*DC: Leading this week’s Midas Collection features, Batman #49 from 1948 is quite an issue. The cover portrays an Arabian Nights version of the Joker and proclaims him as ‘the real thief of Bagdad’; inside, Batman & Robin travel back in time to ancient Bagdad (as you do) to confront the Crier, who is a dead ringer for the Joker, but who cries instead of laughs. The middle story features the debut of not only the Mad Hatter, but also reporter Vicki Vale, Batman’s Lois Lane. The lead story is a prison thriller. Cover by Bob Kane, stories by Bill Finger, art by Bob Kane, Jim Mooney & Lew Sayre Schwartz. This is a pretty good copy with a rich colour cover without creases which is virtually unmarked. Its worst defect is a bit of spine roll (more apparent on the back cover). There is a very short nick (without loss) to the left of the top edge and a tiny chip out centre right. There is also a tiny fragment off the bottom right cover and a slight nick without loss centre spine, which is otherwise solid. Staples are secure at spine and centrefold, although the cover is slightly pulled in the staple areas. Pages are an excellent white to off-white. Cover image really pops. High resolution images are available on request.
PICTURED: BATMAN #49 VG £1,600