Batman Comic Books & Graphic Novels

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 385 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085015

Cover by Neal Adams. "Die Small - Die Big!," script by Bob Kanigher , pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; Learning that he is to die soon, and down-hearted because it seems that no one will notice him in true life, Herbert Small tries to convince a group of criminals that he is really Batman in order to save the Caped Crusader's life. "Hunt for the Helpless Hostage!," script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson; Continuing from last issue. After saving Mark Hanner from crooks, Batgirl takes him to the hospital where he explains that he is a private detective who has got negative attention form gang-boss Web Foote who was the one who kidnapped him and probably has Sharon (the woman from last issue) as his hostage. Letters of comment from comics historian Peter Sanderson and comics writer Mark Evanier. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 386 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085016

Cover by Irv Novick. "Stand-In for Murder," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; When Bruce Waynes stand-in is killed in a plane explosion, Batman investigates and finds a revenge plot. "The Teen-Age Gap!," script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito; Robin is helping a youth gathering by leading their hayride; He plans to show up by swinging in from a tree, but Eliot and his gang decide to ambush him, but Robin is saved by Craig Rockland, a younger student that the other students don't treat well. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mark Evanier. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 387 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085017

30th anniversary issue; Joker and Penguin on cover with Batman and Robin. Last 12c cover-priced issue. Cover by Irv Novick. "The Cry of the Night is – Sudden Death!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; Batman and Robin swing across Gotham City; They arrive at a crime scene where the wealthy atomic chemist Lambert has been murdered with a poker in his own living room; Commissioner Gordon is accusing Lambert's hippy son Mel, whose fingerprints were found on the murder instrument. "The Case of the Chemical Syndicate," script by Bill Finger, art by Bob Kane; Commissioner Gordon relaxes at home entertaining his young socialite friend Bruce Wayne; Wayne asks if anything exciting has happened lately, and Gordon explains that a fellow called the "Bat-Man" is puzzling him; Gordon receives a call that chemical manufacturer Lambert has been found murdered. Detective Comics #27 Fact File, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Batman's Souvenir Album; Collage of various panels of Bat-items & people. Letters from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 388 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085018

First 15-cent cover-price. Cover by Irv Novick. "Public Luna-Tic Number One!," script by John Broome, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; The Joker steals an anti-gravity device and uses it to facilitate his robberies and to trap Batman and Robin. "Surprise! This'll Kill You!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson; A fake Batman appears in this Batgirl story, as well as a costume party with people dressed as Superman, the Flash, and Green Lantern. Letters of comment from comics writers Tony Isabella and Donald F. McGregor. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 390 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085019

Cover by Irv Novick. "If the Coffin Fits - Wear It!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; Batman encounters the Masquerader, a costumed villain who uses the Batmans own costume against him as a deathtrap. "Countdown to Chaos!," script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson; Dick's date with Sandy is interrupted by a gang from a rival school who try to crash the Gotham school dance; Meanwhile, someone is blackmailing the school's administrator to force him to break off talks with the teacher's union. Letter to the editor from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 394 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085020

Cover by Neal Adams. "A Victim's Victim!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; An Indian race-car driver accuses Bruce Wayne, who backed a competitor, of having his eye shot out by a sniper during his last race; Thus, Batman gets on the case to prove Wayne innocent, and to find the real culprits. "Strike... While the Campus Is Hot," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson; On his day of registration at Hudson University, Dick Grayson is assaulted by persons appearing to be cops during a protest sit-in; But he is taken to a barn hideout, not a jail, and Robin learns that the cops and protesters are not what they seem. Letter to the editor from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 398 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085021

Cover by Neal Adams. "The Poison-Pen Puzzle!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; On a trip to Hollywood to check out a movie studio on whose board he now sits, Bruce Wayne must become Batman to solve the mystery of a novelist slain by a literally poisoned pen. Fingerprint Facts page. "Moon-Struck," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; While attending a science lecture as Dick Grayson, Robin sees a lunar rock turn another student green; Is it strange radiation from the moon, or a prank? Letter to the editor from Mike Barr. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 399 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085022

