Detective Comics Vol 1 40
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Fools! They play at murder, not realizing that I do not pretend, but shall in reality bring death!
- -- Clayface
Appearing in "The Murders of Clayface"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Villains:
- Clayface (Basil Karlo)

(First appearance)

Other Characters:
- Fred Walker (Only appearance; dies)
- Kenneth Todd (Single appearance)
- Lorna Dane (Only appearance; dies)
- Mister Bentley (First appearance)
- Ned Norton (Single appearance)
- Roxy Brenner (Single appearance)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
- None
Synopsis for "The Murders of Clayface"
Julie Madison is part of a new picture called Dread Castle. One of Madison's colleagues and her boyfriend are murdered on set on the picture- literally! The last words her boyfriend said was "Clayface". Soon, Batman comes to investigate and prevents the murderer who calls himself Clayface and saves Madison. When Clayface is captured, he reveals himself as Basil Karlo, the make-up man and ex-actor.
Appearing in "The Forgarian Ball"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Unknown
Villains:
- Unknown
Other Characters:
- Unknown
Locations:
- Unknown
Items:
- Unknown
Vehicles:
- Unknown
Synopsis for "The Forgarian Ball"
- Synopsis not yet written.
Appearing in "The Mysterious Rays"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Villains:
- Mad Scientist (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Mac
Locations:
Items:
- Unknown
Vehicles:
- Unknown
Synopsis for "The Mysterious Rays"
- Synopsis not yet written.
Appearing in "The Jewel Robbers"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Villains:
- Chick Doneen (Single appearance)
- Al (Single appearance)
- Unnamed man (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Unknown
Locations:
- Unknown
Items:
- Unknown
Vehicles:
- Unknown
Synopsis for "The Jewel Robbers"
- Synopsis not yet written.
Appearing in "The Prodigy"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Unknown
Villains:
- Unknown
Other Characters:
- Unknown
Locations:
- Unknown
Items:
- Unknown
Vehicles:
- Unknown
Synopsis for "The Prodigy"
- Synopsis not yet written.
Appearing in "The Murder of Slugger Carmen"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Villains:
- Luigi Barratti (Single appearance)
- Carlo Pimento (Single appearance)
- Unnamed gangsters (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Slugger Carmen (Only appearance; dies)
Locations:
Items:
- Unknown
Vehicles:
- Unknown
Synopsis for "The Murder of Slugger Carmen"
- Synopsis not yet written.
Notes
- "The Murders of Clayface" is reprinted in Batman: From the 30's to the 70's, Batman Chronicles, Volume 2 and Batman Archives, Volume 1.
- This issue also includes "Red Logan" and "Cliff Crosby" vignettes.
- Batman appeared last in Batman #1. He appears next in New York World's Fair Comics #2.
- Clayface (Basil Karlo) appears next in Detective Comics #49.
- Julie Madison appeared last in Detective Comics #39. She appears next in Detective Comics #49.
- Robin appeared last in Batman #1. He appears next in New York World's Fair Comics #2.
Trivia
- An update of "The Murders of Clayface" is told in Secret Origins (Volume 2) #44, featuring basically the same characters and plot, but helping to establish Basil Karlo's place in New Earth continuity.
See Also
- Write your own review of this comic!
- Discuss Detective Comics Vol 1 40 on the forums
- Cover gallery for the Detective Comics series
- Images from Detective Comics Vol 1 40
Recommended Reading
- None.
Links and References
- Batman article at Wikipedia
- Batman (Golden Age) biography page at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe
- Crimson Avenger article at Wikipedia
- Crimson Avenger profile at Toonopedia
- Slam Bradley biography page at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe
- Speed Saunders article at Wikipedia
- Speed Saunders biography page at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe