Batman #1 - Bob Kane File Copy

If you have been reading Comic Book Hunters & Gatherers you know that we have spent a lot of space looking at the big three comics, Action Comics #1, Detective Comics #27 , and Amazing Fantasy #15. Outside this trinity of most valuable, sought after comic book is up for debate. It could be Captain America Comics #1 or possible Superman #1 or the issue we look at in this post Batman #1. You can interject your opinion below in our comments. Today it's all about Batman #1.

Back cover of Batman #1

Published in April of 1940 less then a year after Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27, Batman was given his own title because of his increasing popularity. Now fans could read about his adventures twice a month. Like Detective Comics, Batman was led by the creative team of Bob Kane and Bill Finger.  The significance of Batman #1 is it is the first appearance of not one but two of Batmans most important villians. Batman #1 is the first appearance of the Joker and Catwoman. The main reason I put it at number four own the list.

Catwomans first appearance 

The monumental issue usually sells for big money, a mint copy is valued at $125,000. Two years ago a CGC graded 9.2 sold for over $800,000. Many believe it could be the next comic to break a million bucks.

The Jokers first appearance

The Bob Kane/DC Comics File Copy
Currently ComicConnect, the worlds best online comic auction house, has the copy if Batman #1 used for reference by Bob Kane and DC comics. The low grade given to the issue is a result of it being included in a bound volume at DC offices.

This issue comes from Batman creator Bob Kanes personal collection. Mr. Kane later gifted his bound volumes to DC comics which they used as their file copy. So what does this bound file copy all mean? Basically this is the specific copy of Batman #1 used first by Bob Kane as a reference pointnfor future work and then held in the DC files as a reference for all later Batman creators. it also means that because it was in a bound volume for so many years it retained much of its color. This copy is all sorts of cool, it was used by Bob Kane the creator and then possible by everyone who worked on Batman for many years after Mr. Kane. It is a one of a kind copy.

This unique copy is up at auction till the end of August, if you have a couple of extra thousand dollars it can be yours. Bidding can by done at ComicConnect Batman # 1 Bob Kane Copy.

If you win it let us know we will do a piece on you, we can be reached at Farleyclan003@yahoo.com

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Detective Comics #27 - Nabisco Oreo Reprint

We have focused a lot of space on Comic Book Hunter & Gatherers to "Stories of Action Comics #1", which looks at all the different pedigree and reprint copies of Superman's first appearance. We have not spent enough space discussing Batman's first appearance, we had one highly viewed article about The Beauty of Detective Comics #27. We beginning paying the same respect to Batman with this post.

We will look at an early reprint of Detective Comics #27, this version released in 1983 was a giveaway from Nabisco Cookies.
Produced in 1983 as a promotional giveaway for Nabisco's cookies the reprint  measures 6 1/2 X 10 1/4 inches and contains 31 pages of storyline. The cover is almost an exact replica of the original except it say Collectors Edition in the middle and it has FREE in place of the original 10 cent price .  This comic give-away version is rare but if you can hunt one down it will cost $55.00 in Near Mint Condition.

The reprint includes not only the story from the first appearance of Batmanin Detective Comics #27 but also the first appearance of Robin from Detective Comics #38 and first appearance of the Joker from Batman #1. 

The back cover is the final page from Batman #1.

This reprint is highly sought after and extremely rare today. You could have received one back in 1984 for three proofs of purchase from a Nabisco product.

Nabisco ad for Detective Comics #27 giveaway

Good Luck on Your Reprint Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Batman #2 - Golden Age Variant Covers

Today variant covers are common place, each week numerous covers are released for each title. I happen to be a fan of this phenomenon, I like the idea of two or more artists designing a cover.

Back in the Golden Age if comics variants were not done to help sell additional comics, publishers didn't need any gimmicks as they were selling so well on their merit. The existence of a Golden Age cover variant is externally rare.

Batman #2 is a highly sought after comic, the variant versions of the issue is nearly impossible to find, so here is the story.

Released in the summer of 1940, Batman #2 written by Bill Finger with art by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson. The issue contains four separate Batman stories which includes the second appearance  of the Joker and Catwoman.

There are three different covers for this issue:

DC Logo/10 cent
The most common, if you can call a Golden Age issue of a comic common, has the DC logo on it and  price is 10 cents, this issue sells today for over $35,000 in CGC grade 9.8 less for lower grades (obviously). A CGC 3.5 is currently up or auction at Comic Connect, your chance to own a copy.

No DC Logo/ 10 cents
The first variant is also a .10 cover price but is missing the DC logo is the left corner. We did not find any copies of this version graded or for sale.

DC Logo/15 cent
This is the rarest of the three covers, we are not sure why this cover was priced at 15 cents, 10 cent covers would be the norm in comics until 1963 when the price went up to 12 cents. This issue is nearly impossible to find, we did not find any for sale. Most likely it is a Canadian version but this has not been confirmed.
If you have or see a copy of this issue send us some more information about it farleyclan003@yahoo.com

 

So now you can start hunting or these issues and sell your car to pay for them. If you would like to add to this story please share in the comments section below.

