Auctions: comic books

Bat-Man First Knight (2024 DC) 1B CGC 10.0

Paper: White

Perez Variant Cover.

Label #4726681009

Written by Dan Jurgens. Art by Mike Perkins. Cover by Ramon Perez. The year is 1939. The world, still reeling from the horrors of the First World War, is on the brink of tipping into an even more gruesome conflict, as fascism is on the march--and gathering strength in America's darkest corners. Against this backdrop, a series of violent murders has begun in Gotham, and the recent emergence of the mysterious vigilante known as The Bat-Man has the power brokers of the city living in fear of institutional collapse. All of the evidence in the murder investigation defies logic: the perpetrators are all men who died in the electric chair. But when the Bat- Man comes face to face with one of these sickening anomalies, he barely escapes with his life--throwing into question his ability to survive in a world that is brutally evolving around him! Legendary writer Dan Jurgens and superstar artist Mike Perkins return to the earliest days of the Dark Knight, retelling one of his most infamous cases through an acutely modern lens, depicting a world paralyzed by anxiety and a desperate populace crying out for release! 48 pages, full color. Rated T+ Cover price $6.99.

Bat-Man First Knight (2024 DC) 1C CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Aspinall Variant Cover.

Label #4726681007

Written by Dan Jurgens. Art by Mike Perkins. Cover by Marc Aspinall. The year is 1939. The world, still reeling from the horrors of the First World War, is on the brink of tipping into an even more gruesome conflict, as fascism is on the march--and gathering strength in America's darkest corners. Against this backdrop, a series of violent murders has begun in Gotham, and the recent emergence of the mysterious vigilante known as The Bat-Man has the power brokers of the city living in fear of institutional collapse. All of the evidence in the murder investigation defies logic: the perpetrators are all men who died in the electric chair. But when the Bat- Man comes face to face with one of these sickening anomalies, he barely escapes with his life--throwing into question his ability to survive in a world that is brutally evolving around him! Legendary writer Dan Jurgens and superstar artist Mike Perkins return to the earliest days of the Dark Knight, retelling one of his most infamous cases through an acutely modern lens, depicting a world paralyzed by anxiety and a desperate populace crying out for release! 48 pages, full color. Rated T+ Cover price $6.99.

Batgirl (2009 3rd Series) 12 VF- 7.5

Flood: Part 4 of 4 - Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER. Art by LEE GARBETT, PERE PEREZ and WALDEN WONG. Cover by STANLEY 'ARTGERM' LAU. It's the end of Batgirl's first year as a member of the Bat-family, and the stakes couldn't be higher! Stephanie Brown must risk her life to break into the Calculator's secret lair in an attempt to save Oracle and all of Gotham City from his techno-plague. And finally, the Calculator's daughter accepts her true destiny! 32 pages, full color. Cover price $2.99.

Batgirl Bombshell Print by Natali Sanders

Signed by the artist with foil stamped seal. High quality print on heavy stock. 11" x 17".

Batgirls (2022 DC) 12C CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Ganucheau Variant Cover.

Label #4705230017

View items consigned by vamp driver: all items, auctions only

Written by Becky Cloonan, Michael W Conrad. Art by Neil Googe. Cover by Paulina Ganucheau. Boy, do the Batgirls have some tea for you! Literally. Cass and Steph go down a rabbit hole of madness when they're invited to Mad Hatter's tea party. But with the death of yet another Hill resident looming on their shoulders, they're one step closer to finding the Hill Ripper. 32 pages, full color. Rated T+ Cover price $4.99.

Batman #33B (2016) Signed Cover Print By Olivier Coipel

High quality print on heavy stock. Signed by the artist and numbered 20/25. COA from Totally Comics is included. 11" X 17".

Batman #37B (2016) Signed Cover Print by Oliver Coipiel

High quality print on heavy stock. Signed by the artist. COA from totally Comics is included. 11" X 17".

Batman & Guy Gardner 'One Punch' Print by Kevin Maguire

Signed by the artist. High quality print on heavy stock. 11" x 17".

Batman '89 (2021 DC) 1CE.B CGC 9.4 SS Pfeiffer

Paper: White

Signed by Michelle Pfeiffer on 1/8/25. Comics Elite Convention Edition B. Includes Celebrity Authentics Sticker on Front - S51609.