Cover by Neal Adams. "Death Comes to a Small Locked Room!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; After losing an exhibition match to Batman, martial artist Khan vows to take revenge by killing Commissioner Gordon. "Panic By Moonglow," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; Robin discovers the truth behind Professor Zukov and the "radioactive" lunar rock that infected Herb Stroud. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 400 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085023

Cover by Neal Adams. Milestone issue featuring 1st appearance of Man-Bat in "Challenge of the Man-Bat!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; Zoologist Kirk Langstrom is working late at the Gotham Natural History Museum putting together a bat habitat; he aims to perfect a serum that can endow people with enhanced auditory abilities via a specialized bat gland extract; Elsewhere in the city, a group of thieves known as the Blackout Gang break into a vault; Back at the museum, Kirk Langstrom is pleased with his progress and decides to test his new formula upon himself; he mutates into Man-Bat. "A Burial for Batgirl!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; Barbara Gordon has come to Hudson University to help with a Edgar Allen Poe festival; She discovers a murder and captures Hank Osher, who appears to be the murderer; Batgirl begins to believe that Hank has been framed and investigates further, which leads to her being captured and bricked into a wall. Letter to the editor from writer Alan Brennert. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 400 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430085024

Cover by Neal Adams. Milestone issue featuring 1st appearance of Man-Bat in "Challenge of the Man-Bat!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; Zoologist Kirk Langstrom is working late at the Gotham Natural History Museum putting together a bat habitat; he aims to perfect a serum that can endow people with enhanced auditory abilities via a specialized bat gland extract; Elsewhere in the city, a group of thieves known as the Blackout Gang break into a vault; Back at the museum, Kirk Langstrom is pleased with his progress and decides to test his new formula upon himself; he mutates into Man-Bat. "A Burial for Batgirl!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; Barbara Gordon has come to Hudson University to help with a Edgar Allen Poe festival; She discovers a murder and captures Hank Osher, who appears to be the murderer; Batgirl begins to believe that Hank has been framed and investigates further, which leads to her being captured and bricked into a wall. Letter to the editor from writer Alan Brennert. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 401 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4430085025

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Target for Tonight!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; A big-game hunter who dubs himself "the Stalker" deduces Batmans secret identity and announces his intention to hunt down and kill the Caped Crusader. "Midnight Is the Dying Hour!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; Robin rescues Batgirl and the two of them find Amos Willard's killer. Letters from writers Douglas Moench, Martin Pasko, and, Alan Brennert. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 402 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086001

Cover by Neal Adams. "Man or Bat?," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; Kirk Langstrom appears again as the Man-Bat, this time he is forced to become the Batman's enemy; After stealing a vial from a chemical company's safe, much to Batman's chagrin, Kirk returns to his lab above the Gotham Museum of Natural History; He believes he has finally found a mixture that can cure his transformation, until Batman bursts through the door in pursuit, causing him enough surprise to drop the compound onto the floor; With a screech of rage, Kirk fights off the Batman and leaps out the window; During his escape, he starts to evolve a leathery pair of wings that allow him to fly. "My Place In The Sun!," script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; Speedy visits Robin at Hudson University; Robin begins to question if he should continue to be Robin. Letter from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 403 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086002

Cover by Neal Adams. "You Die By Mourning!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, Carmine Infantino (splash page only), inks by Frank Giacoia; Bruce Waynes V.I.P. office is visited by a mysterious woman who claims before running out that her husband will be murdered by morning, and Batman investigates. "Break-Out!," script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; Robin helps the police track down the escaped juvenile delinquents. Letter from comics writer Mike Barr. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 404 CGC 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086003

Cover by Neal Adams. "Ghost of the Killer Skies!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; When murder breaks out on a World War I movie set devoted to the story of Rittmeister Hans Von Hammer, the Enemy Ace, Batman investigates and finds a modern-day "Von Hammer" devoted to keeping the originals memory untarnished in his own eyes. "Midnight Doom-Boy," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; When a police surveillance film showing Jason Bard murdering X-rated film director Billy Warlock, the criminologist is arrested; Although the evidence shows that Bard killed Warlock, Barbara Gordon believes that Bard is innocent of the crime and begins launching her own investigation as Batgirl. Letters from letter hack Guy H. Lillian III and comics writers Martin Pasko, Alan Brennert, and Mike W. Barr. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 405 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086004

Cover by Neal Adams. "The First of the Assassins!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Frank Giacoia; Batman is called upon to protect a shipping magnate, his fiancee, and his employee from an assassin on a supposedly deserted island. "The Living Statue!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; Continuing from last issue... Batgirl has been investigating the murder of X-rated film director Billy Warlock, whom her friend Jason Bard has been framed for; Her searches brough her to Warlock's studio where she was captured by one of Warlock's actresses Veda who masterminded the whole scheme and is now preparing to trap Batgirl in plaster. Reprint back-up story, "The Sleuth in the Iron Mask!," art by Bob Brown. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 405 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086005

Cover by Neal Adams. "The First of the Assassins!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Frank Giacoia; Batman is called upon to protect a shipping magnate, his fiancee, and his employee from an assassin on a supposedly deserted island. "The Living Statue!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; Continuing from last issue... Batgirl has been investigating the murder of X-rated film director Billy Warlock, whom her friend Jason Bard has been framed for; Her searches brough her to Warlock's studio where she was captured by one of Warlock's actresses Veda who masterminded the whole scheme and is now preparing to trap Batgirl in plaster. Reprint back-up story, "The Sleuth in the Iron Mask!," art by Bob Brown. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 406 CGC 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086006

Cover by Neal Adams. "Your Servant of Death - Dr. Darrk!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Frank Giacoia; Batman is lured into a deathtrap in the home of a shipping magnate marked for death by Dr. Darrk and the League of Assassins, but may have a saint on his side. "The Explosive Circle!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; When a residential building is blown up, the sole clue is a book taken out from Gotham Public Library; Finding the book is popular among young hippies/protesters, Barbara Gordon decides to investigate further as Batgirl. DC Takes Top Honors at Comic Art Convention article featuring head sketches by Neal Adams of winners Carmine Infantino, Joe Kubert, Dick Giordano and Neal Adams. Letter to the editor from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 407 CGC 5.5

Paper: White

Label #4430086007

Cover by Neal Adams. "Marriage: Impossible," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; When Batman learns about the pending marriage between Kirk Langstrom and Francine Lee, he races down to the cathedral to stop the wedding; Interrupting the ceremony, he pulls a mask off Langstrom's head, revealing the face of the Man-Bat. "One of Our Landmarks Is Missing!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; Continuing from last issue... Batgirl had stumbled upon the fact that the leader of the group Peaceful Protest has begun resorting to bombings to get the groups message across, this revelation however has gotten her trapped in a room where if she to step off a circle of floor in the middle of the room the entire place will explode. Letters to the editor from writers Alan Brennert and Arlen Schumer. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 408 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086008

Cover by Neal Adams. "The House That Haunted Batman!," script by Len Wein and Marv Wolfman, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; Robin goes missing and Batman finds a house that wasn't there yesterday; Strange things happen around Batman until he meets the owner of the house; Cameos by Superman, Flash, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Hawkman. "Batgirl vs. the Phantom Bullfighter!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Dick Giordano; In order to aquire the manuscript "Of Fighting Bulls and Men" for the Gotham Library, Barbara Gordon must travel to Madrid, Spain. There she is the guest of Don Alvarado, owner of the manuscript, who takes her to see its subject: a bull fighter named El Grandos. Science in Crime Detection article. 1971 Batman calendar (also works for the years 2010, 2021, 2027, 2038, 2049, and others). Letter to the editor from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 409 CGC 7.5

