Auctions: comic books published by DC

Batman (1940) 137 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4652009015

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Robin's New Boss," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Robin informs Batman that he is quitting the team to join up with a new crime fighter on the scene, Mr. Marvel, although Batman doesn't suspect the real reason why. Our American Heritage public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Bandit with 1,000 Brands," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Batman faces a clever new foe that leaves cattle brands behind as clues. One-page Jail Jests story by Henry Boltinoff. "Teacher from the Stars," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman agrees to give an alien teacher and his students a tour of Gotham City, but when they begin to misbehave, it causes more than just a headache for the Caped Crusader. Statement of ownership; average sales 502,000. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 137 GD+ 2.5

1" Spine split from bottom. Cover and first wrap detached at one staple.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Robin's New Boss," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Robin informs Batman that he is quitting the team to join up with a new crime fighter on the scene, Mr. Marvel, although Batman doesn't suspect the real reason why. Our American Heritage public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Bandit with 1,000 Brands," script by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Batman faces a clever new foe that leaves cattle brands behind as clues. One-page Jail Jests story by Henry Boltinoff. "Teacher from the Stars," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman agrees to give an alien teacher and his students a tour of Gotham City, but when they begin to misbehave, it causes more than just a headache for the Caped Crusader. Statement of ownership; average sales 502,000. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 162 CGC 8.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #1006712017

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Batman Creature!", script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A mad scientist has invented a ray which turns men into animal creatures, who steal for him; When he turns the ray on Batman, turning the Caped Crusader into a creature, it's all Robin, Batwoman and Bat-Hound can do to stop him. Strange Old Laws humor/non-fiction page by Henry Boltinoff. "Robin's New Secret Identity!", script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Dick, bummed out because he can't play sports like the other boys his age, decides to disguise himself as a red-headed boy and then compete; During one of these competitions, he bumps his head, getting amnesia, and evens aid the Batman in tracking down some crooks. Give and Take public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; The children take some broken and unused toys to Mr. Craig, who helps them to repair them and they then donate them to charity uses. Letter to the editor from Silver Age comics fan Edward Simpson III. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 171 CGC 4.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4684693002

1st Silver Age Riddler appearance (the question-marked criminal hadn't appeared in a Batman book since 1948). Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. What's Wrong with These Pictures! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "Remarkable Ruse of the Riddler!" (the Batman TV pilot was based on this story), script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Riddler is released from prison and informs the Dynamic Duo that he has turned from crime, and, as proof, leads them to the hideout of the Molehill Mob; But when the former felon begins deluging them with riddles, the Caped Crusaders aren't sure he really has reformed. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 171 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Slab: Chipped/broken bracket

Label #4620695002

1st Silver Age Riddler appearance (the question-marked criminal hadn't appeared in a Batman book since 1948). Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. What's Wrong with These Pictures! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "Remarkable Ruse of the Riddler!" (the Batman TV pilot was based on this story), script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Riddler is released from prison and informs the Dynamic Duo that he has turned from crime, and, as proof, leads them to the hideout of the Molehill Mob; But when the former felon begins deluging them with riddles, the Caped Crusaders aren't sure he really has reformed. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 172 CGC 7.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4685412006

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. Happy Hobby Time! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer; Superboy shows Frank that he can be creative, regardless of whether his creations are perfect, and notes an expressive hobby can be lifelong enjoyment. "Attack of the Invisible Knights!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; An ancient legend involving suits of armor coming to life and destroying some opals in a museum appears to come to pass, and challenges the wits of the Caped Crusaders to discover the facts behind this legend. "Robin's Unassisted Triple Play!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Using remote cameras from the Bat-Cave, the Caped Crusaders witness a crime and are on the way to the scene when Batman gets an emergency call from the JLA and has to report; Robin now handles the case, tracking down the art gallery robbers. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 pgs. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 178 CGC 7.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4643622002