Label #4322290001

Comics Elite Convention exclusive Minimal Trade Dress cover by Carla Cohen. Written by Sam Hamm. Art by Joe Quinones. Step back into the Gotham of Tim Burtons seminal classic Batman movies! Batman 89 brings in screenwriter Sam Hamm (Batman, Batman Returns) and artist Joe Quinones (Dial H for Hero) to pull on a number of threads left dangling by the prolific director. Gotham becomes torn in two as citizens dressed as Batman and The Joker duke it out in the streets. As D.A. Harvey Dent tries to keep the city together, he targets the one problem tearing it apart: BATMAN! And he'll get Bruce Wayne's help in taking down the Dark Knight! 32 pages, full color. Rated T+

Batman '89 Echoes (2023 DC) 3B CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Variant Cover.

Label #4745381014

Written by Sam Hamm. Art by Joe Quinones. Cover by W Scott Forbes. Dr. Quinzel's therapy sessions go a bit awry after some...unconventional methods affect a few patients. Meanwhile, Dr. Crane's plans within Arkham Asylum march forward. But can Barbara Gordon and Alfred find Bruce Wayne before it's too late?! 32 pages, full color. Rated T+ Cover price $4.99.

Batman (1940) 74 CGC 2.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4530215003

Cover by Win Mortimer. "The Crazy Crime Clown!", script by Alvin Schwartz, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; The Joker steals a bunch of worthless items; Apsychiatrist diagnoses him with hebophrenic schizophrenia, and hes committed to an insane asylum; Batman and Robin investigate the mysterious case and decade that Joker must have pretended to be insane in order to reach a wealthy man inside the asylum. UNICEF Spells Help for the Children of the World! starring Superman, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer. Two-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Movie That Killed Batman!", pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Ray Burnley; During the making of a movie, Batman and Robin recreate the case against a notorious criminal called Skid Turkel; Their butler, Alfred, has been cast as the main antagonist. -page Little Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. 1-page Varsity Vic story by Henry Boltinoff. "Smoking Out Smugglers" text story by Jim Moss. "The Water Crimes of Mr. Hydro!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Stan Kaye; Timothy Flagg is a water boy at Gotham State Penitentiary; He decides to break out of prison using water and becomes Mister Hydro; Batman and Robin get involved. One-page Jerry the Jitterbug story by Henry Boltinoff. 44 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 147 CBCS 6.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #24-1645B9D-002

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Plants of Plunder," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A gang of crooks enters Gotham and begins using strange seeds to grow alien plants in order to commit crimes. One-page Jail Jests story by Henry Boltinoff. Time-Out for Talk! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Secret of Mystery Island!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A dying gang boss leaves a series of clues for his men to follow to an island in order for them to locate a hidden treasure. "Batman Becomes Bat-Baby" starring Batman and Bat-Woman (as proof of this "unusual adventure," there resides in the Bat-Cave's famed trophy room a glass case in which the Bat-Baby costume is enshrined), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A criminal scientist turns Batman physically into a four-year-old with a ray of his own devising, but Batman modifies his costume and continues to fight crime as Bat-Baby. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 149 FR/GD 1.5

Severe cover tearing (interior taped). Centerfold detached.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Maestro of Crime," script by Jerry Coleman, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Angered because of poor reviews of his music concerts, Payne Cardine turns to crime; Batman then uses a music expert to decipher the clues left behind by Cardine as the Mastero of Crime. "The Invaders from the Past," script by Jerry Coleman, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The appearance of strange men through portals and the kidnapping of the Caped Crusaders by two Vikings all lead to the eventual capture of two crooks perpetuating a hoax. Half-page Homer story by Henry Boltinoff. "Batman Tunes in on Murder," script by Jerry Coleman, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff inks by Charles Paris; The light reflected off the ring of a visiting Rajah allows Batman to tune in the thoughts of a person planning murder with a bomb. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 154 VG+ 4.5

