Exquisite Copy of Batman #1 to be Offered at Auction!

Kansas City Copy One of the Finest Known

DALLAS, TEXAS: In 1939, an eight-page feature in the 27th issue of an obscure magazine called Detective Comics gave birth to one of the 20th Century's most legendary lawmen. A scant year later, that same Guardian of Gotham graduated to his own title, and has been thrilling readers ever since.

That character, of course, is Batman, created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in the wake of the tremendous success of Superman over in Action Comics. One of the first of the new breed of costumed "super-heroes," Batman became the iconic figure of the urban avenger, spawning countless imitators over the years, few of which could match his popularity.

That popularity was so great that within months, Batman was awarded his very own eponymous comic book. Batman #1, cover dated Spring 1940, is significant for several reasons: it is the first issue of a title that has been published continually to this very day, it retells the classic origin of Batman, and it features the first appearances of both the Joker and the Catwoman, two Bat-villains that have become nearly as famous as the Darkknight Detective himself.

"Batman #1 is one of the most significant comic books ever published," said Ed Jaster, Vice-President for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "Ranked #6 on Overstreet's list of Top Golden Age Comic Books, it's a key book for collectors and investors alike. Unrestored copies of this important book are hard to come by - most, after more than six decades, have had some kind of work done on them - which makes the copy offered in our upcoming Signature auction, the Kansas City copy, even more desirable. Graded a Universal VF+ 8.5 by CGC, this is one of the nicest copies of this book anyone is ever likely to see. It's one of the centerpieces of our upcoming auction, and will no doubt be the centerpiece of some lucky Golden Age aficionados advanced collection."

Batman #1 Kansas City pedigree (DC, 1940) CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white pages:
Estimate: $75,000 & up

will be offered in Heritage Auction Galleries' upcoming Comics Signature Auction, to be held November 16-18 in Dallas, Texas.

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Heritage specializes in rare, high-grade comic books, as well as vintage comic and animation art, illustration art, classic toys, movie posters and comics-related collectibles.

Prospective consignors and sellers of top-end comics material, toys, and original art are invited to call Ed Jaster at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 288 or Lon Allen at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 261 to discuss their rare comics and original illustration and comic art. Or visit www.HA.com and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Ed Jaster at EdJ@HA.com or Lon Allen at LonA@HA.com.

Music and Hollywood memorabilia collectors should contact Doug Norwine at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 452 or email DougN@HA.com.

Movie poster consignors please call Grey Smith at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 367 or email GreySm@HA.com.

To reserve your copy of a catalog for any upcoming Heritage auction, please contact Nicole Jewell, c/o Heritage Auction Galleries, 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor, Dallas, TX 75219, or call 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272.