Paper: White

Label #4430086009

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Man in the Eternal Mask!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Frank Giacoia; Batman and an artist must discover the identity of a mysterious mutilator of the artists portraits. "Night of the Sharp Horns!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Dick Giordano; Continuing from last issue... Barbara Gordon was in Madrid, Spain, to collect a rare manuscript for Gotham Library when she suddenly found herself caught up in a murder mystery involving an aging bull fighters lost bull; Suspecting bull fighter El Grandos, a young bullfighter named Paco, or the grounds keeper Manolo as potential suspected, Batgirl sets out to search for clue and stop the "Phantom Bullfighter" from striking again the next night. Letter to the editor from cartoonist Michael Cherkas. Statement of ownership - average print run 406,782; average paid circulation 209,630. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 410 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086010

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "A Vow from the Grave!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman captures Kano Wiggins and also helps solve the murder of a circus side-show performer. "Battle of the Three M's," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Dick Giordano; When a popular fashion model Mamie Acheson is injured and has to select one of three models (Maxi, Midi or Midi) to act as her replacement while her leg heals, it causes quite a stir in the fashion world; Batgirl soon finds herself involved after a suspicious visit from a member of a fashion company to her library seeking to get certain books. Letter to the editor from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 411 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086011

Cover by Neal Adams. Ra's Al Ghul and the first appearance of his daughter, Talia, in "Into the Den of the Death-Dealers!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman scales the side of Gotham's Statue of Freedom for a secret meeting with an informant inside the torch; The informant wants police protection in exchange for turning over evidence on Doctor Darrk and the League of Assassins; Before the criminal can reveal anything however, an assassin sneaks into the chamber and stabs him from behind. "Cut... and Run!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Dick Giordano; Continuing from last issue, Batgirl has stumbled upon criminal activity involving the latest fashion sensation of the worlds greatest fashion model Mamie Archeson, a discovery that has her strapped onto a fabric cutter by the crook known as Serpy. Letter of comment from letter hack Guy Lillian. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 412 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086012

Cover by Neal Adams. "Legacy of Hate!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; Bruce Wayne is invited to the ancestral castle of the Waynes in England, where he meets several distant relatives and encounters a ghostly knight bent on centuries-old vengeance. "The Head-Splitters!," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; When a recent socialite divorcee is mysteriously killed by something that literally crushed her head, Barbara Gordon decides to investigate; She soon becomes interested in a socialite wig maker named Vazly and soon goes to purchase a wig, little knowing that it was Vazly who was responsible, and that he implanted devices into the wigs that he made in order to extort money out of the rich. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 413 CGC 7.5 Restored

Restored: C1

Paper: White

Restoration Includes: Small Amount of Color Touch on Cover.

Label #4430086013

Cover by Neal Adams. "Freak-Out at Phantom Hollow!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano and Steve Englehart (backgrounds); In Phantom Hollow, Batman tries to unravel the mystery of a witchs curse that may be destroying the entire town. "Squeeze-Play!", script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; Continuing from last issue... Batgirl has stumbled upon a plot by wig designer Vazly, using wigs that would crush the heads of his victims if they refused to pay him large sums of money to stop the crushings; Confronting them, Batgirl is caught off guard and has a wig slapped on her head, however, it's the one that was given to Barbara Gordon (Batgirl's alter ego) and Batgirl had already disarmed it. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 414 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086014

52-page giants begin. Cover by Neal Adams. "Legend of the Key Hook Lighthouse!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman tangles with a mob of gun-runners for a dictator and receives help from two low-level crooks and a ghost. "Invitation to Murder!", script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; On the night of their first anniversary, Jason Bard is taking Barbara Gordon to go see the play "Invitation to Murder"; The two are shocked to find that they are the only two people in audience; When spotting a rifle setting to shoot one of the actors, Jason stops the gunman but is knocked out. Reprints: "The Australian Code Mystery" (script by David Vern, art by Alex Toth; from World's Finest # 66) and "Private Eye of Venus" (script by Gardner Fox, art by Carmine Infantino; from Strange Adventures # 83). Letter to the editor from Guy Lillian III. 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 415 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086015