View items consigned by Time Machine Comics: all items, auctions only

Cover pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris. "Danger Strikes Four," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; As Dick begins reading Alfred's latest imaginary tale of Batman II and Robin II, he is called upon by the Caped Crusader to battle Big Al and his men, with all involved in circumstances strangely resembling Alfred's story. "The Amazing Odyssey of Batman and Robin," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; When the remains of the Bat-Boat are found, its log is sent to Commissioner Gordon, who announces that Batman is dead, leaving a stage magician free to commit his crimes! Safety First -- All Year! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; Johnny discovers the hazards of leaving things lying around the home. "The Strange Experiment of Doctor Dorn," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A large green creature is menacing Gotham City, so the Dynamic Duo are called in to assist, and they discover a way to get the creature to pass away, leaving Dr. Dorn free without any effect. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 163 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #2077438003

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Bat-Girl--Batwoman II!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Chic Stone, inks by Charles Paris; Betty returns to Gotham City and adopts the guise of Batwoman II; With Batman and Robin II both out of town, the original Batman must go into action and gets captured in the process; When Batwoman II saves him, she learns his secret identity in the process. "The Joker Jury!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Joker begins a crime wave using the city's various departments as his theme; When the Caped Crusaders head out to battle the Crime Clown, they are captured and put on trial by the Joker. Names Do Hurt! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 174 GD 2.0

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

Batman (1940) 180 GD/VG 3.0

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Death Knocks Three Times!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman stops a crook in a skeleton costume who boasts that he will escape justice; On the way from the courtroom, the man falls over and apparently dies, a fact that haunts the Batman, especially when he thinks of the man's boast; When Death-Man reappears, the Caped Crusaders get him again, only to have him die a second time, only to be resurrected again; Batman wonders: will the third time be the "lucky" charm that ends this menace? Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Health Myths Debunked! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; How to treat frostbite, a black eye, and does cutting your hair make it grow faster? Casey the Cop humor page by Henry Boltinoff. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 181 CBCS 3.5

Paper: Off white

Label #18-156F446-001

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) 181 PR 0.5

INCOMPLETE. Centerfold missing, interrupts art and story. Cover detached at one staple.

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) 183 GD/VG 3.0

Centerfold detached at one staple. Cover oxidation. Water damage.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. "A Touch of Poison Ivy!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Missing the imprisoned Poison Ivy, the Caped Crusader receives a gift from her and she promises to repent; Batman visits her, but he is placed under her spell, and she uses him to make good her escape. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. The Policeman Is Your Friend! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Letter from future comics writer Mike Friedrich. "Batman's Baffling Turnabout!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; While chasing crooks into a warehouse, Batman falls through a trapdoor and is captured while one of the crooks impersonates the Caped Crusader; A tell-tale clue alerts Robin that this is an imposter and he deals appropriately with the situation to find the real crime fighter. Letters to the editor from Biljo White, Irene Vartanoff, and comics writer Mike Friedrich. Statement of ownership--average print run 694,000; average paid circulation 453,745. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 184 GD- 1.8

Cover detached. Water damage.

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "Mystery of the Missing Manhunters!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Caped Crusaders mysteriously disappear for two weeks, and when they return, they have no memory of where they have been. Letter from Marvel colorist and editorial assistant Irene Vartanoff. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "The Boy Wonder's Boo-Boo Patrol!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Sid Greene; Robin, who is on patrol alone, thinks that someone is trying to kill Viola Lance, a stunt girl, when she experiences several motorcycle accidents. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 186 GD 2.0

Cover by Murphy Anderson. "The Joker's Original Robberies!", script by John Broome, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Joker returns to haunt the Caped Crusaders, this time with a new member added to his gang: Gaggy, who makes the Joker laugh, which then inspires the Clown Prince of Crime with new crime ideas. Lost--A Free Education! public service announcement with Binky, art by Bob Oksner. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. Letter from future comics writer Mike Friedrich. "Commissioner Gordon's Death-Threat!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman receives a call from Commissioner Gordon, informing him that Fred Purley (whom Gordon helped jail) has been paroled, and has made threats against the Commissioner; The Caped Crusader heads out to protect Gordon, not realizing that Gordon has been kidnapped and Purley has set a trap awaiting Batman. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Friedrich. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 187 VG+ 4.5

