The Ra's Al Ghul Saga (DC, 1971)

Here we'll take a look more into Ra's Al Ghul from his mysterious first appearance (Batman 232) where we don't learn much, into his 2nd appearance and our subject art (Batman 235, complete 15 Page story art by Irv Novick), where we learn about him more with a lot of firsts not only for the villain, but his daughter Talia as well. We also believe our Batman 235 issue is the earliest complete story of a major Top 10 villain known to exist, as we know the first issue was split up a long time ago. We should also note most rankings put Ra's not only in the top 10, but in the top 5 of Batman villains, only behind such legendary names like Joker, Penguin, Two-Face and Riddler.

Below, we'll focus on Ra's' first and second appearance (Batman 232 & 235), along with the start of their infamous battle (Batman 242), which leads into the conclusion of Batman 243-244.

Batman 232 (Ra's Al Ghul 1st appearance issue)

Batman 232 Cover Background Pencils by Neal Adams-

Here we'll showcase how the 1st appearance cover was created, Ra's still not entirely clear as a more mysterious figure, creating a powerfully omniscient image. This portion of the cover was done in graphite only for the background on a separate overlay to the cover below...

Batman 232 Pencils and Inks Cover by Neal Adams-

As you can see the full finished pencils and Inks with the masthead is of Batman and Robin only, no Ra's as he's pencils only above...

Batman 232 Published Cover-

The purpose of showing all this is not only to show the process and how incredible and powerful the cover overall is, but also to show our title splash from Batman 235 is Ra's first true pencil and inked cover or title presentation piece as he did not appear on the Title in Batman 232. Below, we'll also feature a page from Neal Adam's Batman 232, the First Ra's Al Ghul issue...

Neal Adams Batman 232 Title Splash- From Ra's Al Ghul's 1st Appearance Issue, Ra's doesn't actually appear in the story until page 4. Again, outside of the cover pencils, Ra's is not depicted on a title splash or Cover in pencils and inks until our Subject Title Splash from Issue 235 below...

Neal Adams Batman 232 Page 8 From Our Personal Collection- From Ra's Al Ghul's 1st Appearance Issue Featuring Batman's Mission Statement (Top Left Panel) and Opening Calcutta Scene as Batman Battles Ra's' Henchmen! (Key Page)

Batman 235 Cover Art by Neal Adams - Talia's First Cover Appearance, but perhaps more importantly no Ra's Al Ghul on the cover for his 2nd Appearance Issue...

Below you'll discover the key 15 Page complete story art by Irv Novick (from our personal collection), who in my opinion may depict one of the best illustrations of Ra's Al Ghul we see from this era. Furthermore, you'll see in his early 2nd appearance, we learn much more of Ra's and Talia, perhaps more is revealed in this issue than any other previous appearance. Without further Ado...

Batman 235 (Ra's Al Ghul's 2nd Appearance) - Complete Story

Batman 235 Page 1- Bruce and Alfred Discover A Dead Body in a Coffin at the Wayne Residence...

Batman 235 Page 2- (1st Ever Ra's Al Ghul Title Splash!) "Swamp Sinister" Marks The First Ra's Pencil and Inked Presentation Splash! (*Batman 232, as shown above, Ra's is in the background as Pencils Only on the Cover, and not on a Title Splash Until This Very Page!)

Batman 235 Page 3- Ra's 1st Ever Battle Scene Seemingly Killed by Mad Scientist Striss. Ra's shown on all panels!

Batman 235 Page 4- Talia Enters The Story (Flashback) and For The First time, We Learn Ra's Regenerates (Comes Back to Life), Early Lazarus Pit Reference. Once again, Ra's on all panels!

Learn More About The Early Lazarus Pit and this page being the Historic First Ra's Al Ghul Regeneration Image showing he comes back to life! (click 'keep reading' after 1st paragraph)

Batman 235 Page 5- Ra's Seeks Help From The World's Greatest Detective, Batman!

Batman 235 Page 6- Batman Follows The Clues To The League of Shadows Goons. Great Battle page and the First Time We See a Clear Demon Head Insignia. (One previous subtle panel from Batman 232 on Ra's' Belt from a distance)

Batman 235 Page 10- Batman Goes Over Clues with Ra's and Parachutes Into the Swamps of the Bayou...

Batman 235 Page 11- Similar to the Cover Scene, Batman jumps out of the Swamp and Battles Another One of The League of Shadows Henchmen...

Batman 235 Page 12- Talia Enters The Story Similar to The Cover Scene Holding The Machine Gun. Talia Seeks Revenge For Her Father, Not Knowing He's Still Alive. For the first time, Talia is no longer the damsel in distress, but instead portrayed as a Mercenary with an Appetite to Kill!

Batman 235 Page 13- Batman Attempts to Stop Talia From Killing Striss Informing Her Ra's Is Alive. While Distracted Striss Tosses a Vase at Talia...

Batman 235 Page 14- Batman Vs The Mad Scientist Striss as He Knocks Him Out Cold on the last panel.

Batman 235 Page 15- End Page Where Our Villain Striss Dies From the Deadly Liquid Drug. Talia Discovers Her Father, Ra's Al Ghul is Alive and Well, while once again hinting of his regenerating abilities...Talia- "Father! You did survive!" Ra's- "Of Course! Don't I Always?" Ending With a Kiss (Similar to the last Ra's and Talia issue from Batman 232). This Key Page Ends Where Batman Questions Talia as a Cold Blooded Killer for the First Time!

Batman 242 Page 14- The Key End Page to the Start of the Battle of Batman vs Ra's! "You have just witnessed the Beginning... Soon you are Destined to Witness-- The End"