52-page giant issue. Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Challenge of the Consumer Crusader," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman helps save a consumer advocate from murder and discovers the extortionist who is shielding herself behind his front. "Death Shares the Spotlight!", script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; Continuing from last issue, when taken out on a date by Jason Bard to see the play "Invitation to Murder," the couple soon finds themselves entangled in an attempted murder of Hollywood's "Royal Couple" Robbie and Tiz Marlow; Leaving Jason behind to guard the starlets, Babs goes off to call the police. "The Forbidden Trick!", script by Bill Woolfolk, art by Leonard Starr, story originally printed in Detective Comics #211. "The Case of the Finders Keepers," art by John Prentice, story originally printed in Gangbusters #54. Letter to the editor from Mike W. Barr. Ancient Crime-Detection Methods! fact page. 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 416 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086016

52-page giant issue. Cover art by Neal Adams. "Man-Bat Madness!", script and art by Frank Robbins; A series of chance occurrences leads Kirk Langstrom to relapse into his Man-Bat identity after marrying Francine Lee, and the Batman must capture him and restore him to normalcy. "The Deadly Go-Between!", script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; Commissioner Gordon's friend, officer Jim McClean, has been murdered, and the Commissioner has vowed to catch his friend's killer; This prompts Barbara Gordon to do her own investigation as Batgirl. "Rex - Circus Detective!", script by Bob Kanigher, pencils by Alex Toth, inks by Sy Barry, reprinted from The Adventures of Rex the Wonder Dog #3. "The Case of the Gold Dust Death!", art by Ramona Fradon, originally printed in Gang Busters #30. Letter from author/artist Frank Robbins, who explains that the inspiration for the Man-Bat story came from fan Anthony Kowalik. 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 417 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086017

52-page giant issue. Cover art by Neal Adams. "Batman for a Night," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; A writers attempt to play Batman for a day becomes serious when his sister is murdered by a bank robber. "A Bullet for Gordon!," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; James Gordon reveals that he knows Batgirl's identity. "Alfred, Armchair Detective!", art by Jerry Robinson, reprinted from Batman #31. "The Mystery that Edgar Allan Poe Solved," pencils by John Prentice, inks by John Prentice, reprinted from Gang Busters #49. Letters to the editor from Guy H. Lillian III and Jay Zilber. Neal Adams cover. 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 418 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086018

52-page giant issue. Cover art by Neal Adams. "...And Be a Villain!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; The Creeper is unable to transform back into his Jack Ryder identity and is being driven insane by Dr. Yatzs serum; But Yatzs son Ishmael has the Creeper steal for him, promising to cure him of his condition, and Batman becomes involved with the case as a result. "The Kingpin is Dead!", script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; During the premiere of a new movie titled "The Stepfather" - based on the true story of the 1920's crime kingpin known as Floyd Marcus - premieres at a Gotham theater, Marcus (who is in attendance) is gunned down in cold blood upon his arrival; Recognizing the gunman as Marcus' step son Mike, Barbara Gordon changes into Batgirl to search his estate for proof linking him to the murder. "The Case of the Careless Caretaker," art by George Papp, reprinted from Gang Busters #40. "The Case of the Terrified Tenderfoot!", script by Joe Millard, pencils by Alex Toth, inks by Frank Giacoia, reprinted from Dale Evans Comics #1. Letters to the editor from cartoonist Fred Hembeck and comics writers Bob Rozakis and Denny O'Neil (!). 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 419 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086019

52-page giant. Batman in "Secret of the Slaying Statues!" Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano. Batgirl back-up story, "Long Live the Kingpin!" Script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck. Reprints: Roy Raymond, TV Detective in "The Return of Ben Franklin" (art by Ruben Moreira; from Detective # 213) and "The Human Target" (from Gangbusters # 61). Letters to the editor from comics writers Mike Barr and Bob Rozakis. Neal Adams cover. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 420 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086020

