- Bruce Wayne lost Dick, but the Batman can bring him back again!
Batman #20 is an issue of the series Batman (Volume 1) with a cover date of January, 1944. It was published on October 9, 1943.
Synopsis for "The Centuries of Crime"
The Joker has come up with a new idea to blackmail criminals and greedy millionaires by using a time machine and sending them a thousand years to the future and back in time as well.
Batman and Robin discover that Joker's scheme is a ruse based on well-designed scenarios to fool his victims. The dynamic duo foil Joker's plan and capture him in the end.
Appearing in "The Centuries of Crime"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Joker
- Ecla Tate (Single appearance)
- Kid Glove Mixter (Single appearance)
- Meera Kell (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Percival Pruitt (Single appearance)
Locations:
Items:
Synopsis for "The Trial of Titus Keyes"
A man called Titus Keyes is standing trial for a crime he didn't commit. As every witness on the case tells their version of the story, it becomes clear that the evidence points towards Keyes, but there's only one man trying to find the truth: Batman.
By the end of the trial, Batman and Robin find the real criminal and prevent an innocent man from going to jail.
Appearing in "The Trial of Titus Keyes"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Slick Fingers (George Collins) (Single appearance)
- Captain Suggs (Single appearance)
- Charley (Single appearance)
- Noodle Nolan (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Titus Keyes (Single appearance)
- David Flam (Single appearance)
- James Stoney (Single appearance)
- Patrick O'Brien (Single appearance)
- Jack Paley (Single appearance)
- Nick (Single appearance)
Locations:
Vehicles:
- Batboat (Behind the scenes)
Synopsis for "The Lawmen of the Sea"
Batman and Robin join the Gotham City Harbor Patrol on their daily adventures, where they get to save people and also capture criminals.
Appearing in "The Lawmen of the Sea"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- The Harbor Patrol
- Sergeant Daniels (Single appearance)
- Spinner Powell (Single appearance)
- Willie Binger (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Shark Hawkey (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Gotham City
- Gotham Harbor (First appearance)
- Wayne Manor
Items:
Synopsis for "Bruce Wayne Loses the Guardianship of Dick Grayson"
A couple arrives at Wayne manor claiming to be Dick Grayson's aunt and uncle. They announce their intention of claiming young Grayson so he can come live with them. Bruce Wayne protests and shows the couple out but George and Clara Grayson declare that they will pursue their claim in court. During the custody hearing It is revealed that Bruce Wayne has quite a reputation as a playboy and the judge awards custody to the Graysons since they appear to be able to give the young boy a stable home life.
Bruce Wayne finds himself working alone as Batman once again. He tries to keep up with the criminal element on his own. Batman then heads to the library with a lead that indicates that it will be robbed by Fatso and his mobsters. Batman arrives just in time to halt the burglary. He tussles with the mobsters but starts to find himself overwhelmed. He is then surprised by Robins sudden appearance. The two crimefighters easily subdue the mobsters. Robin then explains that he snuck out of uncle George's home, but that he must return soon.
As Bruce arrives back home, he receives a phone call from George Grayson. Grayson asks Bruce to meet with him to discuss a matter of importance. Bruce meets with George Grayson and is shocked to learn that Grayson is willing to sell Dick Grayson back to him in exchange for a million dollars. He tells Bruce to go back home and think it over but advises him not to bring in the police since they probably wouldn't believe him anyway. Instead of giving them what they want, Bruce goes to George Grayson's place as Batman and threatens him to sign a confession. George asks Batman for an hour so they can have a chance to pack. Meanwhile, he contacts the crime boss called Fatso Foley and they set a trap for Batman.
George Grayson calls Wayne Manor again and warns them that their pal Batman has been taken care of. Alfred takes the message and he goes to warn Dick about the situation. Together, Alfred and Robin find the criminals responsible and locate Batman, saving him from a deadly air pressure chamber.
Batman and Robin take Fatso to uncle George's house along with the police and the truth is finally revealed. Going to court once again and using the evidence against George Grayson, Bruce regains the legal custody of Dick Grayson.
Appearing in "Bruce Wayne Loses the Guardianship of Dick Grayson"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- George Grayson (Single appearance)
- Clara Grayson (Single appearance)
- Fatso Foley (Single appearance)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
- Batmobile (Cameo)
Notes
- Reprinted in Batman: The Dark Knight Archives Vol 5.
- Bruce Wayne Loses the Guardianship of Dick Grayson was reprinted in Robin, The Boy Wonder: A Celebration of 75 Years.
See Also