperdang Cover by Andy Kubert Meet Damian Wayne, the Batman of Tomorrow in this special issue set 15 years from now in a nightmarish future Gotham! In a world torn apart by terrorism, plagues, rogue weather and bizarre super-crime, only 24 hours are left before the climactic battle of Armageddon - and only one man who might be able to stop it. But will he? The Son of the Bat meets the Prince of Darkness and the stage is set for the ultimate battle between evil and moral ambiguity. Can Damian make peace with his heritage to save the world? 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.99.

Batman (1940) 674 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Label #21-2593630-008

Batman R.I.P. Prelude - Part 6 of 7 - The 3rd Batmen: Part 3 of 4 - Written by Grant Morrison Art by Tony S. Daniel & Sandu Florea. Cover by Daniel & Jonathan Glapion. More secrets of Batman are revealed! Batman finds himself in a torture chamber facing the last and deadliest of the three Batman replacements...and finally learns the tragic story of how they came to be! With a shocking appearance by Bat-Mite, this tale leads to more revelations about the young Batman's participation in a bizarre isolation experiment as we learn how the terrifying consequences of his actions will alter the Dark Knight's life in the months to come. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.99.

Batman (1940) 708 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Label #21-2594C88-016

Judgment on Gotham: Part 1 of 4 - Written by DAVID HINE. Art & cover by GUILLEM MARCH. Batman uncovers just how deep the Falcone Crime Family has penetrated the inner (and outer) workings of Gotham City, while Kitrina Falcone - a.k.a. Catgirl - is tempted to take over the family business. When she finds herself in hot water, she'll need Batman's help or all of her nine lives may run out. Story continues in Red Robin (2009-2011) #22. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.99.