52-page giant. Cover by Neal Adams and Alan Kupperberg (Batman head on the left border). "Forecast for Tonight... Murder!," script and art by Frank Robbins; Batman waits under the gang plank for a man known as the "Nemesis" to disembark from a freighter recently arrived from South Africa; But when Batman captures the final figure to leave the boat, he discovers it is not the man he is looking for; Instead, thanks to a Geiger counter he is carrying (the man he is after has worked years in a radioactive area), Batman realizes that his quarry is in a coffin that was just unloaded off the ship and sent out in a hearse. "Target for Mañana!," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; After aiding Batgirl in bushing up a narcotics operation in Gotham City, Jason Bard tells Batgirl that Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Barbara (who Bard doesn't know is really Batgirl) are traveling to Mexico to help police there dealing with drug operations.Traveling with her father to Mexico, they are unaware that their arrival has caught the attention of drug dealer Odd Layton. "X Marks the Mystery!," script by Otto Binder, art by Joe Certa, reprinted from Detective Comics #215. "The Man Who Robbed a Thousand Minds," art by Mort Meskin, reprinted from Gang Busters #57. Letters to the editor from Jay Zilber and comics writer Bob Rozakis. 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 421 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086021

52-page giant. Cover pencils by Neal Adams and Alan Kupperberg (Batman head on the left border), inks by Dick Giordano. "Blind Justice...Blind Fear!," script and art by Frank Robbins; Batman must find a way of keeping a convict who has served his time alive during a prison break so that he can divulge information about corrupt politicians, despite a black militant con who wants to bargain for freedom and a hired killer out to get the man Batman wants to protect. "Up Against Three Walls!," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; Continuing from last issue... Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Barbara had traveled to Mexico City so that the Commissioner could teach the police there crime fighting techniques against drug smugglers; Arriving at police headquarters as Batgirl, Barbara learns that the local mob had demanded a ransom of twelve and a half million Pesos for their safe return. "Police Line-Up!," art by Jerry Robinson, reprinted from Batman #24. "The Riddle of the Doomed Magicians!," script by Bill Woolfolk, art by Leonard Starr, reprinted from Detective Comics #205. Letter to the editor from Jay Zilber. Statement of ownership - average print run 371,666; average paid circulation 199,112. 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 422 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086022

52-page giant issue. Cover by Neal Adams. "Highway to Nowhere!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman investigates the mystery of truckers who lose their rigs after seeing the highway before them burst into phantom flames. "The Unmasking of Batgirl!," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; Batgirl reveals her secret identity to her father, Commissioner Gordon, who already knew, as revealed in Detective Comics #417. "The Bush Trackers!," art by Chad Grothkopf, reprinted from Worlds Finest #59. "The Unseen Clue!," art by Howard Purcell, reprinted from Gang Busters #54. 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 424 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086023

Last 52-page giant issue. Cover by Mike Kaluta. "Double-Cross-Fire!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; An innocent bystander during a bank robbery appears to be killed by "accident" from a guards shot, but Batman learns that the killing was no accident. "Batgirl's Last Case," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; On the big election night to find a new congressional representative in Gotham City (a race which Barbara Gordon is running in herself) the local criminal element is less than ecstatic about the potential for the police Commissioner's daughter going to Washington and so they begin a campaign of intimidation to dissuade the citizens of Gotham City to vote for Barbra Gordon. "Case of the Teetering Tower!," script by Joe Millard, art by Alex Toth, reprinted from Dale Evans Comics #7. "The Cop Who Shot 1000 Crooks," pencils by Howard Purcell, inks by Ray Burnley, reprinted from Gang Busters #47. Letters to the editor from Jay Zilber and comics writers Steven Grant and Bob Rozakis. 52 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 425 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430086024