 

Good Luck on Your Hunt!

#jointhehunt

San Diego Comic Con Exclusives -DC Edition

San Diego Comic Con is only a week away and in our continuing review of the exclusives being offered throughout the event we will look at the DC comics exclusives. Lots of Batman items, DC is celebrating the 75th Anniversary and lots of Harley Quinn stuff, she is hot right now. Get you wallets ready there are a bunch of awesome items being offered. So starting getting ready for a hunt.


Action Figure XPress
Action Figure Xpress is teaming with Collectible manufacturer Monogram International to offer a pair of Flashpoint based resin paperweights of Reverse Flash and Batman. The set is limited to 1,000 pieces and will retail for $50. You can hunt one down at the  Action Figure Xpress booth #3345.

Diamond Comics
Batman Arkham Harley Quinn statue is limited to 1,000 pieces, which will cost you $125. Hand- painted, cold-cast porcelain 9.25" statue is packaged in a 4-color box. 

Deathstroke Unmasked Pop! Vinyl figure. This enemy of Arrow Funko’s POP! vinyl figures stand 3 3/4 inches tall and is limited to 1,500 pieces. Only $11.99 (pick one up for me, big Deathstroke fan)

Green Lantern and Joker bear bricks. They are each limited to 1,500 and cost is $14.99 each
These two are exclusive to the SDCC but they have a limited number that can be pre-ordered for delivery. What this means is you can get these even if you can't make the con, just do it soon. You can order them using the links below. Do it now!

Green Lantern Be@rbrick
Joker Be@rbrick

Factory Entertainment
Batman and Superman Write 'ems. pop off the head and you have a market, leave the head on and you have a key chain. Get them exclusively at the Factory Entertainment Booth #2747 while supplies last!

Fugitive Toys
Funko Pop! Vinyl White Lantern Superman and the Flash. Read all about them Here

Graphite Design Inc.
They will have variant covers for Batman #32, Superman #32 and Grayson #1. $10 each

Also an exclusive Harley Quinn Invades SDCC Comic, full version and blank cover version for $10 each.

Joker Mask by Rubies Costumes, the Clown Prince of Crime provides the inspiration for this outstanding convention exclusive. Features a soft latex face appropriately topped-off with genuine, synthetic green hair. Can be yours for only $29.99

With a Harley Quinn Purse no on will mess with you or your stuff.  Created by Bioworld Merchandising 6” x 4” x .5” tote that complete with 46” strap.


Hallmark

Based on the 2011 video game from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment, Batman: Arkham City ornament will be limited to 175 pieces per day as part of a total production run of 1,575. Pick one up at Hallmark booth for only $35.

 Kotobukayi

First Apperance Batman ArtFX, created to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Dark Knight, extremely limited. Shows Batman as he appeared in Detective Comics #27.

Mattel
DC Universe Classics line Doomsday in his first-ever appearance as “prison suit”, stands at over 9” tall with 16 points of articulation. Doomsday comes in a custom window box that pays homage to the cover of DC Comics Superman: The Man of Steel #18 (November, 1992), the issue where he made his first full appearance. $35 is a steal.

 

Batman Arkham Knight Batmobile and Batman figure. Great set for $85.

Tech-equipped Cyborg will become part of the Total Heroe line, but even better he is designed to pay homage to the Super Powers Cyborg figure, this figure has silver VUM deco, and arrives with two interchangeable heads, his classic look and an updated stylized version. This one is only $25, worth it.

Moebius Models
 Man of Steel Superman and General Zod Models will be limited to 250 pieces. These models are in the 1/8th scale with General Zod measuring in at 11.5-inches and Superman at 11-inches, each will be $150 and can be found at booth #2946

Monogram International
 4-piece DC heroes paperweight set. This one will include Superman, Batman (different then Flashpoint one), Wonder woman and the Joker. Priced at $100, it will also be limited to 1,000 pieces. Each bust measures 5.25 inches tall. You can walk away from SDCC with 6 DC Universe busts- Awesome!

The Joker and Harley Quinn resin bank is not where I would want to keep my money, they are SuperVillians but it sure does look good. Will only 300 sets made and it will be priced at $50 in booth #3645.

 

Square Enix
 Square Enix will again have an exclusive limited metallic Color Batman Play Arts Kai Figure from Batman: Arkham Origins. 

So there it is all the DC comic related exclusives rom SDCC, see you need a lot of $$$ and good sneakers to get around quickly. Advice: Get a plan before you get there so you can get all these goodies.
If you are attending and would like to trade for NYCC pieces I am looking for a trade partner.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Medicom - DC Retro Sofubi Line

Medicom released the first two figures in their new DC comics Sofubi figure line earlier this year. They were soft vinyl igures of Batman and the Joker. Each figure 10" tall and had five points of articulation. They retailed for $79.99. Fan interest was high due to Medicoms use of old Mego action figure packaging.