Reprints, 80-page giant. Cover pencils by Win Mortimer and Curt Swan, inks by Win Mortimer and Stan Kaye. "Batman's First Case" (from Detective # 265), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The sudden appearance of a new criminal basing his crime on time jogs Batman's memory into remembering that this criminal was his very first case after his parents were killed, and if the Clock has his way, the current case against him will be the Caped Crusader's last! "Phantom Eye of Gotham City" (from Detective 192), pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris; As vicious criminal creates a means to televise crimes as they happen and making the Dynamic Duo look like they are inept. "The Last Days of Batman" (from Batman 125), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Carter Nichols sends the Dynamic Duo back to ancient Venice to gather evidence in a case, but only Batman returns, while Robin is shifted to Gotham City a few days into the future, where he discovers a new criminal will kill Batman. "Peril at Playland Isle" (from Detective 264), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; When the wealthy builder of a new amusement park is killed, Batman and Robin nearly lose their lives tracking down the real killer. "The Batman of Tomorrow" (from Detective 216), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; When Bruce Wayne injures his arm, to keep Vicki from discovering that Batman has the same problem, the Caped Crusader seeks out the Batman of the Future to step in for him...almost with disastrous results! "The Ballad of Batman!" (from Batman 95), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; A balladeer comes to Gotham City to sing the praises of Batman in verse, but it backfires when his songs tip off crooks wanting to commit crimes. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. A complete Batman newspaper syndicated story reprint featuring the Joker (7 pages) from Oct.-Dec. 1946. 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 188 VG 4.0

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) 190 FN- 5.5

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) 192 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Crystal Ball That Betrayed Batman!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Caped Crusaders accidently come across a crime committed by the Fearsome Foursome and succeed in capturing a member of that gang; Batman then disguises himself as that crook in order to infiltrate the gang and nab the leader...or so he thinks. Cap's Hobby Hints activity half-page by Henry Boltinoff. "Dick Grayson's Secret Guardian!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Dick Grayson meets the two new kids being bussed into his school, and invites them to be a part of Gotham High's basketball team; Toughy Loomis, one of those kids, wants to beat up Dick because he's a rich kid. Mystery of the Million-Dollar Briefcase! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 194 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. "The Blockbuster Goes Bat-Mad!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Chic Stone (?) and Sheldon Moldoff (?) (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; By chance, a reformed Mark Desmond sees a Batman display at a local department store and reverts back to his Blockbuster persona, which goes out to destroy anything related to the Caped Crusader. Letters to the editor from comics historian Peter Sanderson Jr. and "Batmania" publisher Biljo White. "The Problem of the Proxy Paintings!", script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Martin Tellman calls the Analysts together to help him solve the dilemma he faces: his collection of worthless copies of valuable paintings have suddenly become the real thing! 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 200 GD 2.0

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) 204 VG- 3.5

Cover art by Irv Novick. "Operation: Blindfold!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Joe Giella; An unscrupulous criminal named the Schemer kills an innocent blind man and plants evidence on him to lead Commissioner Gordon to believe that he is the Batman!; When the real Batman shows up on the scene, the Police arrest him, believing that he is a phony. Letters to the editor from Biljo White and Shel Dorf. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 224 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4488459009

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Carnival of the Cursed," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Investigating the murder of a jazz musician in New Orleans, Batman encounters the powerful Moloch and his gang, who are seeking the victim's trumpet for a hidden map to a gold mine; After Batman's first encounter against the beastly Moloch, he starts following the clues left by the thugs and he realizes that Moloch's gang has kidnapped one of the late musician's friends. Letter from comics writer Martin Pasko. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 227 VG 4.0

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Demon of Gothos Mansion!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Alfred receives a letter from his niece Daphne, saying she is a teacher to children at Gothos Mansion but thinks there is something strange; Batman decides to investigate and once he arrives at the place, he is attacked by some men, but easily defeats them; He then gets into Daphne's room, where she tells him she has discovered the children were Dwarves and she is forced to wear ancient clothes; On the wall there's a portrait of a girl who looks exactly like Daphne; Batman breaks the lock and opens the door of the room in order to leaves the room; However, he steps outside the room into a hallway and he falls through a trapdoor into a net; The Elder Heathrow and his men bind Batman's hands and he is placed on a stone with a noose round his neck; In about a quarter of an hour it will drop into the cellar and Batman will be hanged. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Help Me--I Think I'm Dead!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Mike Esposito; Professor "Buck" Stuart is running for congress against incumbent Forte on a platform of cleaning up the polluted river that Forte has allowed ICM to dump their chemicals into; When Stuart's campaign headquarters are burned to the ground, Robin investigates. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 227 VG- 3.5

1" tear in cover and first page.

