Batman (1940) comic books 1956-1969

Batman (1940) 98 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Slab: Significant scuff(s) front or back

Label #4014319024

Cover by Win Mortimer. "The Return of Mister Future," script by Arnold Drake (pages 1-7, first Drake story for DC) and Bill Finger (pages 7-8), pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Crooks steal a secret weapon created by author Jules Verne, so the Capred Crusaders travel back in time, bring Verne back to the present, and have him design a counter weapon that will nullify his deadly weapon. 2/3-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. Healthy Teeth for You and Your Pet! public service announcement with Buzzy, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer. "The Desert Island Batman," script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Bruce takes a cruise on a yacht populated by millionaires because he suspects something will happen, and it does when a gang hijacks the ship and holds the millionaires captive on an island. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. Patrolman with Six Legs article by Joe Mallory. "Secret of the Batmobile," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Vicki Vale unwittingly discovers the true identity of the Batman without knowing it when she takes a photo of the Batmobile after it's engine was damaged. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 100 GD- 1.8

Water damage. Oxidation. Writing on interior pages.

This is the hard-to-find and much sought after 100th issue. The three Batman and Robin stories in this issue are all new and not reprints. Cover pencils by Bob Kane, Dick Sprang, and Win Mortimer, inks by Bob Kane, Dick Sprang, Win Mortimer, Jerry Robinson, and Charles Paris. "Batmantown, U.S.A.", pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; When the city of Plainville decides to change its name to Batmantown in order to attract residents, Batman figures that it will draw the criminal element instead. Pioneers of 1976! public service announcement with Binky. "The Hunters of Gotham City," pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; An accident at the docks in Gotham City allows several animals to escape into the city, but Batman discovers that they were released on purpose: for jewel smuggling! 2/3-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. Detectives with Electric Eyes article by Jack Miller. "The Great Batman Contest," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman initiates a contest wherein boys submit their inventons in order to win a scholarship, while Batman hopes to find an invention that will serve him well in his crime fighting. 2/3-page O'Malley of the 4th Precinct story. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 126 GD- 1.8

2 centerfold wraps detached. Small lateral spine tears.

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. "The Mystery of the 49th Star," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman is called to Alaska to recover 49 diamonds stolen from a rich tycoon. 2/3-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. Water: A Good Friend or Deadly Enemy -- Depending on You! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "The Batman Lighthouse," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; While on patrol, the Caped Crusaders spot a signal given them by the lighthouse keeper, and the duo swing in to stop some foreign agents and a gang boss. "The Menace of the Firefly," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; While Bruce, Dick and Kathy attend a party, a mysterious criminal appears and robs everyone. When the Caped Crusader appears on the scene, Kathy suspects the host, Ted Carson, of being Batman...but she is due for a surprise! Letters column begins. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 130 VG- 3.5

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Batman's Deadly Birthday," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Stan Kaye; Gotham City prepares a number of fund-raising events to celebrate the anniversary of Batman's first case; At every event, however, criminals manage to make off with the proceeds. Detective Comics #276 ad. Buzzy's "Famous Books" Quiz public service announcement with Buzzy, script by Jack Schiff, art by Ruben Moreira. "The Master of Weapons," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Graham is Paragon Pictures' technical director and designer of many historical weapons; While arguing with studio accountant Bailey over his need for more money, he takes a fall from a set piece, and is rushed to the hospital; Some time later, he vanishes from the hospital; One week later a new costumed villain hits Gotham, one armed with ancient weapons. Justice League of America ad. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Hand from Nowhere," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman investigates reports of a mysterious giant hand and some aliens present at thefts of seemingly worthless minerals. World's Finest Comics #108 ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 136 GD 2.0

Water damage.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Case of the Crazy Crimes," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; To have "some fun," Bat-Mite creates a series of imaginary villains for the Batman to overcome. The Batman Whirly-Word Game puzzle page. Children of Tomorrow! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bernard Baily. "The Town that Hated Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman visits an old mining town seeking a criminal, but when he begins asking questions about the man, the people become hostile toward the Caped Crusader. One-page Warden Willis story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Challenge of the Joker," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman faces the Joker, who, this time, uses the four basic elements to commit his crimes. One-page Strange Old Laws story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 153 VG- 3.5

Cover coming loose at one staple.

Cover by Sheldon Moldoff. "Prisoners of Three Worlds," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A strange alien arrives on Earth and begins stealing silver; When our four heroes begin pursuing him, they are all transported to different dimensions. True Crime Laffs humor/non-fiction page by Henry Boltinoff. Health Myths Debunked! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Half-page Shorty story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 160 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4378796015

Cover art by Sheldon Moldoff. "The Mystery of Madcap Island," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Dynamic Duo track Ed Kiley to Madcap Island, home to numerous wealthy eccentrics, and discovers him murdered. 2/3-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff; Casey uses a bow and arrow instead of a gun in a hospital's quiet zone. "The Alien Boss of Gotham City," script by Dave Wood, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; The Caped Crusaders face a gang led by an apparent alien brandishing amazing weapons, but Batman suspects the alien is a phony...and proves it. Your Free Trip Around the World! public service announcement about libraries, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 162 CGC 2.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4350449002

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) 162 FR/GD 1.5

5" Cumulative spine split. Cover detached.

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) 181 CBCS 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #23-493D523-002

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 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3750972008

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) 185 VG/FN 5.0

Staple rust.

Reprints, 80-page giant. Cover pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, Curt Swan, and Jim Mooney, inks by Stan Kaye, Sheldon Moldoff, and Charles Paris. "Batman, Junior" (from Detective Comics 231), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; When Batman doesn't allow Robin to come with him on a case, he's hurt, but more so when he accidently discovers a photo of the Caped Crusader with a younger version of himself taken years before there was a Robin. "Robin Falls in Love" (from Batman 107), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff inks by Charles Paris; Robin falls hard for a lovely young skater after saving her life...a romance that causes problems for Batman in their daily crime fighting chores! "Robin's New Boss" (from Batman 137), 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. "Robin, the Super Boy Wonder" (from Batman 150), script by Bill Finger, art by Jim Mooney; When the Dynamic Duo are forced down over the Yucatan Plateau during a storm, Batman, accused of stealing emeralds from a native tribe, is shocked to learn that his partner no longer remembers him and has acquired super powers! "The Boy Wonder Confesses!" (from Batman 81), script by David Vern, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Stan Kaye; When Dick is late to school one morning, he is asked by his teacher why...and he tells them that he was out catching a crook as Robin the Boy Wonder....then goes outside and proves it! "The Secret of the Ant-Man" (from Batman 156), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; After Batman announces that he is going away on a secret Government mission, a pint-sized crime fighter by the name of Ant-Man pops up to help him out, but the Boy Wonder wrongly guesses that it is Batman in disguise. "Robin Dies at Dawn" (from Batman 156), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Batman undergoes a test simulation for a situation that astronauts may one day face alone in outer space, and during that simulation he sees Robin dies. Inside front cover contains a photo ad for the 1966 Batman feature film. 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 193 CBCS 8.5

Paper: White

Label #22-0FD4FF7-003

Cover pencils by Dick Sprang, Win Mortimer, Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris, Win Mortimer, and Sheldon Moldoff. "Ride, Bat-Hombre, Ride!", script by David Vern, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; The sickly Presidente of a Latin American nation implores the Caped Crusaders to come to his nation and train a Batman to keep law and order in his country. "The Armored Batman," script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Stan Kaye; All of Gotham City is puzzled by Batman and Robin's odd behavior and strange costuming when they hear of a man named Blair Graeme threatening the Caped Crusaders. "His Majesty, King Batman," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; A visiting royal dignitary visiting Gotham City gets an unexpected role he never expected: to play the role of Batman while the real Caped Crusader looks for a wanted felon. Make Your Summer Count! public service announcement, art by Sheldon Moldoff. "Batman and the Vikings!", pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Charles Paris; When Bruce and Dick visit the Gotham City museum, they note an image of a Viking that looks like Bruce Wayne...and who is labeled a coward, so they visit Carter Nichols to go back in time to discover the truth. "Mayor Bruce Wayne!", script by David Vern, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Racketeer Deuce Chalmers has figured out that Bruce Wayne is Batman...the trouble is, how does he prove it?; And Bruce has troubles as well with his secret identity since he has been appointed temporary Mayor. "The Flying Batman", script by David Vern, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Stan Kaye; Batman and Robin are rendered unconscious by a sting from a strange winged man, only to awake in a weird city inhabited by winged men, who want to operate on Batman to give him wings in order to track down desperate felons.. A complete Sunday newspaper syndicated story reprinted, script by Bill Finger, pencils by Jack Burnley, inks by Charles Paris. 84 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 200 CGC 5.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4018363003

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.