Second wave included Superman, Bizarro and an odd selection Swamp Thing (rumor is it may not see it to shelves). The choice of Swamp Thing shows that the company is willing to take some risks with the line. Hopefully there will be more less popular figures down the road.

Superman and Bizarro will stand will also be 10″ tall and feature 5 points of articulation, they will come with vinyl capes. Swamp Thing is a little taller at about 12". These three are scheduled for September release with Superman and Bizarro retailing for $79.99 while Swamp Thing (if he actually is released) will be $119.99. Due to low pre-sale orders Swamp Thing may be canceled which is sad.

 

Medicom already has their 2015 releases ready, they will include Batgirl and Catwoman in January. Like the figures before these two female figures will stand 10" and will retail for $79.99. Batgirl comes with vinyl cape and removable cowl. Each is based on the characters look from the late 190's/early 1970's. It appears that Medicom did not get the rights to do them from in 1966 Batman TV show style, which would have been great considering all the buzz around the series in recent months.

You can order or pre-order all the figures at  Entertainment Earth by using these links -Batman, Joker, Bizarro, Superman, Catwoman, Batgirl 

 

Swamp Thing is currently listed as canceled but you can write to see if we can get it made.

You can also visit Medicom Toys to see all their other great items.

 

  

If ordering on-line isn't your thing and you are a true hunter, start tracking these down. Saw a Joker one recently on a trip to Florida.

 

 

Good Luck in your hunt!

#jointhehunt



Animation Comic Game Hong Kong Fair Exclusives

It's bad enough that we have to try and hunt down exclusive items sold only at specific Comic Conventions located throughout the United States ( still looking for Blue Lantern Flash), now you are going to have to hunt down items from Hong Kong based Animation Comic Game Fair or ACGHK for short.

This year will be the 15th Annual and there will be some awesome exclusive comic book based figures for you to hunt down. These three high end figures are from Hot Toys. Each of the three are 1/6 scale figures.

Directly from the blockbuster movie Iron Man 3 come the Python Armor (Mark XX) figure. This is one of the suits you can see during the final battle of the movie.

Continuing this movie themed line, there will also be Joker Bank Robber version from Batman: Dark Knight. The figure comes with his shotgun, clown mask and a bag full of grenades.

Finally there will be a an Ancient Predator figure from Alien vs. Predator. It comes with a the various weapons used in the movie and a Xenomorph's (Alien) head on a stick.

ACGHK runs from July 25-29th so get your reservations, buy your tickets and get your butt to Hong Kong. This will be an international hunt.

If you are able to attend ACGHK you can pre-order these figures by going to Hot Toys or Clicking here.

You should also check out Hot Toys Online, they have many cool high end movie figures.

Good Luck on your Global hunt.

#jointhehunt

San Diego Comic Con Exclusives - Monogram International

I really should start titling these post, "Why SDCC exclusives kill my wallet each year?" Monogram International has a bunch of exclusives for SDCC.

If you recall we reported a couple of days ago that Action Figure Express would have a Flashpoint paperweight exclusive at SDCC, turns out they are releasing it in conjunction with Monogram International.

Monogram international is also releasing an additional 4-piece DC heroes paperweight set. This one will include Superman, Batman (different then Flashpoint one), Wonder woman and the Joker. Priced at $100, it will also be limited to 1,000 pieces. Each bust measures 5.25 inches tall. You can walk away from SDCC with 6 DC Universe busts- Awesome!

Monogram international will also have a tree piece Incredible Hulk vinyl bank set, the set includes Green, Grey and Red versions of the Hulk. It is limited to only 200 pieces and can be picked up at booth #3645. Who doesn't want a RULK bank in their collection?


I can pretty much guarantee that there will be more exclusives news in the next couple of days. Time to take out a loan or sell a kidney. Anyone know what I can get for a slightly used kidney these days?

Enjoy your hunt!
#jointhehunt

San Diego Comic Con Exclusive - Action Figure Xpress Bearbrick Green Lantern and Joker

Yes, there are more exclusives for San Diego Comic Con from Action Figure XPress. This time it's Green Lantern and Joker bear bricks. They are each limited to 1,500 and cost is $14.99 each

These two are exclusive to the SDCC but they have a limited number that can be pre-ordered for delivery. What this means is you can get these even if you can't make the con, just do it soon.



You can order them using the links below. Do it now!
Green Lantern Be@rbrick

Joker Be@rbrick

Be@rbricks have become very popular over the last couple of year and are awesome collectibles. They have released 3 different Batmans, Robin, Superman, Plastic Man, Cyborg Riddler and an actually Green Lantern lantern. I like that they use the old Super Powers cards and images.

Hunting on the web is a modern day method of hunting. It is much easier then actually going somewhere to hunt things down, but very effective.

Good luck on your hunt!
#jointhehunt