Batman 1940 #164 - 4.0 - $74.00

Batman discovers a plot to waylay a group of folk singers in order to perpetrate the theft of a pearl from a museum, and eventually nabs the villain after foiling a trap set for the criminal.

A private investigator seeks to join the Mystery Analysts, but is blackballed by Batman for a very specific reason.

On-sale date from ad in Sea Devils #17 and copyright registration. First "New Look."

• Two-Way Gem Caper! - Editor Julius Schwartz's pay records have Bob Kane on pencils. However, it is known that Bob Kane contracted the artwork out to Sheldon Moldoff.
• Are You a Good Neighbor? - Inside front cover.
• Two-Way Gem Caper! - Story in two parts of 7.67 and 5.67 pages. Script credit from Batman (DC, 1940 series) #167. Editor Julius Schwartz's pay records have Bob Kane on pencils. However, it is known that Bob Kane contracted the artwork out to Sheldon Moldoff. This story introduces several new elements to the "New Look" Batman. Batman has redesigned the Bat-Cave with an automatic elevator leading to Wayne Manor. The Batmobile has also been redesigned into a sports car. The Bat-Cave exit is no longer a barn, it is now a hidden door on a hillside and leads to the highway. Batman also uses a Hot-Line phone which links the Batmobile (later on the Bat-Cave, too) to Commissioner Gordon's office. Gordon's physical appearance also looks younger and slimmer than prior appearances.
• - At the bottom of page 8 of the previous story sequence.
• - On the page immediately following page 8 of the previous story sequence.
• - On the page immediately preceding page 9 of the previous story sequence.
• - Letters from Norman E. Doerner and Christy Londos.
• Batman's Great Face-Saving Feat! - Script credit from Batman (DC, 1940 series) #167. Editor Julius Schwartz's pay records have Bob Kane on pencils (as does the reprint in Batman #240). However, it is known that Bob Kane contracted the artwork out to Sheldon Moldoff. The disguise Batman creates for himself has more than a passing resemblance to editor Julius Schwartz.
• - Inside back cover.
• Fighting Ships - Sold by Helen of Toy. Back cover.