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) 232 CBCS 4.5 Verified Sig Adams

Paper: Off white

Verified Signature: Neal Adams.

Label #20-3F331EA-010

1st appearance of Ra's Al Ghul. Last 15-cent cover price. Cover by Neal Adams. "Daughter of the Demon," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; Origin of Batman and Robin retold; Robin returns home from a night of adventuring; Two gunmen armed with tranquilizer darts shoot the Boy Wonder and take him prisoner; Later, Bruce Wayne receives a photograph of his kidnapped partner and a challenge to find him; Ra's Al Ghul contacts deduce that Bruce Wayne and the Batman are one in the same; He calls upon the world's greatest detective to help him find his daughter Talia, who also has been kidnapped. Letter to the editor by Mike W. Barr. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 238 VG 4.0

100-page Super Spectacular. Cover by Neal Adams. All reprints: "The Masterminds of Crime!" (from Batman # 70), script by David Vern Reed, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Charles Paris; Batman disguises himself as the crook Drexel to infiltrate the Crime Academy. "The Origin of the Doom Patrol" (from My Greatest Adventure # 80), script by Arnold Drake (plot) and Bob Haney (script), pencils by Bruno Premiani; A mysterious man known only as the Chief calls three people who have all escaped certain doom but were left outcasts because of their experiences; He recounts their individual stories; He asks them to become the Doom Patrol, and their first mission is to defuse a bomb; The Chief informs the Doom Patrol of an alien spaceship that has landed on Earth carrying a super-weapon; General Immortus, spying on them, makes plans. "Oh Plastic Man" (from Police Comics # 14), art by Jack Cole; Woozy and Plastic Man set out to capture Eel O'Brian. "Guarding a Lion" (from Sensation Comics #57), script by John Broome, art by Joe Kubert; Sargon the Sorcerer must figure out who the mysterious person is who has been messing with the circus lion. "Danger in the Totem's Eye!" (from Adventure # 276), script and pencils by Arthur Adler, inks by Bob Oksner; Al Pratt goes to a museum to research Indian culture but ends up tracking down some robbers. "The Aqua-Thief of the Seven Seas!" (from Adventure Comics #276), script by Robert Bernstein, art by Ramona Fradon; Aquaman is falsely accused of stealing a chest of diamonds. "The Legion of Super-Outlaws!" (from Adventure Comics #324), script by Edmund Hamilton, art by John Forte; An evil scientist tricks the Heroes of Lallor into fighting the Legion. "Mr. Roulette's Greatest Gamble" (from Batman #75), script by David Vern Reed, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris. A key that lists all the superheroes featured on the wrap-around cover. 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.50.

Batman (1940) 244 VG/FN 5.0

Water spotting.

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: White

Label #4652019022

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) 263 VG/FN 5.0

First 25-cent cover price. Cover art by Dick Giordano. "Batman and the Mummy" Hostess Twinkies ad. "Riddler on the Move!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Dick Giordano; Batman is on the trail of a criminal organization that provides criminal services for other criminals in the underworld; When he is about to take down their leader, Batman is challenged by the Riddler to solve one of his infamous riddles; In doing so, Batman is lured directly into a trap inside a museum, where the Riddler has prepared a whole chamber with loaded crossbows aimed at Batman; The Dark Knight has to solve yet another riddle to save his life and in the meantime, the Riddler moves on and takes over the criminal organization Batman was trying to dismantle. Statement of ownership; average # of copies sold previous year: 193,223. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 264 FN 6.0

Cover art by Dick Giordano. Hostess Fruit Pies ad starring Superman, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Death of a Daredevil starring Batman, script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Dick Giordano. Batman must find Al "Devil" Dayre, who has been kidnapped. Letter to the editor from Peter Sanderson. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 279 VF 8.0

Cover art by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua). "Riddler on the Rampage," script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua), inks by Tex Blaisdell; Riddler escapes from prison; He sends two doubles to fight Batman and Robin in a clock museum, then fights them himself at the Fair Harbor Yacht Club and the Gotham Museum of Art. Justice for All Includes Children public service announcement, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Vince Colletta; Superman saves a hitchhiking boy from arrest and councils him on the dangers of hitchhiking. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 286 FN- 5.5

Oxidation

Cover art by Jim Aparo. That Dirty Beach Hostess snack cakes ad with Aquaman. "The Joker's Playground of Peril!", script by Denny O'Neil, Julius Schwartz (plot assist), and E. Nelson Bridwell (plot assist), pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Bob Wiacek; The Joker breaks out of Arkham Asylum and shrinks and kills his psychiatrist with a strange liquid; Robin convenes with Batman and Commissioner Gordon beside the doll-sized corpse of Dr. Tugwell, who has written "RIP" in the sand beside him; Batman deduces the letters stand for Revelry In the Park, a costume charity carnival held in Paradise Playground, an amusement park, which he believes will be the site of the Joker's next crime. And Now... Still Another Message Of Untold Importance From Our Prolific Publisher!! article by Jenette Kahn. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 289 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4745010003

Cover art by Mike Grell. Hostess snack cakes ad with Green Lantern. "Sign of the Skull," script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Mike Grell, inks by Vince Colletta; "Skull" Dugger suffers from anhedonia, a psychological condition that robs him of the ability to experience joy, so he builds a machine that will allow him to feel it--by robbing joy and life from others at their moment of greatest pleasure; Batman succumbs to the machine. Remember the Five-Cent Phone Call? article by publisher Jenette Kahn. Bob Haney profile by Mike Gold. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.

Batman (1940) 291 GD/VG 3.0

Double Cover. Inner cover is 3.0, outer cover is 2.5.

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) 307 FN/VF 7.0

1st appearance of Lucius Fox. Cover art by Jim Aparo. "Dark Messenger of Mercy!", script by Len Wein, pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; Lucius Fox handles the day-to-day transactions of the Wayne Foundation to Fox free up Wayne's schedule for his Batman activities; Batman pursues a killer who places poisoned gold coins over his victims' eyes. Hostess snack cakes ad with Superman. Letter from comics write Cat Yronwode. Daily Planet Extra Volume 78 Issue 40 Week of October 9, 1978; Information on Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #247, The Brave and the Bold #146, comics on sale the week of October 23, Ask the Answer Man! and Fred Hembeck strip featuring Elongated Man. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 308 FN 6.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. "There'll Be a Cold Time in the Old Town Tonight!", script by Len Wein, pencils by John Calnan, inks by Dick Giordano; Bruce Wayne meets with Selina Kyle—the Catwoman now reformed; She wants to invest money in Wayne Enterprises; Batman, he answers a bat-signal summons to view the frozen body of financier Jacob Riker, who was iced for betraying Mr. Freeze; Another millionaire, John McVee, gets frozen in order to slow his aging processes increase his lifespan; Batman tracks down Mr. Freeze in his headquarters and becomes the villains slave. Hostess Twinkies ad starring Superman. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 324 FN 6.0

Cover art by Jim Aparo. "The Cat Who Would Be King!" starring Batman, Catwoman, and James Gordon, script by Len Wein, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Bob Smith; Batman and Catwoman escape from the trap of a deadly Cats Cradle and trace the Catman to the islands owned by millionaire Adros Akropolis. Story continued from Batman #323. Hostess Twinkies ad starring the Flash, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Vince Colletta. Answer Man featuring Bob Rozakis. Flash, Batman & Vigilante parody strip by Fred Hembeck. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.40.

Batman (1940) 358D VG/FN 5.0

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) 361N FN 6.0

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

Batman (1940) 386N CGC 9.2

Paper: Off white to white

Newsstand Edition.

Label #4547806003

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) 404 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #0150200030

First Printing. Direct Edition. 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 8.0

First Printing. Direct Edition. 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.