20-cent cover price begins. Cover by Bernie Wrightson. "The Stage Is Set... for Murder!!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; During a modern-dress production of Macbeth, Batman must discover which cast member is a would-be murderer. "Open-and-Shut Case!," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; A Vietnam War buddy of Jason Bards has been committed to a psychiatric institution, but Bard doubts that he has committed the murder of which he is accused. Editorial on the price of DC Comics. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 425 CGC 5.5

Paper: White

Label #4430086025

20-cent cover price begins. Cover by Bernie Wrightson. "The Stage Is Set... for Murder!!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; During a modern-dress production of Macbeth, Batman must discover which cast member is a would-be murderer. "Open-and-Shut Case!," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; A Vietnam War buddy of Jason Bards has been committed to a psychiatric institution, but Bard doubts that he has committed the murder of which he is accused. Editorial on the price of DC Comics. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 426 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087001

Cover by Mike Kaluta. "Killer's Roulette!," script and art by Frank Robbins; Batman sets out to uncover the secret behind the suicides of three wealthy compulsive gamblers. "Trail of the Fadeaway Footprints!," script by Len Wein, art by Dick Giordano; a mystery starring Elongated Man and Sue Dibny. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 426 CGC 4.5

Paper: White

Label #4430087002

Cover by Mike Kaluta. "Killer's Roulette!," script and art by Frank Robbins; Batman sets out to uncover the secret behind the suicides of three wealthy compulsive gamblers. "Trail of the Fadeaway Footprints!," script by Len Wein, art by Dick Giordano; a mystery starring Elongated Man and Sue Dibny. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 427 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087003

Cover by Mike Kaluta. "A Small Case of Murder!," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman investigates the case of a toy manufacturer murdered by a gun-wielding toy doll. "I Wake Up Dying!," script by Frank Robbins, art by Don Heck; Jason Bard is set up for a killing after being hired to find a gangsters lost wife. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 428 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087004

Cover by Mike Kaluta. "The Toughest Cop in Gotham!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Dick Giordano; Steve Shotgun Smith enforces a tough line on Gotham pushers, but Batman suspects that he may be taking kickbacks. "The Invisible Thief of Bleakhill Manor!", script by E. Nelson Bridwell, pencils by Dick Dillin, inks by Joe Giella; Hawkman confronts a thief. Letter from comics writer Bob Rozakis. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 429 CGC 5.5

Paper: White

Label #4430087006

Cover pencils by Mike Kaluta, inks by Nick Cardy. "Man-Bat Over Vegas!", script and art by Frank Robbins; An underground nuclear test in New Mexico sends shockwaves as far as Nevada, disrupting warrens occupied by swarms of vampire bats; The panic-stricken animals take to the air and descend atop Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas strip; Outside of a Vegas casino, a man is found dead in an alley; His skin is pale and he has two puncture wounds on his neck; In Gotham City, Bruce Wayne and Alfred monitor televised recordings of the bat phenomena and learn that Doctor Kirk Langstrom and his wife Francine have been called in to analyze the situation; Batman conspires with a show girl named Debbie, former girlfriend of the "vampire" victim, Jim; Debbie agrees to act as bait for the Man-Bat. "Case of the Loaded Case!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Joe Giella; Jason Bard is hired to guard, for 24 hours, a valise full of $100,000 - in counterfeit money. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 429 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087005

Cover pencils by Mike Kaluta, inks by Nick Cardy. "Man-Bat Over Vegas!", script and art by Frank Robbins; An underground nuclear test in New Mexico sends shockwaves as far as Nevada, disrupting warrens occupied by swarms of vampire bats; The panic-stricken animals take to the air and descend atop Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas strip; Outside of a Vegas casino, a man is found dead in an alley; His skin is pale and he has two puncture wounds on his neck; In Gotham City, Bruce Wayne and Alfred monitor televised recordings of the bat phenomena and learn that Doctor Kirk Langstrom and his wife Francine have been called in to analyze the situation; Batman conspires with a show girl named Debbie, former girlfriend of the "vampire" victim, Jim; Debbie agrees to act as bait for the Man-Bat. "Case of the Loaded Case!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Joe Giella; Jason Bard is hired to guard, for 24 hours, a valise full of $100,000 - in counterfeit money. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 430 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087007

