Batman creator's personal comics to be auctioned

This undated image provided by ComicConnect.com shows a May 1939 copy of Detective Comics, which featured one of the earliest appearances of Batman. The comic is being auctioned online along with a nearly mint copy of the first Incredible Hulk comic book and a 1942 Archie comic book, Archie No. 1, which marked the first time the red-headed character appeared in his own magazine. (AP Photo/ComicConnect.com)

NEW YORK – Batman creator Bob Kane's own copies of the Caped Crusader's earliest appearances are going up for auction.

ComicConnect is selling Kane's file copies of Detective Comics Nos. 27 through 45 and Batman Nos. 1 through 3. The auction house declined to put an estimate on their value, saying such items rarely come up for sale.

The comics come from the collection of Hollywood screenwriter Bob Underwood.

The sale also has a nearly mint copy of the first Incredible Hulk comic book. The 1962 issue is one of four copies known to exist. It could bring $300,000.

There is also a 1942 Archie comic book. Archie No. 1 marked the first time the red-headed character appeared in his own magazine. Its pre-sale estimate is $150,000.

The five-session auction begins Monday and runs through Aug. 29.