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Raid of the Rocketeers!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; When two experimental missiles disappear after being launched, the Caped Crusaders follow the path of the third missile and discover that it has been intercepted by a strange beam, set in motion by jet-propelled crooks! Fingerprint Oddities! article. The Invisible Handicap! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Cap's Hobby Center activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Loan Shark's Hidden Hoard!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; When Rosy and Weeper borrow money from a loan shark to bet on a race, and promptly end up losing; They fear that Sharkey will kill them so the Dynamic Duo step in before that can happen. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 179 CGC 5.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #1000825008

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. Do You Make Life Hard for Yourself? public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily; Betsy tells young Bobby that he should keep his room neater but realizes that she has the same problem. "Clay Pigeon for a Killer!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; An actor announces on TV that he has solved a murder case and will announce who the killer is the next day; When the actor confesses to Bruce Wayne that this was an act to lure the real killer out into the open, the Caped Crusader poses as the actor to protect the man's life. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. The 2nd Silver Age appearance of the Riddler in "The Riddle-Less Robberies of the Riddler!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; After the Riddler breaks out of prison, he vows never again to send riddles to Batman again before he strikes; The Caped Crusader smells a rat and discovers subtle clues that lead to the Riddler's downfall. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Letter to the editor from Guy H. Lillian III. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 181 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4552372001

The 1st appearance of Poison Ivy. Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Beware of--Poison Ivy!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; While Bruce and Dick are attending an art show, a woman shows up, claiming to be the greatest criminal of those currently residing in Gotham. Centerspread is a great two-page color poster of Batman and Robin, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Perfect Crime--Slightly Imperfect!", script by Gardner Fox, inks by Sid Greene; At the latest meeting of the Anaylists, Kaye announces that she didn't write her latest book, and seems to be threatened by a voice from her brooch; Batman has a feeling that the Kaye at the meeting is an imposter, so he looks into the matter. Letter from future comics writer Mike Friedrich. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 188 CGC 8.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4685412008

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Eraser Who Tried to Rub Out Batman!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Commissioner Gordon gets Batman to investigate a series of crimes in which all of the clues have been erased, and the Caped Crusader goes undercover to do so. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Ten Best-Dressed Corpses in Gotham City!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; A newspaper publisher calls in the Police and Batman, explaining to them that three of the men on his magazine's top-ten best dressed list have been murdered; Batman agrees to investigate and nearly dies himself as Bruce Wayne, who also was listed on the newspaper's listing. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 189 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4663948006

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) 190 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4685412009

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Penguin Takes a Flyer--Into the Future!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Penguin attempts to fool the Caped Crusaders into believing that his new tricks are based on futuristic technology. When this fails and his gang is captured the Fowl villain begins using robotic umbrellas against the Dynamic Duo. Letters from letter hack Guy H. Lillian III and Marvel colorist and assistant editor Irene Vartanoff. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Countdown on Excellence public service, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Jerry gets a lecture from his father on the importance of doing every job right. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 190 VG- 3.5

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "The Penguin Takes a Flyer--Into the Future!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Penguin attempts to fool the Caped Crusaders into believing that his new tricks are based on futuristic technology. When this fails and his gang is captured the Fowl villain begins using robotic umbrellas against the Dynamic Duo. Letters from letter hack Guy H. Lillian III and Marvel colorist and assistant editor Irene Vartanoff. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Countdown on Excellence public service, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Jerry gets a lecture from his father on the importance of doing every job right. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 200 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4531296001

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) 213 CGC 4.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #0787161002

DC Giant G-61; 30th anniversary issue. "The Origin of Robin" (new story; script by E. Nelson Bridwell, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito) "Here Comes Alfred," the original origin of Alfred, from Batman no. 16 (April-May, 1943). "The Game of Death," from Star Spangled Comics no. 127 (April, 1952). "The Man Behind the Red Hood," one of the most important stories in the Batman mythos, from Detective no. 168 (February,1951). "The Challenge of Clay-Face," the origin of the second Clay-face, from Detective no. 298 (December, 1961). 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 226 VG/FN 5.0

Cover art by Neal Adams. The Man with Ten Eyes! starring Batman and the Ten-Eyed Man, script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman battles "Ten-Eye" Reardon. The Case of the Gigantic Gamble! Case-Book Mystery. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 234 FN- 5.5

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 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4580659002

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 FN- 5.5

Cover oxidation. 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) 244 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4353224003

Ra's Al Ghul is back, and with a vengeance. Can Batman defeat the Demon in a one-on-one duel to the death? "The Demon Lives Again!" Talia appearance. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the solo adventure "Teen-Age Trap!" Script by Elliot Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 244 FN- 5.5

Ra's Al Ghul is back, and with a vengeance. Can Batman defeat the Demon in a one-on-one duel to the death? "The Demon Lives Again!" Talia appearance. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the solo adventure "Teen-Age Trap!" Script by Elliot Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1206992002

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) 266 VF 8.0

Cover art by Dick Giordano. The Curious Case of the Catwoman's Coincidences! starring Batman, script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Selina Kyle escapes from a derailed train also occupied by Bruce Wayne. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 274 VF 8.0

Cover art by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua). Hostess Cup Cakes ad starring Captain Marvel, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Gotham City Treasure Hunt! starring Batman, script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), art by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua); Batman must face a group of villains involved in an international crime contest. Justice for All Includes Children, 2 public service announcement, art by Neal Adams. Letter from Adam Castro. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 281 FN 6.0

Cover art by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua). Murder Comes in Black Boxes!, script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Tex Blaisdell; Batman investigates the death of international secret agents, then goes to Budapest. Hostess Fruit Pies ad starring Green Lantern, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 297 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4681532011

Cover art by Jim Aparo. Hostess snack cakes ad with Aquaman and Mera. "The Mad Hatter Goes Straight!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Vince Colletta; The Mad Hatter, sad that crime isn't fun anymore, reminisces about his youth, when he would fantasize about being a white-hatted sheriff or a plume-hatted cavalier, or wearing the hat of a Foreign Legionnaire; Since his fantasies were always about fighting as a good guy, he decides to give up crime and go straight; Hatter begins by mimicking a sheriff on horseback and stops two muggers from robbing Bruce Wayne and his date. Letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. A Word About the Fight of the Century article by publisher Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 298 VF- 7.5

Cover art by Jim Aparo. "The Case of the Crimson Coffin!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman battles the Carib machete assassins, who are kidnapping and drugging victims for a human sacrifice. Hostess snack cakes ad with Superman. Daily Planet Volume 78 Issue 1 Week of January 2, 1978 article by Bob Rozakis; Information on Claw the Unconquered #10, House of Secrets #151, comics on sale the week of Jauary 9th and Ask the Answer Man. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 301 FN/VF 7.0

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) 302 VF 8.0

Last 35-cent cover price. Cover by Jim Aparo. "The Attack of the Wire-Head Killers," script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; After admitting to the murder of Malcolm Millbrook in order to spare Gotham from a gang war, Batman becomes the target of Millbrook's "wire-head killers." Daily Planet Extra Volume 78 Issue 18 Week of May1, 1978 article by Bob Rozakis. Information on Claw the Unconquered #12, House of Secrets #153, comics on sale the week of May 8th and Ask the Answer Man. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 304 VF 8.0

Cover pencils by Al Milgrom (layout) and Jim Aparo (signed), inks by Jim Aparo (signed). "To Hell with Batman--And Back!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; The Dark Knight has been kidnapped and drugged by the Spook, who attempts to convince the hero that he has been killed. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Green Lantern and Mirror Master, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. "The Amazing Secret of Dr. Dundee" featuring the Public Life of Bruce Wayne, script by David Vern as (David V. Reed), pencils by Win Mortimer, inks by Frank Chiaramonte; Bruce Wayne reveals his secret identity to Douglas William Dundee, the surgeon that, with Thomas Wayne's help, aided Martha Wayne in giving birth to Bruce; He also hires him as Batman's personal doctor; While Bruce is getting a checkup, crooks break in to Dundee's office. Biography of DC publisher Jenette Kahn. 44 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.50.

Batman (1940) 357 CGC 9.6 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #4681533024

1st printing. Direct Edition. 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) 357 VF+ 8.5 1st Printing

1st printing. Direct Edition. 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) 357 VF 8.0 1st Printing

1st printing. Direct Edition. 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) 357N CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4689896012

1st printing. Newsstand Edition. 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) 358D FN/VF 7.0

Direct Edition. 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) 359N FN+ 6.5

Newsstand Edition. Cover pencils by Ed Hannigan, inks by Dick Giordano. Jason Todd becomes a continuing character in "Hunt" starring Batman, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, James Gordon, Vicki Vale, Alfred Pennyworth, Waldo Flynn, Trina Todd, Joe Todd, and Killer Croc, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Dan Jurgens, inks by Dick Giordano; Featuring the origin of Killer Croc!; Batman searches for the whereabouts of Killer Croc while Croc himself breaks into Gotham City Jail to take care of the last obstacle in his path toward ruling the Gotham Underground. 1st comic book work by Dan Jurgens. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 370 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4668464004

Direct Edition. Cover art by Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano. Up Above the Sin So High, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; Harvey Bullock helps Batman and Robin by going undercover to infiltrate Dr. Fang's gang. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 378N CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4627589006

Newsstand Edition. Cover art by Don Newton and Dick Giordano. One Hat Madder!, script by Doug Moench, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Alfredo Alcala; The Mad Hatter wants Nocturna to tell him Batman's secret identity. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 386 FN 6.0

Direct Edition. Cover by Tom Mandrake. "Black Mask: Losing Face" starring Batman, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Black Mask (1st appearance and origin), and Lucius Fox, script: Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; Roman Sionis loses his family's company, Janus Cosmetics, and turns to a life of crime as Black Mask. Part 1 of 3, continued in Detective Comics (1937) #553. Missive by letter hack T.M. Maple. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 386N CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #2026140005

Newsstand Edition. Cover by Tom Mandrake. "Black Mask: Losing Face" starring Batman, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Black Mask (1st appearance and origin), and Lucius Fox, script: Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; Roman Sionis loses his family's company, Janus Cosmetics, and turns to a life of crime as Black Mask. Part 1 of 3, continued in Detective Comics (1937) #553. Missive by letter hack T.M. Maple. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 395 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4668464011

Cover art by Tom Mandrake. "The Film Freak," script by Doug Moench, art by Tom Mandrake; With Jason at home being jealous, Batman teams up with Catwoman; They go after a burglar called the Film Freak due to spouting off classic movie lines; An old girlfriend gives the press his true identity, As Batman and Catwoman check out leads, Robin teams up with Bullock; The Film Freak's reenacts the shower scene from Psycho with the reporter as his leading lady. Continued in Detective Comics #562. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 407 FN+ 6.5

Batman Year One, Chapter Four: "Friend In Need". Part 4 of 4, continued from the previous issue. James Gordon is blackmailed, Catwoman gets in Batman's way and Bruce Wayne must come to the rescue sans cape and cowl. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. 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) 423 CGC 9.8 SS McFarlane 1st Printing

Paper: White

Signed by Todd McFarlane on 1/12/26.

Label #4660948009

1st Printing. 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) 423 CGC 9.4 1st Printing

Paper: White

Label #4552373003

1st Printing. 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) 423 CGC 7.5 1st Printing

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4661027001

1st Printing. 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) 423 FN 6.0 1st Printing

1st Printing. 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) 426 FN 6.0

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) 427 FN 6.0

First printing. Direct 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) 428 FN/VF 7.0

First printing. Direct 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) 428 FN/VF 7.0

First printing. Direct 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.