Cover by Jim Aparo. "Clue of the False Faces!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Nick Cardy; After receiving a blow to the head, Batman awakens to find that the unfamiliar face beneath his mask belongs to a criminal. "The Haunted Studio Mystery!," script by E. Nelson Bridwell, art by Dick Giordano; the Elongated Man and Sue Dibny encounter thieves disguised as famous actors. Letter to the editor from Guy Lillian III. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 431 CGC 8.0

Paper: White

Label #4430087008

Cover by Mike Kaluta. "This Murder Has Been Censored," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Murphy Anderson; At a resort, Batman investigates the murder of a man with a "Censored" stamp on his forehead. "Crime on My Hands!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Murphy Anderson; A bartender to whom Jason Bard once gave a business card turns up dead with a message written on the card, and Bard seeks his killer. Letter to the editor from Bob Rozakis. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 432 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087009

Cover by Dick Giordano. "The Great Rip-Off Mystery!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Murphy Anderson; Batman sets out to crack the case of a murdered courier carrying a briefcase full of torn halves of paper currency. "Suddenly... the Witness Vanished!", script by Elliot Maggin, art by Murphy Anderson; Jean Loring questions her client, Henry Norton, during a trial; He is accused of stealing a first-edition copy of Carl Sandburg's poetry and microfilm copies of every issue of the Ivy Town Herald since October 9, 1871; Henry refuses to answer Jean's questions and when the judge demands answers, Henry begins to glow stating that he is leaving the courtroom and has a date with a hog-butcher; Ray Palmer, who was watching the proceedings waiting to have lunch with Jean, sneaks away and changes to the Atom. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. Amusing ad for a record album, "71 Rock Hits." What counted as a "rock" hit? "Go Away Little Girl" by Donny Osmond, "Knock Three Times" by Tony Orlando and Dawn, and "I Think I Love You" by the Partridge Family. No kiddin'! 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 433 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087010

Cover by Dick Giordano. "Killer In the Smog!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Dick Dillin, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman and Commissioner Gordon try to uncover the mystery of a strangler who strikes during smoggy days, and throttles his victims with a yellow ascot. "The Case of the Forged Face!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Murphy Anderson; Jason Bard must track down the would-be assassin of a senator who has impersonated Bard in three cities. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. Statement of ownership - average print run 332,000; average paid circulation 158,638. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 434 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087011

Cover by Mike Kaluta. "The Spook That Stalked Batman," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman matches wits with the Spook, a criminal Houdini who springs convicts from within Gotham Prison, or even from within the Batmobile. "Riddle of the Red-Handed Robber!", script by E. Nelson Bridwell, pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Dick Giordano; Hawkman confronts a robber of the Midway City Museum. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 434 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087012

Cover by Mike Kaluta. "The Spook That Stalked Batman," script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman matches wits with the Spook, a criminal Houdini who springs convicts from within Gotham Prison, or even from within the Batmobile. "Riddle of the Red-Handed Robber!", script by E. Nelson Bridwell, pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Dick Giordano; Hawkman confronts a robber of the Midway City Museum. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 435 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087013

Cover by Dick Giordano. "The Spook Strikes Again!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman learns the secrets of the Spooks escapes and captures him, only to find he has the fingerprints of a man who was executed for murder ten years ago. "Case of the Dead-On Target!", script and art by Frank Robbins; Jason Bard investigates the in-air murder of a skydiver. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 436 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4430087014

Cover by Nick Cardy. "The Night Has a Thousand Fears!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Frank Giacoia; Batman develops a fear of the dark when he accidentally sniffs a packet of drugs a smuggler has planted in Bruce Waynes luggage. "Sign of the Two Fingers!", script by Elliot Maggin, art by Dick Giordano; The Elongated Man tries to solve the mystery of an invisible dog and is forced to commit robbery or see his wife killed. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.